Fitness professionals can now gain advanced skills in personal training after Active IQ launched a new qualification standard.

A Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Personal Training has been developed in response to demand from operators who want individuals to meet evolving and broad ranging needs and goals of their members.

Before, there were few further areas for development for experienced personal trainers (PTs) unless they wanted to pursue exercise referral and special populations.

The new certification consists of two units: applied techniques to support, enhance and manage the client journey; and progressing clients towards successful achievement of goals.

The standard will provide learners with knowledge and skills to understand their clients, use an evidence-based approach to programming and develop a successful and sustainable personal training business.

It will be assessed through a series of presentations and Q&A sessions which can be conducted ‘face-to-face’ on site or remotely through scheduled web meetings. These presentations allow PTs to present and discuss the progress they are making with their clients at regular intervals over an extended timeframe.

Jenny Patrickson, Active IQ managing director, said: “The PT market is becoming increasingly competitive and fitness professionals need a wider skill set and modern approach to differentiate themselves.

“At the same time, today’s clients’ needs are more complex than ever before and a scientific-based approach to their programming is required to ensure success. By providing advanced training to experienced PTs, we can help them offer a wider scope of services, take on more complex client needs and excel in their field.

“As we strive to drive up standards and professionalise our PT workforce, we need to ensure challenging and insightful training programmes are available to really bring out the best in trainers.”