Personal Trainer

AFPT Global offers internationally focused fitness education based on the EuropeActive educational framework.

The Personal Trainer Online programme is designed for students who want to build an internationally recognised foundation in exercise science, coaching, and personal training. It is primarily intended for individuals planning to work outside Norway.

The programme is delivered in English through AFPT's online learning platform and combines online teaching with locally completed practical experience.

Yes. AFPT Global's Personal Trainer Online programme is accredited by EuropeActive.

Students who successfully complete all programme requirements meet the educational requirements for registration with EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals) as a Personal Trainer (EQF Level 4).

The AFPT Personal Trainer Online programme is completed online and at your own pace. The only part that requires you to work physically with real clients is the practical period toward the end of the programme.

1. 25 online modules covering anatomy, physiology, strength training, endurance training, programme design, communication, consultation and testing, nutrition, injuries, flexibility, sales, public health, research methods, and the PT role.
2. Study questions and quizzes throughout the course.
3. Six mandatory home assignments. The first focus on consultation, testing, and programme design. The final three focus on endurance, advanced strength, and flexibility, and some require client video recordings. Your mentor reviews them and gives feedback.
4. A 40-hour practical period (about 15 hours programme design, 15 hours client coaching, and 10 hours finding and onboarding clients).
5. Theoretical examination online: 70 multiple-choice questions, at least 80% to pass, unlimited retakes.
6. Practical examination remotely: record a complete personal training session with a client and submit the video. You do not need to travel to AFPT.

Once you have completed the modules, assignments, and practical period and passed both examinations, you receive your AFPT Personal Trainer certification and are registered with EREPS. The first year of EREPS registration is included.

Yes. After you successfully complete all programme requirements, AFPT will register you with EREPS as a Personal Trainer (EQF Level 4).

The first year of EREPS membership is included. After that, graduates may renew directly with EREPS by paying the applicable renewal fee.

All teaching and academic activities are delivered online, including video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, assignments, mentor feedback, the theoretical examination, and practical examination submission.

However, all students must also complete 40 hours of practical experience with real clients. This practical experience is completed locally where the student lives and does not require travel to Norway.

No. There is no requirement to travel to Norway at any point during the programme.

Students complete all teaching online and complete their required practical experience locally in their own country.

In many European countries, yes. Because the programme follows EuropeActive educational standards, graduates generally meet the educational expectations for Personal Trainers throughout Europe.

Employment requirements still vary by country and may depend on local legislation, employer policies, insurance requirements, and national industry standards. AFPT cannot guarantee employment or automatic recognition in every country.

AFPT Global is primarily intended for students planning to work internationally.

Norway has its own industry standard for Personal Trainer education, corresponding in scope to approximately one year of higher education (around 60 ECTS). The AFPT Global Personal Trainer Online programme does not normally meet the Norwegian industry standard.

If your goal is to work as a Personal Trainer in Norway, we recommend AFPT's Norwegian Personal Trainer education instead. That programme is taught entirely in Norwegian.

The entire programme is taught in English. This includes video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, assignments, mentor communication, practical assessments, and final examinations.

Yes. Students should have a good understanding of written and spoken English to complete the programme successfully.

You do not need to be a native English speaker, but you should be comfortable reading educational material, watching lectures, completing written assignments, and communicating in English. If you struggle to understand or communicate in English, you may find the programme challenging.

The programme is self-paced. Most students complete it within approximately 3–6 months, depending on the time they dedicate to their studies.

Students have 60 months (5 years) from the date of enrollment to complete the programme.

AFPT (The Academy for Personal Training) is one of Scandinavia's leading providers of fitness education and has been educating Personal Trainers and other fitness professionals since 2005.

AFPT Global combines EuropeActive-accredited education, an evidence-based curriculum, English-language teaching, personal mentorship, flexible self-paced study, and practical experience completed locally.

AFPT has been educating Personal Trainers and fitness professionals since 2005. The Personal Trainer Online programme is accredited by EuropeActive and prepares graduates for registration with EREPS as a Personal Trainer (EQF Level 4).

AFPT combines EuropeActive accreditation with an evidence-based curriculum, personal mentorship, flexible self-paced learning, and practical experience completed locally.

The programme is designed to develop both scientific knowledge and practical coaching skills, preparing graduates for an international career as a Personal Trainer.

The programme covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, exercise science, strength training, endurance training, flexibility, nutrition, coaching, communication, behaviour change, programme design, special populations, and business and client acquisition.

Our PT Online programme consists of 25 comprehensive modules designed to provide the knowledge needed to become a qualified personal trainer.

Yes. Students complete quizzes, six mandatory assignments (three of which require video submissions), a theoretical examination, and a final practical examination.

The theoretical examination is completed online through the Student Web. It is a multiple-choice examination covering the knowledge and skills taught throughout the programme, including exercise science, anatomy, physiology, programme design, coaching, nutrition, and communication.

It is conducted entirely in English. Students must achieve at least 80% correct answers to pass. If you do not pass, you may retake it. Students have unlimited attempts.

You may take the theoretical examination after completing the required coursework and mandatory assignments. You must pass it before the final practical examination.

Students must achieve at least 80% correct answers to pass the theoretical examination.

If you do not achieve the required passing score, you may retake the examination. Students have unlimited attempts until they pass.

Yes. Students must successfully complete the theoretical examination and all other required programme components before completing the final practical examination.

Yes. Every student receives feedback from AFPT mentors throughout the programme. Mentors review your home assignments and provide individual feedback.

No. The AFPT Global Personal Trainer Online programme is a professional vocational education programme accredited by EuropeActive. It is not a university degree and does not award ECTS credits.

Yes. The programme is designed to be completed in the recommended order so that each module builds on the previous one.

Yes. All examinations, assignments, practical assessments, and communication throughout the programme are conducted in English. Assignments cannot be submitted in another language.

The programme is self-paced. Students studying full-time typically dedicate approximately 20–30 hours per week, while part-time students may choose a schedule that fits around work and family commitments.

Yes. Students have lifetime access to the course materials and may revisit lectures and study resources whenever they wish.

Yes. To graduate, all students must successfully complete a final practical examination. It assesses your ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a safe, professional, and client-centred Personal Training session.

The practical examination consists of a recorded Personal Training session with a real client. It should last approximately 60 minutes and typically includes client introduction, warm-up, main training session, exercise instruction and coaching, technique correction, and session conclusion.

You will receive a client case 72 hours before the examination describing the client's background, goals, and relevant information. You plan and deliver the session yourself, then submit the video through the Student Web for assessment by an AFPT examiner.

The examiner evaluates your ability to build rapport, communicate clearly, select appropriate exercises, demonstrate correct technique, provide effective coaching and cueing, correct movement when necessary, adapt exercises, motivate the client, structure a logical session, and demonstrate professionalism throughout.

Yes. You receive your examination case 72 hours before the practical examination so you have time to analyse the case, plan the session, and prepare the exercises you intend to use.

Yes. The practical examination must be completed with a real client. Students are responsible for arranging their own client.

The client must speak English, but does not need to be a native English speaker.

The completed examination is uploaded digitally through the Student Web according to the programme guidelines.

Students normally receive their result within 168 hours (7 days) after submission.

Students who do not pass may book a new examination. A practical examination retake fee of USD 100 applies for each new attempt.

Before taking the practical examination, students must have successfully completed all mandatory assignments, completed the required 40 hours of practical experience, passed the theoretical multiple-choice examination, and met all other programme requirements.

You are responsible for arranging an appropriate training environment and the equipment needed for a safe, effective session. The environment must allow you to safely coach the client.

You may record in a commercial gym, private studio, home gym, outdoor facility, or another suitable location. You do not need to travel to Norway. The examination is completed locally, recorded on video, and submitted online.

To graduate, students must successfully complete all mandatory assignments, the required practical experience, the theoretical multiple-choice examination (minimum 80% correct), and the final practical examination.

Yes. All students must complete 40 hours of documented practical experience before they can graduate.

The 40 hours consist of approximately:
- 15 hours of training programme design
- 15 hours of coaching clients
- 10 hours of client acquisition and onboarding

It is not 40 hours of direct client training. You arrange the practical period yourself. It can be completed at a gym, but it does not have to. Many personal trainers work outside traditional gyms, so practice can also be completed outdoors, in a private training space, or in another suitable setting.

You document your practical work using AFPT's official client documentation and upload it through the Student Web. Your mentor reviews your submissions and provides feedback.

Yes. Students complete the practical training locally in the country where they live. There is no requirement to travel to Norway or attend an AFPT campus.

Yes. Students are responsible for arranging their own practical setting and clients. AFPT can provide general guidance, but you are responsible for securing and completing the required practical experience.

No. It does not have to take place in a commercial gym. You may complete it in any suitable environment where you can safely coach clients: commercial gyms, private studios, home gyms, outdoor facilities, the client's home, or other suitable settings.

You must have access to appropriate equipment for the type of training being delivered.

Yes. The practical period must involve real coaching experience. Students are recommended to work with at least five different clients.

Friends, family members, or other volunteers may participate, provided they meet the programme requirements and all required documentation is completed. Clients do not have to pay, and you do not receive a salary during the practical period.

Students must use AFPT's official client documentation templates. Documentation includes client consultation, goals, programme design, training sessions, progress, and follow-up. Completed documentation is submitted through the Student Web.

You do not have to film all 40 practical hours. Three of the six mandatory assignments do require video submissions covering endurance, advanced strength, and flexibility training with a real client.

Yes. Because the programme is taught entirely in English, all submitted assignments, documentation, practical assessments, mentor communication, and examinations must be completed in English.

The client does not need to be a native English speaker, but your coaching and communication must be clearly demonstrated in English.

The 40 hours are divided into 15 hours of programme design, 15 hours of client coaching, and 10 hours of client acquisition and onboarding.

Programme design includes consultations, exercise selection, progression planning, and documenting the programme. Client coaching includes delivering sessions, instructing, correcting technique, motivating, and adapting training. Acquisition and onboarding include initial consultations, health screening, goal setting, explaining the coaching process, documentation, and scheduling.

The components do not have to be completed in a specific order. You may complete more than 40 hours if you want extra experience.

Previous coaching experience is not automatically approved. Students who believe their existing experience may satisfy part of the practical requirement should contact AFPT at [email protected] before beginning their practical period. Each request is assessed individually.

The programme is designed to develop practical coaching skills with real clients. Some elements, such as programme design and client communication, may be completed digitally where appropriate.

However, students must also demonstrate practical coaching skills with real clients through the required practical assignments and the final practical examination.

There is no fixed equipment list. You must have access to equipment that allows you to deliver safe Personal Training sessions, adapt exercises, demonstrate strength, endurance, and flexibility methods, and meet the practical requirements of the programme.

The tuition fee for the Personal Trainer Online programme is USD 1,099.

The tuition includes full access to all 25 modules, video lectures, reading materials, quizzes, assignments, personal mentorship, the theoretical examination, the first practical examination attempt, first-year EREPS membership, and lifetime access to the course materials.

Your tuition includes:

- 25 course modules
- Video lectures, reading materials, and quizzes
- Mandatory assignments
- Personal mentorship
- Theoretical examination
- First practical examination attempt
- EuropeActive-accredited education
- First-year EREPS membership
- Lifetime access to the learning platform and study materials

There are no hidden course fees. Additional costs may apply only if you retake the practical examination, renew EREPS after the first year, or if your bank charges currency conversion fees.

Yes. You can choose between the following payment options:

- One-time payment: USD 1,099
- 2 monthly payments of USD 549.50
- 3 monthly payments of USD 366.34
- 4 monthly payments of USD 274.75

The first payment is charged when you enroll. The remaining payments are charged automatically according to your selected payment plan. All tuition fees are charged in US Dollars (USD).

All tuition fees are charged in US Dollars (USD). If you choose an installment plan, the first payment is charged immediately. The remaining payments are charged automatically according to your selected payment schedule.

Available installment options are 2 x USD 549.50, 3 x USD 366.34, or 4 x USD 274.75.

All payments are processed securely through Stripe. The payment methods available at checkout depend on your country and the options Stripe supports in your region.

AFPT Global does not accept PayPal. AFPT does not store your payment card information.

If you choose a one-time payment, you are charged immediately when you complete enrollment. If you choose an installment plan, the first payment is charged immediately and the remaining payments are charged automatically on your selected schedule.

If an installment payment cannot be processed, access to the programme may be restricted until the outstanding payment has been completed.

If you would like to discuss changes to your payment plan after enrolling, please contact [email protected].

Yes. A receipt is automatically sent to your registered email address after a successful payment.

If you require a company invoice or have specific billing requirements, please contact [email protected] before completing your purchase. Employers may pay for your education.

AFPT does not offer discounts for individual students. Fitness centres, companies, or organisations interested in enrolling multiple students may contact [email protected] to discuss potential partnership or group pricing.

If you would like to purchase the programme as a gift or on behalf of another person, contact [email protected].

Students receive lifetime access to the learning platform and course materials. Graduates can revisit lectures and study materials after completing the programme.

Students must be at least 18 years old to enroll. No previous coaching or professional fitness experience is required, and a high school diploma is not required.

AFPT Global welcomes students from around the world. Because teaching is online and practical experience is completed locally, you do not need a visa to study with AFPT.

You can enroll and begin studying at any time. There are no fixed semester start dates.

The registration process takes only a few minutes. Once your enrollment is complete and your first payment has been processed, you receive immediate access to the learning platform.

You can enroll and begin studying at any time. There are no fixed semester start dates. The programme is self-paced, so you do not have to follow a class schedule.

You receive access to the learning platform as soon as your enrollment has been completed and your first payment has been successfully processed. You can begin studying immediately.

Yes. Many students complete the programme while working full-time. Because it is self-paced, you can adjust your study pace within the 60-month completion period.

The programme is suitable for beginners with no previous fitness education, fitness enthusiasts looking to become certified, coaches seeking an internationally recognised qualification, people planning to start their own coaching business, professionals changing career, and students who want online study with practical coaching experience completed locally.

Yes. You can study as quickly or as slowly as you wish within the 60-month completion period.

Yes. Students from most countries can complete the programme online. The required practical experience is completed locally where the student lives.

Yes. Students who successfully complete all programme requirements receive an AFPT Personal Trainer certificate. It is issued digitally and does not expire.

Graduates also become eligible for registration with EREPS as a Personal Trainer (EQF Level 4). After graduation you may use the title Personal Trainer.

EuropeActive develops educational standards and accredits training providers. EREPS is the professional register for qualified fitness professionals who meet those standards.

EREPS registration is optional, but AFPT includes the first year because many employers recognise it. If you do not renew, your AFPT certificate remains valid, but you will no longer appear as an active professional on the EREPS register.

No. Upon successful completion, graduates receive the Personal Trainer qualification (EQF Level 4). The programme does not automatically award a separate EuropeActive Fitness Instructor (EQF Level 3) qualification.

The programme is based on the EuropeActive educational framework, which is widely recognised throughout Europe. Recognition outside Europe depends on each country's regulations, employer requirements, and professional standards.

After graduation you will have the educational qualification required for EREPS registration. Your ability to begin working depends on employment requirements, legislation, work permits, and employer expectations where you intend to work.

Yes. Many graduates work in commercial gyms, health clubs, private studios, or independently. Many also offer online coaching or start their own Personal Training business.

You can work part-time or full-time. Employment opportunities depend on local employer requirements and the country where you intend to work. Business registration and legal requirements vary between countries.

No. AFPT provides education and professional qualifications. Graduates are responsible for finding employment, building their own business, or creating their own career opportunities.

AFPT cannot provide immigration or visa advice, and cannot guarantee the right to work in any specific country.

The Personal Trainer qualification prepares graduates to work as Personal Trainers. It does not include a separate Group Fitness Instructor or Pilates qualification.

Some employers may allow Personal Trainers to teach group classes. Many employers or countries require additional qualifications for Pilates, indoor cycling, group strength, dance-based classes, or other instructor-led group exercise.

Yes. The programme includes business and client acquisition content, including practical experience with client acquisition and onboarding, and business-related topics designed to help graduates begin working as independent Personal Trainers.

Insurance requirements vary between countries and insurance providers. We recommend checking the requirements in the country where you intend to work.

No. Personal Trainers are exercise professionals, not healthcare professionals. Completing the programme does not qualify you to diagnose, treat, or manage medical conditions.

Yes, but only within the scope of practice of a Personal Trainer, and only if the client has been medically cleared for exercise and the training is appropriate for their condition.

Personal Trainers must always work within their professional competence and follow any recommendations from the client's healthcare professional.

No. If a client has a medical condition that has not been assessed by a qualified healthcare professional, they should be referred for medical evaluation before beginning an exercise programme.

Personal Trainers should never assess, diagnose, or determine whether a person with a medical condition is safe to exercise.

No. Personal Trainers are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions or injuries, treat injuries or diseases, interpret medical test results, prescribe medication, recommend supplements to treat medical conditions, or replace medical advice.

They also do not provide medical rehabilitation. Clients recovering from injury or surgery should follow guidance from qualified healthcare professionals before beginning Personal Training.

Exercise should be stopped immediately. The client should be advised to seek appropriate medical assessment before continuing training. Personal Trainers should never ignore symptoms that may indicate an underlying medical condition.

Personal Trainers may provide general, evidence-based nutrition and healthy lifestyle guidance within their scope of practice.

They should not prescribe diets to treat medical conditions or provide medical or therapeutic nutrition advice. Clients needing disease-specific nutrition advice should be referred to an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

Yes, provided the client has been medically cleared for exercise and training is adapted to the individual and remains within the Personal Trainer's scope of practice. This includes pregnant clients and clients with conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.

Yes. The programme includes guidance on adapting exercise for different populations, including older adults, beginners, and introductory content on children.

It is primarily designed for Personal Trainers working with the general population. Students who plan to specialise in coaching children or adolescents are encouraged to pursue additional education in youth athletic development or child-specific exercise science.

Refer a client to an appropriate healthcare professional if they present signs or symptoms of a medical condition that may affect exercise safety and have not been medically assessed, report new or unexplained symptoms, have needs outside the Personal Trainer's scope of practice, or need medical clearance before exercise can safely begin or continue.

When in doubt, advise the client to seek medical evaluation.

If you have questions before or during your studies, contact AFPT at [email protected]. We aim to respond as quickly as possible during normal business hours.

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Course videos are streamed through the learning platform and are not available for download. The platform can be accessed from computers, tablets, and smartphones. For the best experience, we recommend a computer for assignments and longer lectures.

Students have 60 months (5 years) from the date of enrollment to complete the programme. You must complete all programme requirements within that period to graduate.

If you are unable to complete the programme, contact AFPT at [email protected] to discuss your options.