Frequently asked questions & answers
FAQ
PERSONAL TRAINER COURSE
How is the Personal Trainer program structured?
The certified Personal Trainer program at IPTA starts with an intensive two weeklong onsite part in Marbella. Thereafter it continues with 14 weeks of online studies, until the final theoretical exam. The duration of the program is totally 16 weeks.
WHAT IS THE SETUP FOR THE ONSITE PART OF THE PERSONAL TRAINER COURSE?
The onsite part of the PT course starts with a 12 days long intensive tutor-led education on site in Marbella. Classes are held 8 hours/day and divided into two blocks (am and pm). In the middle of the day 13.00 – 17.00 the students are free and can enjoy the beaches and the sun of Marbella.
WHAT IS THE SETUP FOR THE ONLINE PART OF THE PERSONAL TRAINER COURSE?
During the online part of the PT-course (14 weeks), there is a new module every week, focusing on a specific topic (nutrition, strength training, mobility etc.). There are live online classes, recorded lectures, and you are expected to read the weeks chapter in the course material. At the end of each week, a diagnostic test (optional) is done online.
During the online part you also have two home assignments to complete. The teachers are always available by e-mail/Skype in case you need help or have questions.
CAN I JOIN A PERSONAL TRAINER COURSE EVEN IF I DON’T INTEND TO WORK AS A PT?
Some people join the Personal Trainer courses just for their own sake. It’s completely fine if you want to do that. A Personal Trainer course provides invaluable knowledge to anyone who is interested in exercise, and it will certainly be of great benefit in your own training. You can thus become your own Personal Trainer and train smarter, get better results and prevent injuries.
WHY DON'T YOU HAVE A 100 % ONLINE COURSE IN PERSONAL TRAINING?
We focus on quality above all. An online PT course may be cheaper for the education provider and convenient for a student, but the quality would never be the same as with the blended learning approach we have.
On-line learning works fine for the theoretical parts of the education but there are many aspects of the profession that you can only learn trough face-to-face training.
During the practical sessions the students practice coaching/ training a client through role plays where they take turns being the PT/ client. The teachers are always present to give instant feedback so that each student can correct and improve what needs to be improved. These parts could never be done online.
Nutrition Coach course
What kind of work can I do as a Certified Nutrition Coach?
As a Certified Nutrition Coach, you can offer nutritional coaching to healthy individuals who want to achieve weight loss or weight gain, optimize health, increase general wellbeing, increase sports performance, change habits related to diet and physical activity etc. You are not qualified to work within the healthcare system or to help people with severe pathological conditions. Being a Nutrition Coach is not the same as being a Dietitian or Nutritionist. These educations require at least 4-5 years of university studies.
What is the setup for the online part of the Nutrition Coach course?
During the online part of the course there is a new module every week, focusing on a specific topic (e.g. Sports nutrition, Weight loss diets, Special populations etc.).
You will get a recorded lecture and are expected to read the corresponding chapter in the course material. At the end of each week, a diagnostic test (optional) is done online.
During this time, you should also coach “a client” for minimum four weeks and write a report based on your results.
The teachers are always available by e-mail/Skype in case you need help or have questions.
What is the setup for the onsite part of the Nutrition Coach course?
Classes are held 7 hours/day, 9-13 and 17-20. In the middle of the day the students are free and can enjoy the sun and beaches of Marbella.
EXAMS
Is the theoretical exam difficult?
We have high demands on our students. It is because we want them to be the best and distinguish themselves by their high level of competence and professionalism wherever they end up working.
The exam is not difficult if you have paid attention during the classes, read the material and done your home assignments.
What happens if I don’t pass the theoretical exam?
Students who do not pass the theoretical exam have the chance to do a reexam.
What happens if I don’t pass a practical exam?
Students who do not pass the practical exam at the first attempt will be given a new chance later on the same day, or the next day.
Courses costs and financing
Is it possible to get a scholarship or grant to study at IPTA?
Students from Sweden and some other Scandinavian countries can receive a government funded education grant for studies at IPTA. There are no other types of scholarships or grants at the moment
Is it possible to pay in installments?
It is possible to get an installment plan. The conditions vary depending on the country you live in. Contact us for more information
Do I get my money back if I have to cancel my course for some reason?
You can read about our terms for cancelations, refunding etc. in General terms & conditions (Link: https://theipta.com/terms-conditions
About IPTA
IS A CERTIFICATE FROM IPTA VALID ALL OVER THE WORLD?
IPTA is accredited by Europeactive (the world’s largest accrediting organization). Europeactive is recognized all over Europe and also in the US, Canada, Australia and many other parts of the world. A Personal Trainer certification from IPTA is therefore international and recognized worldwide.
HOW IS THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION AT IPTA?
The education at IPTA (personal training academy) has a high standard and the academy has been approved and accredited by the Europeactive, former EHFA (European Health and Fitness Association).
Career
How is the labour market for Personal Trainers?
The demand for qualified Personal Trainers has increased tremendously over the past 15 years and the trend is predicted to be continuing.
The leading fitness chains are constantly looking for new and competent Personal Trainers and other fitness professionals. At the same time, more and more Personal Trainers are working as self-employed/ freelancers at gyms and fitness centres. Smaller PT studios are also a growing trend.
According to the U.S. The Bureau of Labour Statistics the labour market for Personal Trainers in the US will grow substantially between until year 2024. Also, in the UK and the rest of Europe a steady increase is expected.
The demand for qualified Personal Trainers (especially female) is high in countries like the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi, Dubai), Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
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