Doha · In-class in Doha · Live online
Train in Qatar.
From gym-goer to certified trainer in Doha: Fitness Instructor in three weeks, Personal Trainer in four. In-class, live online or hybrid.
Since 2012 · CIMSPA Training Provider Partner
- Fitness Instructor
- 4,800 QAR
- Personal Trainer
- 9,000 QAR
- Next cohort
- 9 Nov
Proud to work with
Your route in Qatar
Four sets to the gym floor
- Set 1
Pick your start
New to fitness work? Start with Fitness Instructor (3 weeks). All in? The Accelerated Personal Trainer Program covers both certificates in 7 weeks.
- Set 2
Fit it around your week
Classes run Sunday to Thursday, mornings or evenings, in Doha. Working full time? Take the theory live online.
- Set 3
Pass your assessments
Two written theory exams (70% to pass), a practical exam on the gym floor and your learner record.
- Set 4
Start coaching
Graduate with a UK Level 2 or Level 3 equivalent certificate, then add specialisms. TODO(IFA): confirm graduate job support in Doha before we promise it.
Load the bar
Build your course stack
Tap a course to load it onto the bar. Each plate is a qualification, and the total updates in QAR.
Courses in Qatar
All courses in QatarCertifications
3 weeks· UK Level 2 equivalent
Fitness Instructor
The first step in fitness certification: qualify to train clients in a gym or fitness club.
4,800 QARView course
4 weeks· UK Level 3 equivalent
Personal Trainer
The skills and competence to work unsupervised as a personal trainer: assessment, nutrition and progressive programming.
9,000 QARView course
Career paths
7 weeks· UK Level 2 and Level 3 equivalent
Accelerated Personal Trainer Program
Fitness Instructor, Nutrition and Personal Trainer in one fast-track path, plus three workshops. You finish with two certifications.
11,500 QARView course
3 weeks plus one weekend
Group Fitness Instructor Program
Fitness Instructor plus Bootcamp Instructor: two certifications to lead gym-floor and group sessions.
5,270 QARView course
9 weeks
Pre and Post Natal Specialist Program
Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and the Pre and Post Natal specialism: three certifications and a business plan.
12,750 QARView course
Upcoming dates
Next start dates
TODO(IFA): Sample dates until IFA publishes the 2026–27 calendar.
- Enquire
Personal Trainer
Doha · In-class
Formats
Learn the way your week works
In-class
Full-time classes with your tutor and cohort, with practical sessions on the gym floor.
Live virtual
Join live classes online from anywhere, then sit your practical assessment in person.
Hybrid
Theory live online, practicals in class. Built for people who work full time.
Inside IFA
Real classes, real tutors
The team
Taught by people who work in fitness
IFA tutors are practising trainers and specialists. Quality assurance is led by an external verifier for regional registers.
Anna Gibson
Lead Instructor
Personal Trainer, Pre and Post Natal Specialist and Group Exercise Instructor with 15+ years of experience. Teaches in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Nathalie Moncayo
Instructor
Kinesiology graduate of the University of Calgary and certified personal trainer. Former Qatar national football team player; teaches in Qatar.
Khalid Abu Amine
Founder and CEO
Founded IFA in 2012 after 20+ years in the fitness industry across the US, UK and GCC. Former professional basketball player; degree in Health Services and Exercise Sports Science.
Melody Mercedes
Chief Operating Officer
Leads operations and international business development, including Corporate Wellness and student career services. ICF PCC certified coach.
Contact IFA Qatar
- +974 5553 1669(opens WhatsApp)
- Phone
- +974 5553 1669
- Address
- Rayyan Plaza, Al Rayyan Street, Al Sadd, 7th Floor, Office 701, Building 167, Street 150, Zone 38, Doha
Talk to an advisor
Get the course guide and next dates
Leave your details and an advisor in Qatar replies on WhatsApp, usually the same working day.
Questions
Before you enrol
How long does it take to become a personal trainer?
Fitness Instructor takes three weeks and Personal Trainer takes four, both Sunday to Thursday with a morning or evening class. The Accelerated Personal Trainer Program combines both, plus nutrition and three workshops, in seven weeks.
How much does the Personal Trainer course cost?
Personal Trainer is 9,000 QAR in Qatar, 900 BHD in Bahrain, 9,000 SAR in Saudi Arabia and £1,999 in the UK. Fitness Instructor is 4,800 QAR, 480 BHD, 4,799 SAR or £899.
Can I pay in instalments?
TODO(IFA): confirm instalment options (Tabby, Tamara or in-house plans) per country. Until then, ask an advisor on WhatsApp.
Will gyms in my country recognise the qualification?
IFA is a CIMSPA Training Provider Partner. The Fitness Instructor course is equivalent to UK Level 2 and Personal Trainer to UK Level 3, the levels Gulf employers ask for in job adverts. TODO(IFA): name the awarding body and any register recognition per country.
Are there women-only classes?
Yes. Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer run as mixed or ladies-only classes, and Saudi Arabia has women-only cohorts at partner gyms. Ask an advisor for the next ladies-only date near you.
Is the course taught in Arabic?
Courses are taught in English, so you need an adequate level of English. You can also attend most classes live from home on Zoom, apart from some practical days. TODO(IFA): confirm which cohorts are taught in Arabic.
Do I need experience to start?
No previous qualification is needed for Fitness Instructor. Personal Trainer needs a Fitness Instructor (Level 2 or equivalent) qualification first.
Does IFA help me find a job?
The IFA team links successful learners with local employment opportunities and can write recommendation letters for students who excel. IFA works with gyms including Qgym Elite, Evolve, Gymmito and Aspire Active Ladies. TODO(IFA): confirm whether an interview guarantee can be published with terms.
Saudising your gym team or training staff in bulk?
In-house cohorts, Arabic and women-only classes, and re-certification for whole teams.