How to Write a Personal Trainer CV: Guide with Tips and Examples

In the health and wellness industry, where the pursuit of fitness and self-care is paramount, a career as a personal trainer can be immensely rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned fitness expert or newly qualified with little to no work experience, we show you how to write a good CV to help you stand out in this competitive field.

With the growing demand for fitness professionals, correctly presenting your skills, qualifications, and expertise is crucial. With the right personal trainer CV template that is also application tracking systems (ATS)-friendly, you can increase your chances of getting hired.

The CV writing process: Where to start?

Starting your CV might seem daunting, but it becomes a manageable process with the right approach. Your CV is a snapshot of your qualifications and skills, so beginning with a clear structure is crucial.

One essential step is to create a master CV before applying for jobs, including all your qualifications, certifications, and experiences. Then, create a tailored job-specific CV that focuses on your job targets. Ensure you regularly update your CV as it evolves with your career. Find out more about writing a master CV versus a job specific CV.

Customise this personal trainer CV example to get started

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Personal Trainer CV example 

Download this Personal Trainer CV example in PDF 

In this personal trainer CV sample, Henry emphasises his extensive experience in the fitness industry. He showcases five years of expertise and accomplishments in fitness program design, nutrition counselling, and client assessment. His Personal Training certificate and Sports Science degree underscore his knowledge and commitment to professional development. This professional CV template is well-formatted and includes vital sections that are relevant and tailored to his career goals.

What to include in a personal trainer CV? 

We recommend to start with contact information, including your full name, phone number, email address, and any social media profiles. Then, write a personal profile and briefly highlight your expertise and notable accomplishments. Then, list your educational background and relevant skills that align with the personal trainer jobs you are applying for. Generally, we suggest to present your career and educational history in a reverse-chronological order.

Include relevant licences, certificates and qualifications such as the Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training, first aid certification, and CPR training. You can also include specialist certifications tailored to your niche or areas of expertise, such as strength and conditioning or sports nutrition.

If you are shortlisted for a job interview, potential employers may request to see evidence of liability insurance and a passed enhanced background check. 

If you have just started writing your CV or are a newly certified personal trainer to apply for your first role, refer to our guide on improving your CV  for expert tips and ideas. 

Warm up with a well-written personal profile 

In your personal profile for a personal trainer CV, you should craft a concise yet impactful introduction showcasing your personality, attributes, skills and experience. Highlight your qualifications and any areas of speciality that distinguish you in the field.  Include your job title, relevant experience, years of experience if applicable, health and fitness goals, and any applicable soft skills. You want to show your commitment to helping clients achieve their own personal goals.

For more expert tips on how to write a personal profile, refer to our article.

Essential skills for a personal trainer CV 

You must showcase a diverse skill set on your CV, which includes hard and soft skills. This section must demonstrate your qualifications and ability to deliver exceptional fitness training and client experiences. 

Emphasise soft skills such as excellent communication, teamwork, and attention to detail while highlighting hard and technical skills such as physical fitness techniques and expertise in designing personalised fitness programs. Refer to our dancer CV example for more inspiration.

If you’re writing a newly qualified personal trainer CV or have little to no work experience, you should underscore your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Consider writing a skills-based CV to emphasise your transferable skills and qualifications instead of focusing on your work experience. Alternatively, if you have recently changed fields or transitioning roles, refer to our career change CV for more information.

Interested in a role similar to personal training? Browse our footballer CV example. Additionally, refer to our article for more guidance about what to include in the personal trainer CV skills section.

Work experience is the core of your CV 

As the fitness industry evolves and becomes more in demand, finding as much relevant work experience for your personal trainer CV as possible is essential. Showcase your practical skills, knowledge, and specialisations in the fitness industry in this section. For seasoned expert trainers, it's an opportunity to demonstrate a successful track record of helping clients reach their fitness goals. Here, emphasise your work history in fitness centres, gyms, private training, sports classes, and other specialised areas like sports conditioning or nutrition coaching. Refer to the sports CV example for more inspiration.

You can still impress potential employers if you're a recent school leaver or student with little to no work experience. Consider finding a part-time job, volunteer work, or internships that exhibit transferable skills. Any previous customer service-oriented roles can highlight your communication skills while volunteering at sports events will indicate your passion for fitness.

Candidates seeking more specialised personal training opportunities can explore many paths to enhance their skills and knowledge. For example, you can earn specialised certifications through apprenticeships or internships, which provide hands-on training and practical experience in a specific area. 

In this section, provide a clear, organised overview of your work responsibilities, emphasising your tasks and key achievements for each job in 3-4 sentences and then bullet points for specific achievements.

Work experience examples

Fitness Studio Trainer | FitLife Studios, Coventry, UK | 2021 - Present\ Conduct one-on-one and group training sessions, customising workout plans to individual client needs and fitness levels. Perform comprehensive fitness assessments to evaluate clients' strengths, weaknesses, and goals, creating data-driven workout strategies. Consistently meet or exceed client expectations by closely monitoring progress and adjusting training programs accordingly.

• Successfully led fitness challenges, resulting in an average 10% improvement in participants' strength and endurance.

• Achieved a 20% increase in client retention through personalised training programs.

• Implemented nutritional guidance, resulting in a 15% improvement in clients' overall health and fitness.

Gym Instructor | Peak Fitness Club, Birmingham, UK | 2019 - Present\ Instruct clients on proper equipment usage and exercise form, ensuring their safety and effectiveness in achieving fitness goals. Conduct comprehensive fitness assessments to evaluate clients' physical condition, strengths, weaknesses, and fitness goals. Provide ongoing guidance and motivation to clients, tracking their progress and adjusting exercise plans to ensure continuous improvement.

• Develop and recommend tailored exercise programs resulting in a 15% increase in gym membership conversions.

• Led various group fitness classes and received positive feedback from 100% of all participants in a survey.

• Achieved an impressive 20% improvement in clients' overall cardiovascular fitness levels through specialised cardiovascular training programs.

Apprenticeship Personal Trainer | ABC Fitness Center, London, UK | 2023 - Present\ Shadow and assist senior trainers in conducting comprehensive fitness assessments, gaining hands-on experience evaluating client levels and needs. Actively participate in workshops, seminars, and educational sessions led by experienced mentors. Assist in the overall operation of the fitness centre, ensuring equipment maintenance and gym cleanliness to provide a welcoming environment for members.

• Achieved an outstanding 80% pass rate in certification exams, demonstrating a solid commitment to professional growth.

• Assisted in conducting fitness assessments and received positive feedback, contributing to a 10% improvement in client satisfaction.

Personal trainer with little to no work experience:

Intern | XYZ Fitness Center, Manchester, UK | 2022 - Present\ Assist senior trainers in conducting fitness assessments and tracking client progress. Support the development of personalised workout plans for clients, promoting a positive training atmosphere. Actively pursuing additional certifications and staying updated on fitness industry trends.

• Collaborated with senior trainers in fitness assessments and contributed to a 15% increase in client satisfaction.

• Attained an exceptional 90% pass rate in certification exams.

Refer to our internship CV example for more inspiration.

Refer to our guide if you have little to no experience for more tips and guidance. Alternatively, read how to add work experience to your CV for additional practical examples.

Use these examples to get started

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Gain strength with the education section on your personal trainer CV 

Typically, employers do not request higher education qualifications for personal trainer roles, although if you have attended university or are plannning to, the most relevant subjects include:

• Fitness and personal training

• Health and fitness management

• Health, nutrition, and exercise science

• Personal training

• Sports science and personal training.

Here are other ways to gain educational qualifications on your CV:

• Online learning: Explore courses and webinars from UK-based providers like Future Fit and HFE. These platforms offer specialised and quick courses that you can complete at home. Find a course relevant to your career goals with the National Careers Service.

• REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals): REPs is a UK-based organisation accrediting fitness professionals. They offer various training courses and workshops in sports-specific training, exercise referral, and nutrition. Check their website for available courses. 

Examples of education:

• Advanced Nutrition Certification Nutrition Institute, Manchester, UK, 2018

• Personal Trainer Certificate, United Kingdom Fitness and Training Association, 2017

• Bachelor of Science in Sport Science University of Birmingham, UK, 2016.

For more guidance, refer to our article on how to master the education section on your CV.

Enhance your CV with courses and certificates

Though there are no specific educational requirements for becoming a personal trainer in the UK, specific qualifications are highly valued and will help you gain recognition from potential employers and clients.

It is, however, essential to obtain recognised certifications from accredited organisations. Qualifications like the Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training and Level 2 Gym Instructor are often preferred. These certifications cover essential topics such as fitness assessment, program design, and client interaction.

Consider enrolling in college courses like the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), which sets industry standards. 

Gaining certifications from recognised institutions such as UK Coaching or with professional bodies like (CIMSPA) is also beneficial. These credentials can be completed during academic studies, apprenticeships, or specialised training programs. Additionally, it is recommended to gain first aid qualifications, preferably one that includes a cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification. 

Learn how to add courses and certificates in your CV in our guide for more information. 

Show your motivation with additional sections 

In addition to including professional qualifications and work experience on your CV, you can showcase your motivation, interests, and accomplishments. Including an additional section will reveal your passion for personal growth and highlight your commitment to developing skills. Consider adding hobbies and interests on your CV and highlighting achievements relevant to your job targets to impress potential hiring managers and employers. 

Here are some ideas on how to become more specialised and enhance your CV:

• YMCA awards: This is a leading UK-based awarding organisation in the fitness industry. They offer a range of specialised qualifications and courses, including exercise for older adults, strength and conditioning, and more. Find out more about YMCA personal training opportunities on their website.

• Active IQ: This is another recognised awarding organisation in the UK that provides a wide array of fitness qualifications and specialisations. They offer courses in aquatic exercise, group training, and functional training.

• Fitness events and conferences: Attend UK-based fitness events and conferences such as Elevate, the UK's most extensive fitness and physical activity trade show, which often includes seminars and workshops on specialised fitness topics.

• Specialised workshops: Many fitness training providers in the UK offer specialised workshops and seminars. Look for providers like Premier Global NASM, Train Fitness, or Future Fit Training.

• Local gym chains: Some UK gym chains, such as David Lloyd Clubs, offer in-house training and development programs for their trainers, including specialised training in group fitness, functional training, and more.

• Professional associations: Join professional associations specific to the UK, such as the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA).

• Networking: Connect with fitness professionals in the UK through social media platforms, fitness forums, and industry events.

To pursue a client-focused role with similar skill sets, look at our CV examples for customer service, hospitality, and healthcare professions.

Key takeaways 

Writing a modern CV is essential to stand out in the competitive and evolving fitness industry. To impress potential employers, emphasise your certifications and qualifications from reputable organisations, showcasing your expertise and skills. Include client-focused work experience, specialised training and relevant accomplishments. Add relevant achievements, awards, and other recognitions that demonstrate to impress employers. If you’re an experienced trainer, conclude with references from satisfied clients or colleagues.

Next Steps? 

If you’re writing a newly qualified or have little to no work experience, use our expert CV Writing Service to craft a tailored CV and personal trainer cover letter to land your dream role. We can help you save time and effort when applying for your next job and increase your chances of success. For more inspiration, browse our collection of CV examples for popular professions in the UK.

FAQ 

What qualifications do I need to be a personal trainer in the UK? 

In the UK, you typically need a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training or an equivalent qualification accredited by organisations like REPs (Register of Exercise Professionals). Additional certifications and specialisations, such as nutrition or sports-specific training, can further enhance your CV.

How long does it take to become a personal trainer in the UK? 

The duration can vary based on individual circumstances, but it often takes 3 to 6 months to complete a Level 3 Diploma in Personal Training. If you pursue additional certifications or a higher educational degree, it may take longer.

Do personal trainers need a CV? 

You should have a CV when seeking employment opportunities and applying for certain roles. A well-structured CV should ideally be 1 page and highlight your qualifications, experience, and skills. Refer to our how long should a CV be article for more information.

What is a personal trainer's CV personal statement?

It is a brief introduction summarising your passion for fitness, dedication to helping clients achieve their goals, and commitment to professional development. Include your most relevant expertise and skills in this concise summary. It's an opportunity to make a strong first impression and pique the interest of potential employers or clients.