Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer Qualification Course
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This programme provides graduates with an internationally recognised qualification which allows them to offer exercise prescription to the general public as part of their day-to-day working routine as either a full time or part time health fitness instructor and personal trainer.
This sought after programme is accredited at EQF Level 4 which is the highest standard available to fitness instructors and personal trainers throughout Europe.
Highly Respected
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies, and Personal Training covers all relevant areas to ensure that you hit the ground running.
- OVERVIEW
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NTC is Ireland’s longest established training provider in the health fitness industry with a reputation for training the best instructors and personal trainers nationwide.
The NTC course is the most comprehensive training available ensuring that NTC graduates are qualified in a broad range of skills including group fitness, gym instruction, kettlebell training and personal training.
On successful completion of this NTC health fitness course you will have the knowledge, skills and competencies to work in Ireland’s health fitness industry and across the globe, whether it be in a self employed capacity as a personal trainer, health coach, or private group fitness instructor teaching your own classes or working within the growing number of gyms, health clubs, fitness and leisure centres in Ireland and abroad.
When you graduate with the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training you are eligible for one years free registration with REPs Ireland, the independent representative body for fitness professionals in Ireland. As a member of REPs Ireland you can apply for funding for Continuing Professional Development through the Leisure, Health and Fitness Skillnet.
NTC graduates are highly sought after by employers and managers as they know that when NTC learners complete our courses they are fully equipped to do the job and they hit the ground running!
At NTC we are student focused and that means our teaching methods, policies and procedures are designed to ensure you have a great educational experience with us. Using the latest most up to date and proven methods of tutor-student, student-student interaction you gain knowledge and skills in a way that is non-stressful and completely enjoyable.
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training is accredited at European Qualification Framework (EQF) Level 4. This is the highest standard that can be achieved in qualification as a fitness instructor and personal trainer in Europe.
The programme covers all relevant areas including Resistance Training, Sports Nutrition, Group Fitness, Anatomy and Physiology, Kettlebell Training and more
- CONTENT
- FEES
- eligibility
- syllabus
- support
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Study is supported through an online Learning Portal with documents and quizzes designed to test each students knowledge as they progress through the course.
NTC is Ireland’s longest established training provider in the health fitness industry with a reputation for training the best instructors and personal trainers nationwide.
The NTC course is the most comprehensive training available ensuring that NTC graduates are qualified in a broad range of skills including group fitness, gym instruction, kettlebell training and personal training.
On successful completion of this NTC health fitness course you will have the knowledge, skills and competencies to work in Ireland’s health fitness industry and across the globe, whether it be in a self employed capacity as a personal trainer, health coach, or private group fitness instructor teaching your own classes or working within the growing number of gyms, health clubs, fitness and leisure centres in Ireland and abroad.
When you graduate with the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training you are eligible for one years free registration with REPs Ireland, the independent representative body for fitness professionals in Ireland. As a member of REPs Ireland you can apply for funding for Continuing Professional Development through the Leisure, Health and Fitness Skillnet.
NTC graduates are highly sought after by employers and managers as they know that when NTC learners complete our courses they are fully equipped to do the job and they hit the ground running!
At NTC we are student focused and that means our teaching methods, policies and procedures are designed to ensure you have a great educational experience with us. Using the latest most up to date and proven methods of tutor-student, student-student interaction you gain knowledge and skills in a way that is non-stressful and completely enjoyable.
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training is accredited at European Qualification Framework (EQF) Level 4. This is the highest standard that can be achieved in qualification as a fitness instructor and personal trainer in Europe.
The programme covers all relevant areas including Resistance Training, Sports Nutrition, Group Fitness, Anatomy and Physiology, Kettlebell Training and more
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training (EQF L4) covers everything you need to know to be a successful health fitness instructor and personal trainer.
When you study at the NTC you will learn anatomy, physiology, myology, sports nutrition, exercise physiology and the necessary exercise science that you need to know to be a top class instructor and trainer.
Knowledge is key and at NTC our syllabus goes above and beyond what is expected at the European minimum standard.
When it comes to practical content we teach it all from group fitness classes, resistance training, personal training, fitness assessment, client appraisal and exercise programming.
NTC played a significant role in the development of the standards at national and European level for many years so we know what is required to ensure our graduates exceed these expectations.
On successful completion of the course NTC graduates are eligible to join the REPS Ireland national independent register for exercise professionals and will receive twelve months complimentary membership once evidence of certification date is provided.
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training is open to anybody with a strong interest in exercise and health fitness and the desire to pass their enthusiasm on to the general public as part of their day-to-day working routine as either a full time or part time health fitness instructor.
The standard cost of this programme is €2,350.00. There is a discount of €150.00 when fees are fully paid before the course start date.
Fees can be paid by means of a deposit of €500.00. The balance of fees can be paid in full up to the course start date and a discount of €150.00applies – total payable is €2,200.00. Alternatively, you can make a payment of €925.00 by the course start date with a further payment of €925.00within one month of the course start date – total payable is €2,350.00. Places on this personal training course are available on a first come first served basis.
Examination fees of €200.00 are payable at approximately week 12 for individuals wishing to sit final examination.
The cost of the programme manual is included within the course fee.
The Exercise, Health Studies, and Personal Training course is a primary qualification and is open to all individuals with or without any prior qualification. The content is delivered to facilitate adult learners of mixed ability.
The Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training course includes two separate qualifications:
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies, and Personal Training
The National Qualification in Kettlebell Training
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training covers all relevant areas of fitness instructor training including:
- Anatomy, Physiology and Myology
- Sports Nutrition
- Concepts and Components of Health Related Fitness
- Exercise Physiology
- Flexibility and Stretching
- Resistance Training
- Machine and free weight exercises
- Core stability and bodyweight training
- Role of the Personal Trainer in business, ethics and professional responsibilities
- Client appraisal and motivational interviewing
- Fitness assessment
- Functional Kinesiology and Biomechanics
- Circuit training
- Plan, design and evaluate gym based programmes
- Plan, design and evaluate group fitness classes
- Plan, design and evaluate a periodised training programme for an individual client
- Kettlebell Training
- Ensure the health safety of participants
- Exercise and special conditions
- Assessment
- Self-directed learning via completion of learner workbook
Study is supported through an online Learning Portal with documents and quizzes designed to test each students knowledge as they progress through the course.
Funding for Fitness Professionals
Fitness Instructors who are members of REPS Ireland are eligible for 25% funding from Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet for CPD courses. For more information contact Leisure Health Fitness Skillnet.
Schedules and Location
This course is available part-time evening or intensive day blended learning course in Dublin at the National Training Centre in Dublin’s city centre.
In Cork the course is available as a part-time weekend course over 18 weekends at the Mardyke Arena, UCC.
What our graduates say
The reviews and testimonials shown here are unsolicited and from NTC graduates.
I just wanted to say a massive thank you to John, all the staff and tutors for their support and guidance over the past months. You all made the educational experience of doing the Personal Trainer course a terrific one. I feel much more confident about getting out there and helping people to realise their goals. Your care and respect for the class was always evident, none more so than before and during exam time. As a pretty busy parent, I was a little unsure about when I’d get the time to study and practice but because everything was so well structured, it made life so much easier.
Shane O’Neill
Thanks for everything. I feel like I learned a lot in the last few months and would like to thank the tutors for their patience. I will be back to do extra courses soon.
Natasha Duff
I really did enjoy it … thanks to the motivational teachers for their enthusiasm and support … also Karen and Greg in admin … always very helpful and obliging.
Brian McConville
Thanks very much to all the tutors at NTC for all your help. You all made this course very enjoyable and I’m sure the whole group had as much fun as I did. This course was the best learning experience I have come across and I thank you for that.
Iva Ramini
Just to say thanks a lot for your excellent classes in both ETM and in particular Sports Nutrition. I really found the course to be a very high standard and the level of tuition very impressive.
John O’Carroll
A very big thank you for a wonderful course. You are all very special people in different ways. Your professionalism and knowledge delivered with love fun and passion shines through at all times. I will miss you all very much. Be that body !!
Karen Reynolds
The NTC is an excellent facility. The tutors are very knowledgeable, warm and welcoming and I always enjoy coming back here.
Orla Flynn
I really am blown away by the standard of teaching on this course, it is amazing… so organised.. so down to earth… so enthusiastic it is infectious. I am so lucky and so glad to be in a position to experience this. I just wanted to say and share… FANTASTIC! Thank you so much, Richelle
Richelle Daly
Fantastic facility. I simply can’t wait to come back. The tutors are great and very high standards are expected and delivered to students.
Caroline Mallon
I really enjoyed my time at the NTC – we really had a great group and we’re all keeping in touch.
Toni Anderson
I hope you’re well! I just wanted to check in with you to say that I hope you’re doing well. I took part in the NTC PT course in the spring semester of 2017 in Cork and wanted to provide you with an update on what’s happened since qualifying. I managed to find work experience and am now happy to announce that I was offered a job as a coach in a private service in Cork and have been enjoying the experience so much and learning a lot. It was the NTC course that helped me get there and I just wanted to thank you for that. If you ever need any former students to give a reference or advice to a class, let me know and I’d be happy to do so. Thanks again for everything.
Sam Keating
Hi Michelle, I just wanted to share a recent experience and give a big thank you to you and the girls involve in group fitness class.
I went for an interview 2 days ago for a position that I really wanted to get at a gym club in London. As well as a one to one interview, it involved a group practical assessment where candidates needed to teach a class. I had prepared a circuit as my assessment but at the moment to teach my class I changed my mind and decided to teach a group fitness class to the beat. I got a called from the manager yesterday offering me the job, I was actually shocked because I didn’t expect it as I have no experience at all in the fitness industry. The manager said he was impressed with the class, he loved it that it was to the beat, how it was structured as well as the teaching points and everything, and despite the fact that there were candidates with far more experience, they were good but it’s easier to put a circuit together than doing an exercise to music class. I’m very happy with what I got to learn doing the course with the NTC and happy that investing money there was totally worth it.😃
Thank you all!!! ? Have a lovely day
Jessica Barbosa Robles
Our Health Fitness team
Only fully qualified tutors deliver the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies, and Personal Training, with each tutor having recognised industry and educational experience in their individual fields.
FAQs
- Eligibility
- After Graduation
On successful completion you will be able to teach group exercise classes, work as a gym instructor and/or work independently as a Personal Trainer.
Some other qualifications require that graduates complete an additional course of study to qualify as a personal trainer.
The standard of examination given by the NTC ensures that any individual who achieves the minimum pass mark is qualified to offer safe and effective exercise prescription to all, whether individually or in a group.
The starting pay rate for fitness instructors is around €12.50 per hour.
Instructors may also generate additional income through specialist areas of qualification such as Indoor Cycling, Stability Ball, Pilates etc. whereby employers may enter into a separate arrangement for payment for additional classes.
Individuals who choose to follow a career in Personal Training can earn an average of €50.00 per hour. Personal Trainers success will be dependent on the results they achieve for their clients and it will be a benefit having an extrovert personality.
Graduates can also operate as sole traders by offering fitness classes in parish halls, community centres etc. Again success will be based on the instructor’s personality and motivational skills plus results achieved.
It is not unusual for instructors working in this sector to turnover in excess of €1,000.00 per week for part-time evening work.
Yes. NTC graduates are highly sought after by employers for their knowledge and skills and it is through our graduates excellent work in the industry that has enhanced the reputation of NTC.
Many graduates also opt to work abroad as once they have their NTC qualification they can join REPS Ireland which will give them the portability to work throughout Europe and worldwide.
The health fitness industry continues to be one of the fastest growing sectors in Ireland with many new health fitness clubs and gyms opening up nationwide. As a result, there is excellent job availability for NTC graduates. Many of our graduates choose to work independently as personal trainers either in gyms or they may set up their own private PT studio.
The National Training Centre’s code of ethics insists that all NTC graduates who are actively working with the public, hold a professional indemnity insurance policy which covers the therapist against legal action taken by a client as a result of an injury which was received when receiving treatment. Therapists who are working on private premises may also need to hold public liability insurance if such cover is not held by the owners of the premises.
The National Training Centre have a customised insurance scheme with discounted rates available exclusively to those who have qualified with NTC. The policy is one of the broadest available including many important features that other policies may not offer.
The policy has been arranged through Balens Ltd and the insurer for the scheme is the Zurich and DAS Legal Expenses.
Balens are a very well established, fourth generation family-run business dedicated to looking after health professionals. They are built on solid roots going back to 1950 and are pioneers in the development of top quality cover for all types of health professionals with special rates and industry leading cover that has been developing and improving over 22 years in this speciality.
The scheme will cover thousands of other therapies/activities you may require cover for and many at no extra premium subject to suitable qualification held.
Some of the features covered in the policy consist of Medical Malpractice, Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Product Liability, Loss of Reputation, Breach of Intellectual Property, Client Confidentiality Protection, Loss of Documents cover, First Aid cover as well as Good Samaritan Acts.
The indemnity limit is €4,000,000 per claim for the Republic of Ireland.
Unlike some other policies on the market, an unlimited number of claims may be made for any year and unlimited legal defence costs are also included.
Also included, at no extra charge, is retroactive cover to pick up any previous insured work.
Temporary cover abroad (excluding USA/Canada which is available on request) is available with no time restrictions and at no additional premium as long as you are a UK/Ireland resident.
If you cease to practice Balens include unlimited run off cover which means the policy will always be in place if a claim was made after you stop the policy running and this is also free of charge.
For further information or proposal form, please contact Balens directly on 00441684 580771 or e-mail- info@balens.co.uk
- General Course Questions
Yes. The National Qualification in Exercise Health Studies and Personal Training is fully accredited by the REPs Ireland, Ireland’s professional fitness register, at EQF Level 4 which is the highest European standard for fitness instructors.
REPs Ireland operates independently of all Education Providers and facilities and works to maintain professional standards in the industry.
All approved REPs Ireland Education Providers are independently audited every 2 years and adhere to agreed terms and standards.
Yes. The National Qualification in Exercise Health Studies and Personal Training is fully accredited by REPs Ireland which allows for international recognition. We have graduates working in many countries worldwide.
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training is an eighteen-week programme of education. Final examination usually commences during week eighteen and may continue into week nineteen or twenty depending on exam scheduling. The weeks of attendance are generally consecutive but sometimes break for bank holidays and Christmas etc. Classes do not break for summer or Easter.
We also offer a nine week intensive course in Dublin. The intensive course has twice as many tutorial hours per day, delivered over half the time and runs Monday to Thursday from 10:30am to 4:30pm
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training is available at the National Training Centre in Dublin and the Mardyke Arena, University College Cork.
No. As the structuring of tutorial schedules sometimes contains differences between day and evening courses it is not possible to interchange. The exact same content is covered by both programmes although, not necessarily on the same days.
Additionally, as courses are frequently oversubscribed there may not be space available to offer the opportunity to interchange.
If a student enrolled in any course discovers that their circumstances have changed and it would be more suitable to move from day to evening or vice-versa, this may be allowed by the Educational Committee of the National Training Centre if there is space available.
Application must be made in writing to the Educational Committee and they will give an official written response.
It may, subject to availability, be possible to move between courses in Dublin and Cork.
Work experience is not compulsory on the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training.
Students who do wish to participate in work experience are actively encouraged and supported administratively as much as possible.
Students of the National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training are assessed through both written and practical examination.
Students must also complete and submit a Learner Workbook throughout the course. Students cannot graduate without successfully completing all written and practical exams and having submitted, in full, their Learner Workbook.
80% – to 90% of students participating on the course will successfully complete all of their final examinations on the first attempt. Of the remainder most will need to repeat one exam with a small number having to repeat more than one exam.
Every individual’s ability to succeed will be in direct proportion to the number of tutorials attended and the commitment and time and effort they are prepared to commit to their studies.
You will need to complete your learner Workbook and study the various modules outside of face to face tutorial hours.
You will need to complete about 8 hours per week of independent study and practice.
- About Fees
The National Qualification in Exercise, Health Studies and Personal Training is €2,350.00. This price includes all tutorial hours, complete course manual and use of all study facilities for the duration of the programme.
Examination fees of €200.00 are payable two weeks prior to final examination.
There are no additional costs or fees in relation to this programme.
Students of the National Training Centre regularly receive part funding through the Department of Social Protection’s Technical Employment Support Grant (TESG) scheme.
Individual students will need to contact their Local Employment Services (LES) facilitator to establish their eligibility.
For assistance please contact the NTC office of administration on 01 882 7777.