What does NCFE actually stand for?

NCFE stands for the Northern Council for Further Education — a UK awarding organisation founded in 1848 and regulated by Ofqual.

What does Ofqual-regulated mean for me?

Ofqual regulation means the qualification is officially recognised on the UK Register of Regulated Qualifications, meeting national education and employer standards.

Is this qualification accepted by UK gyms?

Yes. The NCFE Level 3 Diploma is CIMSPA recognised and accepted by major gym chains, leisure centres and independent studios across the UK.

Is this the same as other Level 3 personal training courses?

No. Some providers sell unregulated certificates. The NCFE Level 3 Diploma is Ofqual regulated and the industry standard for employment and insurance.

What makes NCFE better than other awarding bodies?

NCFE has over 175 years of history and works with Ofqual and employers to maintain high standards, ensuring your qualification is credible and transferable.

Will this qualification let me get insurance as a PT?

Yes. It is accepted by major fitness insurers for one-to-one, online and small group personal training.

Can I progress to higher qualifications after this?

Yes. After completing Level 3 you can progress to Level 4 Personal Training, Sports Massage or Strength & Conditioning qualifications.

How is the NCFE course delivered at PT Launch Lab?

The course is delivered 100% online with self-paced modules, live tutor support, weekly group calls and supported practical assessments.

How long does the NCFE Level 3 course take to complete?

Most learners finish in 8–12 weeks, depending on study time and assessment progress.

How much does it cost, and do you offer payment plans?

Flexible monthly payment plans are available. Fees include course access, tutor support, assessments and certification.

Can I study if I’m not in Yorkshire?

Yes. The course is fully online and open to learners across the UK with full tutor and mentorship support.

What if I want to run my own PT business after qualifying?

You’ll get access to PT Launch Lab Mentorship to learn client attraction, pricing, and marketing so you can grow your PT business.

What happens after I pass my assessments?

You receive your NCFE Level 3 Diploma and we help you set up insurance, business registration and client onboarding.

Can I see where other students have worked after qualifying?

Yes. Visit our Success Stories page to see real learner outcomes at gyms across Yorkshire and the UK.

NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing & Personal Training

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Why Your Qualification Matters — and Why NCFE Leads the Industry

When you choose a PT qualification, the awarding body behind it is everything.
At PT Launch Lab, we deliver the NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training — a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification that meets the industry standard set by CIMSPA (The Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity).

What that means for you:

Your certificate is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications, proving it’s officially recognised by employers, insurers and licensing bodies across the UK.
NCFE (Northern Council for Further Education) has been a UK awarding organisation since 1848 — one of the most trusted names in education and vocational training.
Every unit you complete is benchmarked against UK education standards to guarantee quality, rigour and transferable credit if you decide to study further (e.g. Level 4 Specialist PT or Sports Massage).

Unlike cheap “weekend certificates” or unregulated online courses, an NCFE-accredited Diploma gives you the legal and professional status to work as a personal trainer anywhere in the UK.

Ofqual-regulated means: your qualification is government-approved, monitored for assessment quality, and recognised for employment and insurance.

Complete NCFE Level 3 Personal Training Package, Mentorship as Standard!

Anatomy, physiology & nutrition

Learn the theory and application of muscles, nutrition and how this can be used in PT

Behaviour change & motivation

Overcome common barriers for clients, motivate them and transform them into success stories.

Client consultations & goal setting

How to set goals, communicate with your clients and overcome common objections.

Exercise technique & programme design

How to demonstrate and deliver key exercises and plan for client goals.

Common Medical Conditions

Learn about conditions such as depression, anxiety and diabetes to support all clients.

Launching your PT business

Learn about becoming self employed, marketing and how to build your own business plan.

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Full Course Guide

Recognised by the UK’s Leading Gyms — and Trusted Across Yorkshire

Once you’ve earned your NCFE Level 3 Diploma in Gym Instructing and Personal Training, you’re qualified to work in any major gym or fitness setting in the UK.
Because your qualification is both Ofqual-regulated and CIMSPA-endorsed, every reputable employer recognises it as the benchmark for professional personal training.

You’ll be eligible to:

Work as a self-employed PT in commercial gyms like JD Gyms, PureGym, The Gym Group, and David Lloyd.
Join independent fitness studios, leisure centres, or community gyms.
Train clients online or hybrid, running your own sessions anywhere in the world.
Progress into specialist coaching, sports massage, or Level 4 personal training in the future.

Real Opportunities in Yorkshire

We’re based in Yorkshire — and that means our network runs deep.

Our learners have gained experience or launched careers at:

JD Gyms Leeds, York, and Bradford
The Edge Fitness (University of Leeds)
PureGym Sheffield & Hull
Goodwin Sports Centre (Sheffield)
Pontefract Leisure Centre and Xercise4Less Wakefield

Because the NCFE qualification is nationally regulated, your career path is flexible.
You can qualify in Yorkshire, then work anywhere — London, Manchester, or fully online.

Recognition That Protects Your Career

A gym will always check two things before hiring a PT:

Is your qualification Ofqual-regulated?
Is it recognised by CIMSPA or a reputable awarding body?

With NCFE, both boxes are ticked — permanently.
That’s why our graduates never struggle to get insured, hired, or respected by clients.

From Corporate to Business

Gemma left her corporate job to become a PT, with our support she has gone on to launch her own PT business and build her financial freedom

Defying the odds to Launch

Matty overcome Alcohol addiction through running, and now has launched his Running Business, all with the help of PT launch Lab

Success of Pure Gym Manager

Listen to Mac's story of starting as a PT and is now supporting the next generation of PT's at Pure gym, our Employer Partner.

Frequently asked questions

NCFE stands for the Northern Council for Further Education. It’s one of the UK’s longest-standing awarding organisations, founded in 1848 and regulated by Ofqual — the government body that oversees educational standards in England.

In short, NCFE creates and regulates recognised qualifications that meet national standards. Your NCFE Level 3 Diploma proves you’re trained, assessed, and qualified to work as a professional personal trainer anywhere in the UK.

Ofqual-regulated” means your qualification is officially listed on the UK Register of Regulated Qualifications — not just a made-up certificate. That makes it:

Legally valid and industry-approved
Recognised by all major gyms, insurers, and fitness bodies
Eligible for further study or career progression (Level 4 or beyond)

This is what separates real qualifications from cheap, unregulated “weekend PT courses.

Start Your Journey as an Online Personal Trainer

You made it this far and haven't yet taken action? Next steps is to book your free call to see if your the right fit for the mentorship or try our free trial of the online platform.