ITEC & VTCT Accredited Personal Training Course

Become a Certified Personal Trainer in 12 Weeks

Launch a flexible fitness career with a qualification recognised worldwide, practical hands-on learning, and support that helps you feel ready to coach real clients.
✅ No Experience Needed | 🎓 Globally Recognized | 💼 Career-ready qualification

Globally Recognised 

Train with an ITEC & VTCT accredited course that opens doors in Ireland and abroad.

Blended Learning Model

Study online at your own pace and build confidence in practical in-person workshops.

Real Gym Experience

Go beyond theory with shadowing and hands-on coaching experience in a real gym environment.

Small Group Support

Get direct guidance, feedback, and accountability throughout your learning journey.

WHY STUDENTS CHOOSE PT ACADEMY

More than a course.
A clear path into the fitness industry.

Many courses give you information. This one helps you build confidence, practical skills, and a qualification you can actually use.

WHAT YOU’LL MASTER

Everything you need to start earning as a personal trainer

From anatomy and programme design to coaching confidence and business basics, the course is built to help you move from learning to real-world application.

A nationally recognised personal trainer certification

Learn everything you need to train, coach, and support clients safely and effectively.

Flexible online study that fits your life

Study in your own time, around your work and schedule - no need to quit your job or go back to college.

4 in-gym practical workshops

Get real experience in a real gym setting, so you walk away with actual coaching confidence.

Mentorship and support from experienced coaches

You're not doing this alone. Our team is there to guide you through every module, every workshop, every question.

Guaranteed gym interview after certification

We don’t just certify you, we help you land your first opportunity and start getting paid.

Tools to build your first client base

Learn how to attract clients, deliver value, and grow your personal brand or work within a gym.

What can you do after you qualify?

After completing the course you will be a fully qualified Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer AND Nutritionist. You will have earned an ITEC Level 3 Diploma In Personal Training. This is the equivalent of a FETAC Level 5 on the QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland).

This qualification opens the door to multiple career paths in the fitness industry — whether you want stability, flexibility, or your own business.
Gym Floor Personal Trainer

Gym Floor Personal Trainer

Online Fitness Coach

Self-Employed PT

Self-Employed PT

Group Class Coach

Group Class Coach

Strength & Conditioning Path

Hybrid Career

Hybrid Career

Corporate Wellness Coach

Fitness Content Creator

Fitness Content Creator

STUDENT SUCCESS

See how graduates are thriving in the fitness industry

Achieving greatness is only possible when you surround yourself with great people. I was extremely lucky to be introduced to John at an early age. His level of knowledge on training, nutrition, recovery and psychology is incredible and his methods are a core factor in shaping where I am in my career today. If you are serious about becoming a successful personal trainer then the PT Academy is the only option
Ian "The Future" Garry,
UFC Fighter & Cage Warriors World Champion
I was a bit nervous doing the course as I was really into the gym but so much of the material was completely new to me and I kept getting overwhelmed with the volume of work but the team at the PT Academy could not have been more supportive and encouraging. John in particular was so good at explaining things and had the patience of a saint when it came to student questions. Doing their course is one of the best decisions I've ever made
Lauren Scully
Owner of Lean With Lauren
I did my course back in 2017 and put a lot of time into researching my options but nothing came close to what the PT Academy offered. To say they over delivered on what I expected is an understatement. The course experience was excellent but what was invaluable to me personally was being able to pick up the phone to John long after the course had finished and get his guidance when starting my own business. It's why I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone who wants to become a successful personal trainer
Nils Conway
Owner of Nils Conway Golf Fit

SIMPLE PROCESS

Get certified in 3 clear steps

A straightforward path from enquiry to qualification, designed to feel achievable from day one.
STEP 1

Apply online

Send your enquiry and speak to the team about the right route for you.
STEP 2

Complete your training

Study online, attend practical workshops, and build real coaching confidence in around 12–16 weeks.
STEP 3

Start coaching clients

Use your qualification to apply for gym roles, coach independently, or build your own fitness brand.

Meet Your Instructor

Learn from industry leaders with decades of real-world experience.
I started working in the fitness industry back in 2006 while completing my degree in sports management. I spent four years gaining as much experience as I could helping clients achieve their health and fitness related goals. In 2010 I opened my first gym in Balbriggan, and it went so well that we opened another gym in Malahide in 2012 and a third gym in Churchtown in 2014. While the gyms were doing really well, one of the limiting factors in growth was the quality of coaches, so in 2015 I opened an educational institute with the sole purpose of helping to raise the standard of personal training in Ireland. Over the last decade I have helped thousands of people realise their goal of becoming a qualified personal trainer and nutritionist. Many of those trainers have gone on to open their own facilities and businesses across the world and help thousands of their own clients improve their health. This is something that I take tremendous pride in.


I have been lucky enough to travel the world and learn from some of the most incredible doctors, physios, psychologists, performance coaches, and personal trainers. I have attended countless courses and seminars, completed numerous certificates, diplomas and even a masters. All of this knowledge and practical experience has allowed me to create a uniquely elite level course that will help you achieve your qualification but also prepare you to have the best chance at a successful career where you can have a meaningful impact on people's lives.


John Carroll - M.Ed, B.Sc

ready to begin?

Start your fitness career with confidence

Don’t wait—turn your passion for fitness into a rewarding career as a Certified Personal Trainer! With globally recognized certification, hands-on training, and career support, you're just one step away from making it a reality.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Still have questions?

Here are a few of the most common questions students ask before joining.

Absolutely. Most of our students have never coached before. If you’re passionate about fitness and love helping others, we’ll give you the skills, knowledge, and support to become a confident, qualified coach

Typically we recommend allowing 14 weeks to complete the course. This takes into account that most students will already have a fairly busy schedule between work, family and training. Some learners may need more or less time to complete the course but it is our mission to ensure that every student is adequately prepared to sit their exams. 

Yes! The qualification is accredited by ITEC and VTCT. We currently have students working in Australia, America, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Dubai, England, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Spain, South Africa and UAE.

Yes, we are licensed and insured and have received several certifications and accreditations.

That’s exactly who we built this for. The online modules are flexible, so you can study in the evenings or weekends. The 4 in-person workshops are spaced out and scheduled with plenty of notice.

Your income as a personal trainer can vary depending on how you choose to work — but the opportunity is huge.

Want a clearer idea of what YOU could earn?

We’ve put together a free guide that it breaks all down:

👉 Download the free guide here and see what’s possible for you

Yes - this course gives you the qualification, practical experience, and confidence to start your own personal training business.

Whether you want to work in a gym, train clients independently, or build an online coaching business, you’ll have everything you need to get started.

The Personal Training Academy
Transform your passion for fitness into a rewarding career.
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