In the UK, the baseline is a Level 3 personal trainer qualification from a recognised awarding organisation such as FOCUS Awards, ideally recognised by CIMSPA. That is the floor. It says someone met a standard. It does not, on its own, tell you they are any good, and it certainly does not qualify them for specialist work.
If you want help through pregnancy, an injury, or training over 40, ask what specific qualification covers that. Every trainer on this register lists the exact courses they hold for precisely this reason.
Any trainer worth hiring carries public liability insurance and holds a current first aid certificate. Both expire. Ask to see current proof, with the expiry date, before you start. A professional will not be remotely offended. Anyone who bristles at the question has answered it.
Testimonials on a trainer's own website are marketing. Google reviews are harder to fake and harder to curate. That is why this register links to each trainer's Google profile rather than running its own review system.
Before you commit, talk to them. A good trainer spends that conversation asking about you. A weaker one spends it selling a package. You can usually tell within ten minutes.
Does a personal trainer need insurance?
Yes. Any reputable personal trainer carries public liability insurance and should be willing to show you current proof. If they will not, walk away.
What qualification should a personal trainer have in the UK?
A Level 3 personal trainer qualification from a recognised awarding body such as FOCUS Awards, ideally recognised by CIMSPA. Specialist work needs specialist qualifications on top.
Choosing · vetting · what to expect · questions to ask