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  • Fitness CoursesNew!

    Health Fitness Courses

    We know that there are many courses for you to choose from out there but we guarantee that you will not find another course that exceeds the minimum required standards, only uses fully qualified tutors, and delivers everything you need to hit the ground running.
    Fitness and Personal Training
    Qualify as a Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer at EQF Level 4 the highest European level
    Primary Qualification
    Strength and Conditioning
    Olympic lifts, plyometric training and functional movement patterns for personal trainers
    Advanced CPD
    Kettlebell Training
    A qualification that will give you the skills to prescribe safe and effective kettlebell training methods for your clients
    Advanced CPD
    Indoor Cycling
    Still one of the most popular and in-demand group exercise classes in fitness centres! Add to your repertoire.
    Advanced CPD
    Pre and Post Natal Exercise
    Delivered live online - learn the exercise adaptations you need for your pre and post natal clients
    Live Online
    Exercise for Older Adults
    Delivered live online - help older adults (over 50) to maintain or develop functional fitness to enhance ageing
    Live Online
    Suspension Training
    A qualification that will give you the skills to prescribe safe and effective suspension training methods
    Advanced CPD
    Step Aerobics
    Still popular after all these years! Qualify to add step aerobic group fitness classes to your professional repertoire
    Advanced CPD
    Group Fitness
    Get a qualification which gives you the skills to teach group fitness classes, including exercise to music
    Advanced CPD
    Battle Rope & Sandbell Training
    Integrate this highly effective full body kinetic chain, muscle toning, metabolic workout in to your repertoire
    Advanced CPD
    Motivational Interviewing
    Gain the soft skills for conducting consultation sessions with clients online or face to face in class or the gym
    Live Online
    Fitness Assessment
    Qualify to conduct health screening and fitness assessments for your clients to recognised protocols
    Advanced CPD
  • Bodywork CoursesNew!

    Bodywork Therapy Courses

    The National Training Centre offers fully accredited courses which allow you become the go-to person in your community for those suffering acute and chronic pain. Our course director, John Sharkey, is a renowned international expert in the treatment of myofascial pain an injury.
    Neuromuscular Therapy
    Qualify to treat soft tissue and muscular pain, injury, and dysfunction
    Primary Qualification
    Sports Massage
    Integrated into the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy
    Primary Qualification
    Holistic Massage
    Qualify to offer full body holistic and relaxation massage to the public
    Primary Qualification
    NEW!
    NMT Upgrade Options
    Upgrade options for neuromuscular therapists who qualified prior to 2018
    Advanced CPD
    NEW!
    CPD Cert Osteopathy

    This course is the beginning of a rewarding career in manual osteopathy

    Online CPD
    Higher Diploma in NMT
    Study with internationally renowned pain and injury experts
    Higher Diploma
    Fascial Manipulation®
    Taught in numerous U.S. States and over 40 countries around the world
    Advanced CPD
    Myofascial Triggerpoint Needling
    Qualify in the area of intramuscular myofascial triggerpoint stimulation
    Advanced CPD
    Advanced Triggerpoint Needling
    For practitioners that have completed a formal course of dry needling
    Advanced Workshop
    Frequency Specific Microcurrent
    Developed by leading world authority Dr. Carolyn McMakin
    Advanced CPD
    Sports Taping and Strapping
    Qualify to treat on-field injuries instantly with taping and strapping procedures
    Advanced CPD
  • Pilates Courses

    Pilates Courses

    Qualify to teach mat based Pilates, from beginners to advanced level. The Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork is open to all individuals, with or without formal training, who have an interest in human movement studies, anatomy and physiology.
    Advanced Diploma in Pilates Matwork
    Qualify to teach mat based Pilates, from beginners to advanced levels
    Primary Qualification
  • Massage Courses

    Massage Courses

    Whether you want to offer relaxation massage in a spa environment with our Holistic Massage course or offer more extensive treatment for chronic pain and injury with our Neuromuscular Therapy course, we have what you need. Our course director, John Sharkey, is a renowned international expert in the treatment of myofascial pain an injury.
    Holistic Massage
    Qualify to offer full body holistic and relaxation massage to the public
    Primary Qualification
    Sports Massage
    Integrated into the National Qualification in Neuromuscular Therapy
    Primary Qualification
    Neuromuscular Therapy
    Qualify to treat soft tissue and muscular pain, injury, and dysfunction
    Primary Qualification
  • Masters Degrees

    Masters Degrees

    Masters Degree programmes are delivered by the expert lecturers from the University of Chester’s Department of Clinical Science and Nutrition. The programmes are delivered on-site at the National Training Centre in Dublin.
    MSc in Exercise and Nutrition Science
    Delivered in Dublin at NTC by the University of Chester MSc team
    Masters Degree
  • Dissection Courses

    Human Anatomy Dissection Courses

    Always over subscribed, these human antomy dissection cousres are lead by John Sharkey MSc, who is a Clinical Anatomist, Exercise Physiologist, founding member of the Biotensegrity Interest Group (B.I.G) and programme leader of the Masters Degree in Neuromuscular Therapy accredited by the University of Chester. John is joined on each Dissection course by a host of experts from around the world.
    Dissection UK
    Living Tensegrity Focused Full Body Dissection Course
    Dissection Course
    Dissection USA
    5 Day, Full-Body Dissection Course delivered at The Ohio State University
    Dissection Course
    Dissection Italy
    Fascia Focused Dissection Retreat in beautiful Cremona, Italy
    Dissection Course
    Dissection South Africa
    Advancing the science of Fascia in South Africa
    Dissection Course
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    We hope that you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for here. You can view our locations, see the methods you can use to contact us, learn about NTC and visit our blog where you can read many articles related to health fitness, Pilates, massage and more.
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    NTC Head Office, Dublin

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    • Dublin - 01 882 7777
    • Cork - 021 430 1222
    • Galway - 091 530 888
    • Waterford - 051 36 44 09
    • International - +353-1-882 7777

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    • info@ntc.ie

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    • National Training Centre, 15-16 Saint Joseph’s Parade, Dorset Street, Dublin 7, D07 F6CR Ireland

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What Do the Different Personal Training Certification Levels in Ireland Mean?

This article will clarify some common questions about certifications for Ireland's personal trainers. We will talk about what they mean and how to get them. We'll also cover some common myths about certification so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it's right for you.
What Do the Different Personal Training Certification Levels in Ireland Mean

Do you want to become a personal trainer in Dublin? If you do, you’ve probably started scouting for courses you can take to earn the needed qualification. During your search, you might have noticed different personal training certification levels. We know the variety of options can be confusing, especially if you are new to this field.

If you’re interested in getting into personal training but aren’t sure where to start, this article will clarify some common questions about certifications for Ireland’s personal trainers. We will talk about what they mean and how to get them. We’ll also cover some common myths about certification so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you.

What Personal Training Certification Level Do You Need to Work in Ireland?

Before discussing the different levels, let’s answer the most pressing question you may have – what certification level do you need to be able to start your career in the personal training industry?

If you intend to work as a personal trainer in Ireland, you need to finish a Level 4 personal training course. This often surprises many as some countries only require a Level 3 certification for those applying for a personal trainer job.

It is also worth mentioning that a Level 4 PT certification is the highest level of recognition there is in the industry. What sets this programme apart from the rest is that it tackles several specialist areas. Hence, this type of certification opens doors to a variety of employment opportunities.

Other Personal Training Certification Levels

During your search, you may have stumbled upon Level 2 Gym Instructor and Level 3 Personal Trainer courses.

A Level 2 Gym Instructor certification is the minimum entry requirement to work in the fitness industry. With this certification, you’ll be able to work as a fitness instructor in gyms, health clubs, and sporting facilities.

Some also call this certification a Level 2 Personal Training certification. However, this is misleading as having this certification does not qualify you to work as a personal trainer. Depending on the type of Level 2 Gym Certification you have, what you may be qualified to do is teach group exercises.

In countries like the UK, a Level 3 Personal Trainer course is the basic requirement to work as a personal trainer. But as mentioned earlier, you won’t be eligible to offer personal training services in Ireland. Basically, the Level 3 courses offered in Ireland are advanced fitness instructor programmes.

Can You Take a Level 4 Personal Training Certification Without Any Other Qualification?

With the different certification levels mentioned above, you may be wondering if you need to complete a Level 2 or Level 3 course before enrolling in a Level 4 Personal Training programme. This may surprise you, but you can take a Level 4 course straight away.

How? Enrol in the National Training Centre’s Level 4 Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer course.

Unlike other institutions, the NTC, Ireland’s most trusted health fitness training provider, offers the course to anyone interested in working as a personal trainer. It is open to everyone, even those like you with no qualifications.

It is also worth mentioning that this certification makes you eligible to work both as a fitness instructor and a personal trainer. This means that you get to save money because you just need to enrol in one course instead of two.

Is There a Level 1 Gym Instructor Certification?

If there is a Level 2 Gym Instructor course, then is there a Level 1? Yes, a Level 1 Gym Instructor course exists. However, reputable training centres in Ireland do not offer it.

Why? It is a very basic course that won’t qualify you for any health fitness jobs. It’s something you could take if you want to know if being a fitness instructor is right for you. However, if your goal is to work professionally in the health fitness industry, then this course won’t help you.

Is There a Level 5 Personal Trainer Certification in Ireland?

No, there is no Level 5 Personal Training certification. As mentioned earlier, Level 4 is the highest level of qualification. So, be wary of training centres or programmes offering this certification. This should be a tell-tale sign that the course may not be legitimate and accredited.

In summary, certification levels help employers determine if an individual has sufficient knowledge and skills to work in the personal training industry. So, you need the right certification to be eligible to work as a personal trainer. In Ireland, this means having a Level 4 Personal Trainer certification.

Planning to work as a personal trainer in Dublin or Cork? Enrol in our top-rated EQF Level 4 Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer course! Click here to book your slot today!

  • Article category: Fitness, Fitness Courses

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Primary Bodywork Courses

  • Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Sports Massage
  • Holistic Massage
  • NMT (Upgrade Options)
  • Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Sports Massage
  • Holistic Massage
  • NMT (Upgrade Options)

Advanced Bodywork Courses

  • H. Dip. Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Dry Needling
  • Advanced Needling
  • Sports Taping and Strapping
  • Fascial Manipulation®
  • Frequency Specific Microcurrent
  • Dissection – UK
  • Dissection – USA
  • Dissection – Italy
  • Dissection – South Africa
  • H. Dip. Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Dry Needling
  • Advanced Needling
  • Sports Taping and Strapping
  • Fascial Manipulation®
  • Frequency Specific Microcurrent
  • Dissection – UK
  • Dissection – USA
  • Dissection – Italy
  • Dissection – South Africa

Primary Fitness Courses

  • Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer
  • Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer

Advanced Fitness Courses

  • Group Fitness and Exercise to Music
  • Client Appraisal and Motivational Interviewing
  • Fitness Assessment and Evaluation
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Kettlebell Training
  • Suspension Training
  • Indoor Cycling
  • Pre and Post Natal Exercise
  • Exercise for Older Adults
  • Rope Training
  • Step Aerobics
  • Group Fitness and Exercise to Music
  • Client Appraisal and Motivational Interviewing
  • Fitness Assessment and Evaluation
  • Strength and Conditioning
  • Kettlebell Training
  • Suspension Training
  • Indoor Cycling
  • Pre and Post Natal Exercise
  • Exercise for Older Adults
  • Rope Training
  • Step Aerobics

Pilates Courses

  • Pilates Matwork
  • Pilates Matwork

Massage Courses

  • Holistic Massage
  • Sports Massage
  • Holistic Massage
  • Sports Massage

Masters Degrees

  • Masters Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science
  • Masters Degree in Exercise and Nutrition Science

Dissection Courses

  • Dissection – UK
  • Dissection – USA
  • Dissection – Italy
  • Dissection Course – South Africa
  • Dissection – UK
  • Dissection – USA
  • Dissection – Italy
  • Dissection Course – South Africa
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