Personal Training with Fitness Instruction
The aim of this Diploma in Personal Training (Gym-based Exercise) is to enable learners to gain the necessary practical and theoretical skills in order to provide Personal Training and Gym-based exercise to the general public and to gain employment in the Fitness industry.
| Award Name | Diploma at UK Level 2 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | International Therapy Examination Council |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diploma at UK Level 2 | International Therapy Examination Council |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Under 23 years of age
If you are under the age of 23, the college may require the following as a condition of enrolment:
• Five ‘O6’ and / or ‘H7’ grades in the Leaving Certificate examination. Grades at Foundation level are acceptable in some circumstances.
• Applicants who have completed the Leaving Certificate Applied Programme should hold at least a minimum pass level.
• A pass grade in the LCVP link module is acceptable as equivalent to a pass in one of the five required Leaving Certificate subjects as defined above.
• Successful completion of a relevant Level 4 programme will be considered as an alternative to the Leaving Certificate.
• To access programmes leading to a Levels 3 or 4 award, the learner should have reached the standards of knowledge skill and competence associated with the preceding level of the NFQ. This may have been achieved through a formal qualification or through relevant life and work experience.
• Some courses may have unique requirements e.g. a pass grade in a specific subject or the presentation of work samples. Information relating to specific programme requirements will be contained on individual programme information pages.
Special Considerations
• Applicants for whom English is not their first language will be required to demonstrate that they have a proficiency in English language to permit them to participate in the course and may be required to complete an English language assessment.
• Garda vetting will be required for programmes with work experience in settings that involve working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. This includes the Early Learning and Care, Special Needs Assisting, Nursing, Community Care, Health Service and Youthwork programmes. Learners enrolling on other courses may require Garda Vetting if the placement is in specific settings that involves working with the groups identified above.
Careers / Further progression
Progression:
• Opportunities to progress… Once learners have achieved the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training (Gym-based Exercise) they may progress on to other VTCT (ITEC) or equivalent qualifications at level 3 and 4.
• Opportunities for employment for a personal trainer to find employment in a variety of areas including: gym, health club, spa, cruise ships, hotels or resorts, own fitness studio, own business.
Further information
Over 23 years of age
Mature learners are welcome to apply for all courses at College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny.
These applications will be evaluated on previous experiences.
Student Maintenance Grant - Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI)
Learners attending Further Education/Post Leaving Certificate programmes may apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). All applications for grants in respect of new enrolments will be made online for the 2025/2026 academic year.
It is not necessary to have received an offer of a college place or to be enrolled at the College of Further Education and Training, Kilkenny in order to apply. The closing date is the end of August each year, but you should apply as soon as possible once the 2025/2026 applications are open. Early application is advised.
These grants are means-tested and payable monthly. Payment of grants may be subject to attendance in accordance with the Department of Education and Skills regulations. The college is required to make monthly reports on your attendance to the grants authority.
Applications for maintenance grants can be made online through www.studentfinance.ie or www.susi.ie
Shortlisting Process: Interviews are held in March / May / August with places offered on a first come basis. Places are offered based on interview performance and suitability for the course.
Personal Training with Fitness Instruction
Award Title: ITEC - Diploma in Personal Training (Gym-Based Exercise
& Exercise)
Award Code: NL08986
Course Code: 460232
Programme Description:
The aim of this Diploma in Personal Training (Gym-based Exercise) is to enable learners to gain the necessary practical and theoretical skills in order to provide Personal Training and Gym-based exercise to the general public and to gain employment in the Fitness industry. During the course learners will have the opportunity to develop the range of skills, techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in employment as a Personal Trainer and Gym-based Fitness Instructor.
Component Awards:
Principles of Exercise, Fitness and Health
Health, Safety and Welfare in a Fitness Environment
Instructing Gym-Based Exercise
Planning Gym-Based Exercise
Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise
Know how to Support Clients who take part in Exercise and Physical Activity
Applying the Principles of Nutrition to a Physical Activity Programme
Delivering Personal Training Sessions
Programming Personal Training with Clients
Anatomy and Physiology for Exercise and Health
Planning Group Exercise to Music
Instructing Group Exercise to Music
T: 056 776 3321
E: info@cfet.ie