No — the Level 2 Certificate in Group Training Sessions is a true entry-level qualification with no prerequisites. You don't need a previous fitness qualification, teaching experience or formal training background to get started. If you're passionate about fitness and serious about building a career in it, this is your starting point.

The course is fully self-paced — most learners complete it within 8 to 10 weeks working around their existing commitments. There are no fixed deadlines or cohort dates, so you work at whatever pace suits your schedule. You have up to 2 years from your enrolment date to complete your qualification.

With a Level 2 Group Training Certificate, you can lead group training sessions in gyms, leisure centres, health clubs, outdoor settings, corporate wellness environments and private practice. Many graduates go on to deliver bootcamps, functional fitness sessions, circuit classes and team training alongside other fitness work. The qualification also enables you to apply for professional insurance and begin charging for your sessions.

The Level 2 Group Training Certificate is delivered entirely online — there is no in-person classroom component as standard. If you're a gym, leisure operator or fitness business looking to upskill a team of staff, we do offer an in-house delivery option where we can run the course on a B2B basis at your venue. Get in touch with our team to find out more.

Yes. The Level 2 Certificate in Group Training Sessions is endorsed by CIMSPA — the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity — and carries 10 CIMSPA CPD points. As a CIMSPA Enhancing Status Education Partner, MFE delivers the qualification to the highest professional standards recognised by the industry.

Yes. EMD UK is the national governing body for group exercise in the UK, and on completion of the Level 2 Certificate in Group Training Sessions you'll be eligible to apply for EMD UK Professional Membership. Membership gives you professional recognition within the group exercise sector, access to CPD opportunities and the backing of the industry's governing body as you build your career. Details on how to apply are available directly through EMD UK.

Pure Energy Music is a professional music streaming platform specifically designed for fitness instructors, providing legally licensed tracks curated for cycling, group exercise and fitness classes. Using unlicensed music in a class is a legal risk — Pure Energy removes that entirely. Your MFE qualification includes a free trial plus an exclusive ongoing discount, so you can start building your class playlists immediately after qualifying.

Once you're qualified and teaching, the natural next step is adding specialist formats and skills. Studio Cycling is one of the most popular additions — a single-day qualification that lets you lead one of the most in-demand group exercise formats going. Pre-choreographed formats are another option — programmes like Les Mills classes (BODYPUMP, BODYCOMBAT, BODYBALANCE and others) each have their own instructor training and licence, and are hugely popular in gym and leisure settings. The more formats you can offer, the more hours you can fill and the stronger your position as an instructor.

Yes — beyond your qualification, most venues and all insurance providers will require two things before you step in front of a class. First, professional insurance — specifically public liability and professional indemnity cover, which protects you and your clients if something goes wrong. Second, a current First Aid qualification — most gyms and leisure centres require instructors to hold at least an Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate. MFE offers an Emergency First Aid course — a straightforward way to tick that box alongside your Group Training qualification.

As an MFE graduate, you'll get direct access to CoverMe — the app that connects qualified fitness instructors with venues looking for cover from day one. Whether you're building your regular timetable or filling gaps between your own classes, CoverMe gives you a live feed of cover opportunities near you. Once you're enrolled, you'll find your CoverMe registration link directly inside your MFE learning portal.

The course is £599 in full, or available on a 10-month payment plan at £59.90 per month by Direct Debit. Payment plan enrolment is handled at checkout.

You must be 16 or over to enrol. There is no upper age limit.