The fitness internship is a necessary requirement to ensure that all online PT students have achieved the required professional European standards at Level 4. 

The fitness internship is composed of 3 different elements:

1. Engaging in voluntary work within a fitness centre local to where you live. 
2. Supporting a mentor certified personal trainer within their own fitness business.
3. Serving a voluntary client to help them move towards their own health and fitness objectives. 

Students are required to accumulate a total of 40 hours of relevant industry experience across these 3 internship elements. Students willingly volunteer their time assisting fitness businesses within their local area in return for valuable work experience prior to graduation.  Students are required to maintain a detailed, verified record of the work they complete. This record is submitted for assessment.  

Yes! Our personal trainer online course is accredited through the European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPs) which means that the majority of European countries recognise the EREPs professional standards system and will recognise our graduates as professionally certified. Currently there are at least 29 countries in the European region that acknowledge EREPs certified students. There are also at least 12 non-European countries that deliver certifications aligned to the EREPs professional standards. 

This makes our personal trainer course a truly international certification programme recognised in more than 50 countries across 5 continents, allowing you to work as you travel the world!

Personal training certifications are typically valid for life,as long as you meet the continuing education requirements set by the certifying organisation.

Each certification body has its own renewal policies, but the general industry standard is to renew your certification every two years. This is usually done by completing approved Lifelong Learning Programs (LLPs) or continuing education credits to stay current with evolving industry knowledge and best practices.

The truth is, quality education isn’t meant to be easy. In fact, formal education is one of the most intellectually demanding and rewarding challenges we take on, especially in today’s fast-evolving fitness industry.

At NFE, we don’t promise shortcuts. Instead, we offer a structured, supportive, and flexible learning experience that helps you succeed, no matter your background. With the right guidance, resources, and commitment, becoming a qualified personal trainer is not just achievable, but transformative.

The most respected personal trainer certifications are those accredited by reputable industry bodies. In the United States, certifications with NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accreditation are considered the gold standard. In Europe, providers accredited by EREPS (European Register of Exercise Professionals) represent the platinum standard.

Choosing a certification with these accreditations ensures that your qualification meets the highest professional and educational benchmarks,recognised both nationally and internationally.

The relatively small financial investment in a quality personal trainer course is most definitely worth it! The average income of personal trainers in Europe in 2018 was between  €1400-2200 per month (*this average figure includes both part time and full time PTs), so the cost of the course will quickly be repaid. Full time PTs will likely earn much more than this monthly average. In addition, the quality PT education you receive will also ensure a lifetime of health-promoting knowledge and skills that will benefit your own health, wellbeing, and fitness too.

Absolutely, investing in a personal trainer education is both professionally and personally rewarding.

From a career perspective, it equips you with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to work in a rapidly growing, in-demand industry. A recognised certification opens doors to employment opportunities worldwide, increases your earning potential, and builds trust with clients.

But the value goes beyond career advancement. A quality personal training education also empowers you with a deeper understanding of human health, movement, and performance, insights that can transform your own life and positively impact those around you.

Like any meaningful pursuit, it requires time and effort, but for those passionate about fitness and helping others, it’s one of the most fulfilling investments you can make.

While being physically fit can be an advantage, you don’t have to look a certain way or be in peak condition to become a successful personal trainer.

What truly matters is your knowledge, professionalism, communication skills, and ability to guide others safely and effectively toward their fitness goals. Clients value trainers who are supportive, relatable, and educated, someone who understands both the science and the personal journey of health and fitness.

In fact, many successful trainers come from diverse backgrounds and use their own transformation stories to inspire others. So rather than focusing on a certain image of “fitness,” focus on becoming qualified, confident, and committed to helping others thrive.

You will have a total of 12 months or 365 days from your enrollment date to complete your NPTC course, encompassing the Fitness Assistant, Fitness Instructor, and Personal Training courses. Additionally, there is an option to extend this period by an additional 3 months, subject to possible charges.