London & private · Private courses · Live online
Train in the UK.
Private courses and live online classes with the same tutors and assessments. Check the credentials first: Level 2 and Level 3 equivalents from a CIMSPA Training Provider Partner.
Since 2012 · CIMSPA Training Provider Partner
- Fitness Instructor
- £899
- Personal Trainer
- £1,999
- Next cohort
- On request
Proud to work with
Check the credentials
What your certificate is worth
How IFA courses map to UK levels
Fitness Instructor is equivalent to UK Level 2 and Personal Trainer to UK Level 3: the levels Gulf employers ask for when they advertise for "REPs Level 3 or equivalent".
What being a CIMSPA Training Provider Partner means
As an approved Training Provider Partner, IFA is recognised for delivering quality-assured qualifications and CPD. IFA's education and training are reviewed against professional standards for the sport, fitness, leisure and physical activity sector.
Independent quality assurance
Quality assurance is led by Pete Davies, a consultant quality assurer for Saudi REPS, Ireland Active and Malta REPS, and formerly Lead External Verifier at EuropeActive.
TODO(IFA): name the awarding body, the exact CIMSPA partner level and any register recognition per country.
Your route in the UK
Compare, choose, enquire
- Set 1
Check the level
Fitness Instructor maps to UK Level 2 and Personal Trainer to UK Level 3. TODO(IFA): name the awarding body.
- Set 2
Pick private or online
Book a private course, or learn live online from anywhere and sit the practical in person.
- Set 3
See the full price
Every UK price is shown in pounds up front. TODO(IFA): confirm UK finance options.
- Set 4
Enquire
Leave your details and an advisor replies, usually the same working day.
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 GBP.
Courses in the UK
All courses in the UKCertifications
3 weeks· UK Level 2 equivalent
Fitness Instructor
The first step in fitness certification: qualify to train clients in a gym or fitness club.
£899View 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.
£1,999View 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.
£2,499View course
3 weeks plus one weekend
Group Fitness Instructor Program
Fitness Instructor plus Bootcamp Instructor: two certifications to lead gym-floor and group sessions.
£1,199View 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.
£2,699View course
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.
Upcoming dates
Next start dates
TODO(IFA): Sample dates until IFA publishes the 2026–27 calendar.
New dates are announced monthly. Ask an advisor for the next one.
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.
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.
Adam Jitmoud
Assessor and Instructor
An exercise scientist who brings the science behind fitness into every class.
Ghalya Humaid
Business Development Manager
Background in hospitality, sales and marketing. Helps students and gyms find the right course.
Talk to an advisor
Get the course guide and next dates
Leave your details and an advisor in the UK replies on WhatsApp, usually the same working day.
Contact IFA United Kingdom
TODO(IFA): confirm United Kingdom contact details.
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.
Inside IFA
