As a personal trainer, continuing to develop your knowledge and skills is essential, but what are the Qualifications Every Personal Trainer Needs to Consider in the Next 12 Months? Progressing your knowledge and skills will help to grow your business, increase your earning potential, and provide the best service to your clients.
There are four qualifications every personal trainer needs to consider over the next 12 months to stay ahead of the game. You can watch the 15-minute video tutorial below, and then dive into the notes.
Before we start, let’s introduce properly…
Who are Parallel Coaching?
Since 2012, we’ve been helping fitness professionals gain the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.
Founded by Neale and Hayley Bergman, Parallel Coaching provides:
- Expert revision support for fitness exams
- Industry-recognised fitness qualifications
- Guidance to help FITPROs build successful careers
Watch: The 4 Qualifications Every Personal Trainer Needs to Consider in the Next 12 Months
Mind the Gap
Once you’ve qualified as a personal trainer, it’s tempting to take a break before continuing your education. However, leaving a long gap between your initial qualification and further learning can slow your career progression and limit your confidence when working with clients.
The fitness industry is always evolving, and keeping up with the latest training methods and specialisms ensures you stay competitive. The shorter the gap between qualifications, the more momentum you build in your career.
A steady progression of learning means:
- Higher confidence in your knowledge and ability to train clients effectively
- Stronger expertise, making you a go-to professional in your field
- More experience, helping you refine your coaching and expand your client base
- Ongoing career momentum, preventing stagnation and keeping your skills sharp
Here are the four qualifications every personal trainer needs to consider over the next 12 months to stay ahead of the game and maximise opportunities.
1. Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Clients with Long-Term Conditions
This qualification is a game-changer for personal trainers looking to work with a broader range of clients. With long-term conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, and respiratory diseases on the rise, having the skills to support these individuals allows you to stand out in a crowded industry.
Why It’s Essential:
- Expands your client base to include those with chronic conditions
- Positions you as a specialist in a growing area of health and fitness
- Helps you work confidently with clients who need tailored, safe, and effective training plans
This is one of the key qualifications every personal trainer needs to expand their expertise and career opportunities.
2. Level 2 Circuit Training Instructor
If you’re looking for the biggest return on investment, circuit training is a must. The course itself is low-cost and quick to complete, but the earning potential it unlocks is huge. Offering group circuit sessions, bootcamps, and high-energy classes allows you to leverage your time effectively and increase your revenue.
https://courses.parallelcoaching.co.uk/products/level-2-circuit-instructor-course
Why It’s Essential:
- Enables you to run profitable bootcamps and group training sessions
- Provides a scalable way to increase your income
- Helps attract a wider audience by offering engaging and fun workouts
For those looking to make more money and reach more people, this is one of the qualifications every personal trainer needs to consider.
3. Level 1 Kettlebell Instructor
Kettlebells are one of the most versatile training tools, making them a must-have skill for any personal trainer. Whether you train clients in a gym, park, or at home, kettlebell training allows you to deliver highly effective workouts in any setting.
https://courses.parallelcoaching.co.uk/products/level-1-kettlebell-instructor-course
Why It’s Essential:
- Enhances your ability to offer functional, full-body workouts
- Provides flexibility to train clients anywhere with minimal equipment
- Sets you apart by adding variety to your programming
Adding kettlebell training to your skill set ensures you remain competitive, making it one of the qualifications every personal trainer needs for versatility and client engagement.
4. Level 4 Certificate in Obesity & Diabetes Management
With obesity and metabolic conditions on the rise, understanding weight management and how to support clients with these challenges is crucial. This advanced qualification (which requires the Level 3 Long-Term Conditions qualification as a prerequisite) strengthens your ability to coach clients with confidence and provide science-backed guidance.
https://courses.parallelcoaching.co.uk/products/level-4-obesity-and-diabetes-qualification
Why It’s Essential:
- Allows you to specialise in an area of growing demand
- Equips you with the knowledge to help clients manage metabolic conditions effectively
- Increases your credibility and positions you as an expert in weight management
If you want to work with a wider range of clients and help those with specific health challenges, this is one of the qualifications every personal trainer needs to consider in the next 12 months.
Which Qualification Should You Start With?
Your choice will depend on your career goals and current client base. If you’re looking to increase your earning potential quickly, circuit training or kettlebells may be the best place to start. If you want to specialise and attract clients with specific health concerns, long-term conditions and obesity & diabetes management are invaluable additions to your skillset.
Whichever route you take, investing in the right qualifications every personal trainer needs will help you grow your business, support more clients, and future-proof your career as a personal trainer.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re interested in any of these qualifications every personal trainer needs, explore your options and start planning your next move. The next 12 months could be a turning point in your career!
Which qualification interests you the most? Let me know in the comments
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Hayley “Qualifications Every Personal Trainer Needs” Bergman
Parallel Coaching
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