The Difference Between a Physical Training Instructor (PTI) and a Personal Trainer (PT)

Within this article, we’re going to separate the key differences between the two job roles and provide you with further insight into how you can become a Personal Trainer or a PTI in the UK.

Contents: 

• What Is A PTI Job And How Does It Differ From A Personal Trainer?
• What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a PTI?
• What Qualifications Do I Need to Become a PT?
• Does The Salary of a PTI Differ From That of a PT?
• What Does a Typical PT Session Look Like?
• What Does a Typical PTI Session Look Like?
• Can I Become a Personal Trainer After Working as a PTI?

Ready to turn your passion for fitness into a lucrative career? Enquire about a personal training diploma here or download the OriGym course prospectus for more details. 

What is PTI Job and How Does It Differ From a Personal Trainer?

When presented with a question such as ‘what is a PTI?’, there is a fairly straightforward answer, which is that the acronym stands for Physical Training Instructor. 

However, this answer is far too simple and fails to explain the many differences between the role of a PTI and that of a personal trainer. 

To the untrained eye, these two roles could be identical and only separated in name alone, but this section is dedicated to analysing how vastly they differ.

First and foremost, a PTI course is typically not recognised as a civilian qualification, as it can only be accredited by the armed forces, and is only accessible to individuals who are listed within the ranks of the armed forces. 

In contrast, a Level 3 Personal Trainer Diploma is accessible to everyone in the general public, with the only prerequisite at OriGym being that applicants must be over the age of 16. 

As a PTI you will be tasked by your Commanding Officers with the responsibility of maintaining the physical fitness of other soldiers. This role requires a high level of knowledge and experience in order to design and implement training regimes. 

In contrast to this, the roles and responsibilities of personal trainers are somewhat different, as you aren’t training your clients for combat purposes, just their individualised goals. 

The word ‘individualised’ is stressed here, as each personal training client will have goals that are unique to their desires. 

On the other hand, physical training instructors will have the task of ensuring that each soldier performs at the peak level of fitness, making their goals somewhat of a blanketed practice. 

An argument could be made that a fitness class instructor operates in a similar manner to a PTI, as this training includes multiple clients who share a similar goal.

However, the difference remains that the clients are in charge of their own goals, rather than a higher power such as a Commanding Officer. 

But one similarity that the two practices share is that they both can take place in a variety of locations. As a personal trainer, you could realistically work from locations such as:

• Gyms
• Fitness centers 
• Private locations 
• Parks 
• Clients homes
• Pools

Similarly, PTI in the army will work from locations including:

• Military bases 
• Assault Courses 
• Navy Ships
• Naval Air Stations

Whilst these different locations aren’t identical, they highlight the versatile locations that both PT and PTI jobs can take employees. 

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a PTI?

With these differences in mind, you may now be questioning what qualifications are needed to become a PTI?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as one might expect, as PTIs in the UK need to receive different qualifications depending on which branch of armed forces they wish to enter, be it:

• The Army
• The Navy 
• The RAF

In order to simplify all of these processes for OriGym readers, we’re going to break each qualification down step-by-step.

#1 - Prerequisites Needed to Enrol on PTI Army Courses 

Applicants who are interested in enrolling on the All Arms Physical Training Instructor (AA PTI) course must adhere to a strict list of prerequisites before they advance through to the qualification itself.

Due to the intense physical demands of this role, the Armed Forces only want candidates who are at the very peak of physical fitness. Therefore, if you fail to meet any one of these prerequisites you simply won’t move on to the next stage of the qualification. 

As stated in the screenshot provided by Bootcamp Military Fitness Institute, British Army PTIs will need to complete three distinct entrants tests, making it one of the best jobs to stay healthy. 

Detailed information is given in relation to the Annual Fitness Test, but the other two exams consist of:

• Military Swim Test (MST) - Conducted during the morning, and requires applicants to tread water for 2 minutes, swim for 100m, and get out of the water unaided 
• Combat Fitness Test (CFT) - A distance of 8 miles under undulating terrain whilst carrying 25kg weight. This should be completed in under 1 hour and 50 minutes.

The completion of these entry exams will successfully secure your place on the PTI army courses. Usually, instructors will leave some room for resits, but these will typically take place the following day, leaving you very little room to rest.

#2 - General Outline of the AA PTI Course

Now that we have shed some insight into the British Army PTI prerequisites, we can shift our focus onto the content of the qualification itself. 

For reference, the AA PTI course curriculum consists of the following modules:

• How to Deliver Physical Training
• How to Deliver Recreational Training 
• Conducting Physical Tests 
• Designing a PT Program 
• Taking a Health Trainer Course 
• Implementing Health and Safety 
• Conducting Job-Related Administrative Tasks 
• Describing human anatomical components and exercise physiology

In order to become recognised as an army, PTI in the UK candidates must pass through all of these modules. This occurs once the following assessments are completed:

• The principles of warm-up, the aerobic curve and cool down.
• The principles of lifting and carrying, and pushing and pulling
• Motivating and communicating effectively with clients.
• A variety of individual and group teaching skills.
• How to respond to health and safety issues in a variety of fitness environments.
• How to program safe and effective exercise for a range of clients, the health benefits of physical activity and the importance of healthy eating.

Develop the skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and conduct gym- and outdoor-based exercise programmes and sessions with apparently healthy adults; both individuals and groups, including:

• Circuit training (role, variations and circuit dose)
• Interval and fartlek training
• Speed training and running drills
• Strength training
• Skill training
• Endurance training
• Plyometrics training
• Multi-stage fitness test (MSFT)

Develop the skills and knowledge required to plan, prepare and conduct outdoor-based military functional exercise programmes and sessions for groups, including:

• Basic Personal Fitness Assessment (BPFA)
• Basic Combat Fitness Test (BCFT)
• Advanced Combat Fitness Test 1 (ACFT1)
• Advanced Combat Fitness Test 2 (ACFT2)
• Military Swimming Test (MST)
• Combat Military Swimming Test (CMST)
• Logs, ash poles and medicine balls (indoors and outdoors)
• Obstacle course
• Command tasks

Anatomy and Physiology Modules 

Modules within the curriculum include

• Health & Safety
• Conducting Risk Assessments
• Various Sports & Team Games
• Treating Injuries (delivered by qualified medical representatives from the Royal Army Medical Corps)
• Developing and Implementing Training Programmes
• Communication Techniques

But the assessments don’t end there, as PTI army courses also feature gymnastics assessments on three different levels (basic, intermediate, and advanced). These are specifically designed to promote strength, stamina, speed, and flexibility.

For those wondering ‘what is a PTI gymnastic assessment?’, candidates must complete the following examinations:

• Floor Skills 
• Vault Skills
• Beam Springs
• Rope Climbing

As evident from the mass amount of assessments involved, this qualification is highly specific, and not for the light-hearted. It is both physically and psychologically demanding, and should only be pursued if you are truly passionate about becoming a PTI in the army. 

On average, it is estimated that becoming a PTI in the UK army takes 30-weeks to complete. 

This is a significantly longer process than most personal training qualifications, and is a huge commitment. 

Even more so when you take into account that PTI army courses require successful graduates to take a refresher course every 5 years (no exceptions). 

It should also be worth noting that the British army assesses men and women on different levels during the fitness test. An example of the grading structure for this entire process can be found in the screenshot provided above.

Once this is completed you will be recognised as an army PTI in the UK, following this you will then be assigned employment locations by your Commanding Officers.

Keep in mind this qualification will ONLY certify you to work as a PTI in the army. For applicants who wish to enter professions in the Royal Navy or RAF, you must complete a different certification.

#3 - Prerequisites Needed to Enrol as a Royal Navy Physical Training Instructor

The Royal Navy Leading Physical Trainers Qualifying Course (LPTQC) certifies individuals to work as a PTI within the Naval sector. 

There is only ONE available location to study this qualification in England, and all interested applicants must train on HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth.

As with the AA PTI Course you must complete a series of prerequisites in order to become a Royal Navy physical training instructor. These include:

• Navy Phase 1 Training: Militarisation 
• Navy Phase 2 Training: Professional Training
• Complete an Aptitude Test 

For more information on what these phases consist of, please refer to the screenshot provided above from the Royal Navy Website.

Candidates must also complete an Aptitude Assessment across a total of 2 days. 

But just to provide an insight of how competitive the role of a Royal Navy physical training instructor is, these assessments only happen 3 times a year, with only 10 applicants allowed on each assessment.

This aptitude test includes:

Day One

• Uniform Inspection
• Short biography regarding why candidates wish to transfer and become a Royal Navy personal trainer instructor
• 2.4km Run
• Squad run around the seafront 

Day Two

• Candidates must present a talk to assessors discussing issues relating to today’s Naval fitness
• Complete a series of physical and theoretical tests to assess fitness and knowledge levels

Please note, information relating to these tests is not as accessible to the general public as the AA PTI course, and we are unable to provide you with exact details. 

Furthermore, because the LPTQC is focused on current issues, the assessments may change over the course of every year, or even monthly. 

Therefore, interested applicants should stay up-to-date with any industry changes or developments on the Royal Navy’s official website.

#4 - General Outline for the LPTQ

Now that you have a better understanding of the prerequisites for the LPTQC, you may be questioning ‘what is a PTI naval course and what does it entail?’. 

In comparison to other PTI courses in the armed forces, the LPTQ is somewhat more straightforward and takes a total of 26 months to complete.

We must once again make reference to the competitive nature of the LPTQC. For reference, following the aptitude assessment of the 30 applicants, the following were approved:

• 15 applicants in 2015
• 15 applicants in 2016
• 10 applicants in 2018

Successful candidates will learn how to become a Royal Navy physical training instructor through the following modules:

Adventurous Training Leadership

• Sailing 
• Rock Climbing
• Abseiling 
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking 

Different Methods and Modalities of Fitness  

• Instructional techniques 
• Circuit Training both theoretical and practical
• Weight Training both theoretical and practical
• Weight Management
• Advanced Anatomy and physiology
• Sports and exercise science 
• Sports injuries
• Fitness Testing
• Strength and Conditioning
• Diet and Nutrition
• Sports administration
• Basic Coaching and officiating numbers of sports
• First aid
• Royal Life Saving Lifeguard

Upon the completion of this course successful applicants will officially be recognised as a Royal Navy physical training instructor. Following this qualification, you will obtain the skills and benefits as seen in the screenshot provided above.

We can now shift our focus to look at the final PTI course for the RAF.

#5 - Prerequisites to Become a PTI in the RAF

The RAF offers the ONLY PTI course which is also eligible for civilians too, rather than being exclusively for serving members.

However, neither party gets preferential treatment and all interested parties must complete the same prerequisites. These include:

• Be aged 16 – 47 years old (Must enrol before 48th birthday)
• Have GCSE at Grade C/4-5 or SCE Standard Grades at Grade 2/Scottish National 5 in English Language and Maths
• Be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth
• Commit minimum 3 years post Phase Two Training
• Meet the health and fitness criteria
• Pass the Airman Selection Test
• Pass a Fitness test 

The airman selection test is an aptitude assessment, which is used to determine whether an applicant is suitable for a role within the RAF. 

A mock examination can be found on the RAF website, but please be aware that although some sections may not be relevant to become a PTI in the UK. This is due to the fact that the test is a generic assignment suitable for uncovering any strengths and weaknesses candidates may have.

The fitness test is a little different and, much like the Army PTI course, can be influenced by the candidate’s gender. 

On top of being asked to perform both sit-ups and press-ups, candidates will also take part in a multistage bleep test. 

Following the completion and final results of these fitness tests, successful applicants will be able to advance towards the RAF’s PTI course.

#6 - RAF PTI Course

Due to the fact that this course is open to civilians as well as serving members, this is somewhat of a complicated qualification process, which requires a great amount of physical and educational training on the applicants behalf.

Candidates will spend 3 days on this PTI course, located at the RAF training school in Cosford. Here, applicants will demonstrate their motor skills through tests designed to challenge their physical endurance, as well as verbal skills through an intense interview process.

For those still wondering ‘what is a PTI assessment in the RAF?’, we can provide detailed clarity by stating that applicants will be tested in the following areas:

• Written Test 
• Cardio-respiratory BLEEP Test
• Endurance Test
• Indoor Group Control & Management Tasks
• Transferable Motor Skills
• Stamina & Physical Courage Assessment
• Swimming Test

Depending on their performance in each area of this PTI course, candidates will score a mark ranging from 1-4, with 4 being the highest possible mark available. 

However, please be aware that during these assessments you are scored in relation to your performance against peers.

Furthermore, even successful applicants cannot be guaranteed a job role, which signifies just how competitive this industry can be. 

Those who are unsuccessful may be invited to take part in another assessment at a later date, but this is not guaranteed. 

However, if you’re successful in receiving a placement, the RAF will contact you directly in regard to your placement and salary.

This covers all of the available PTI courses available to residents of the UK. 

It’s also important to note that all three courses have been professionally endorsed by CIMSPA, who seek to ensure that qualification holders can enter the sport and physical activity sector upon transitioning to adult life. 

However, whilst CIMSPA endorsed these qualifications they have not been regulated by bodies such as Ofqual. 

This means that qualified PTI in the UK may struggle to find work when re-entering civilian life. Without this, employers have no proof that the certification you hold has been regulated by the government, to certify you as an educator. 

Instead, employers may prefer candidates who hold personal training qualifications which have been recognised by governing bodies such as Ofqual.

–

If you’re enjoying learning about the differences between Physical Training Instructors and a Personal Trainers we think you’d like these other articles:

• Become a Personal Trainer
• Highest Paying Fitness Jobs
• Best Short Courses For Jobs

What Qualifications Are Needed to Become a PT?

Now that we have answered the question ‘what is a PTI course and qualification?’, we can shift our focus on discussing a personal training diploma.

As stated within the previous section, at OriGym our Personal Training Diploma has been regulated by Ofqual and is endorsed by CIMSPA. This certifies it to be an industry-leading qualification that is sure to impress potential employers.

We also have an ISO:9001 accreditation, a symbol of excellence and quality for our teaching.

Even better yet, this personal training diploma will certify you with BOTH: 

• Level 2 Fitness Instructor Qualification
• Level 3 Personal Trainer Qualification 

This qualification effectively teaches you how to become a personal trainer in a manner that best suits your needs and existing schedule.  This is due to the fact we provide students with the option to study with us on the following basis:

Full-Time: This takes an average of 4 weeks to complete and will be conducted from one of OriGym’s training centres. Once enrolled on this course you will attend training Monday - Friday in both theoretical and practical learning sessions.

Blended Learning: This learning pathway takes an average of 8 weeks to complete. Applicants who choose this learning pathway will undertake both theoretical work on the e-learning platform, as well as practical learning during workshops.

Online: This course takes an average of 12 weeks to complete, but there are no set deadlines meaning that you can realistically take as long as you wish. Throughout the duration of this course, you will learn from OriGym’s state-of-the-art e-learning platform.

Therefore, one of the immediate comparisons we can make between the personal training qualification, and that of the PTI course, is that there is significantly less pressure within this timeframe. 

Furthermore, if you have to take any resits, you will receive the support of our team of expert tutors, and are able to resit immediately.

We can also reassure all potential students that regardless of which way you choose to study, everyone will learn from the same modules, a fact that greatly differs from the various PTI courses available.

These modules include:

• Anatomy, physiology and kinesiology for exercise and health
• Principles of health and wellbeing for exercise, fitness and health
• Applying nutritional principles to personal training
• Programming Personal Training Sessions
• Delivering exercise programmes for Personal Training sessions
• Learning The Business 

Once you have completed this course you can officially begin to apply for jobs as a personal trainer. For further advice on the type of roles you can pursue, check out our YouTube video specifically dedicated to Personal Trainer Careers.

We believe in setting our students up for success, which is why we choose to provide a business module. Without this knowledge and training, you may struggle to find employment due to a lack of industry experience.

Some argue that personal training courses are more beneficial for individuals to have, as the employment opportunities are significantly greater compared to that of PTI in the UK.

As a physical training instructor, you can only work in PTI-specific roles, and even when you receive a qualification from a PTI course there is no guaranteed job.

Furthering this idea, due to the fact that their qualifications are not Ofqual regulated, many PTIs will have to retrain as personal trainers following their re-entry to civilian life.

In contrast, a simple search for personal trainer jobs can pull up thousands of jobs, as evident from the screenshot above. 

Personal training certifications also don’t require any refresher courses, but do offer trainers the opportunity to grow, with specialist Level 4 qualifications in areas such as:

• Advanced Sports Nutrition
• Obesity & Weight Management 
• Lower Back Pain Management 
• Diabetes Control & Weight Management 

It's easy to see why these qualifications can help you work in a gym, with a personal training qualification 

From looking at these qualifications alone, it’s easy to see why personal training qualifications can be regarded to be more beneficial. 

However, one of the most decisive factors for many budding fitness professionals is salary, which is what we’ll compare next.

Does The Salary of a PTI Differ From That of a PT? 

As with any job role, the estimated salary can sway hopeful candidates either towards or away from the profession. 

With this in mind, many may be now questioning the difference between the salary of a personal trainer and that of PTI.

Let’s break down each proposed salary individually.

#1 - The Salary of a Personal Trainer

The salary of a personal trainer could drastically change depending on a variety of factors such as:

• Number of hours worked
• Amount of experience 
• Contract vs Freelance 
• Location

According to Payscale, the average salary for a personal trainer is £24.87 an hour, which can result in a yearly earning of anywhere between £18k - £86k. 

From this alone we can state that this has the potential to be a highly lucrative and rewarding career. 

However, we must acknowledge that these figures should be taken with a pinch of salt, as they are not set in stone and are merely made up of statistics provided by the website’s users.

Furthermore, the site does not take into account the amount of experience a personal trainer has. 

For example, qualified personal trainers who have years worth of experience, could theoretically charge even more than £24.87, thus increasing what is already a pretty appealing salary. 

Therefore, we can say with confidence that the salary of a personal trainer has limitless potential, you really can earn as much or as little as you wish. 

But how does this compare to the likes of PTIs in the UK?

#2 - The Salary of a British Army PTI 

According to Glassdoor, the average salary of a PTI instructor in the British army hovers between £34k-£51k. 

Whilst this salary may seem incredibly rewarding and tempting, we once again have to be somewhat skeptical about the statistics presented.

As evident from the screenshot above, only 4 Glassdoor users submitted statistics that make up this proposed salary. 

This is in contrast to the 331 personal trainers who contributed to the evidence provided in the section above.

Therefore, we could argue that this salary may not be entirely reflective of the role, with Glassdoor even reporting that they have ‘low confidence’ in the statistics presented.

We’d encourage all our readers to do their own research into the proposed salary of a British army PTI, before pursuing their initial qualification. 

It may even boil down to being offered more or less than the salary proposed above, due to your previous experience within the army itself. 

If you are already enlisted, arrange to have a conversation with your commanding officer, in order to gain clearer insight on this matter.

#3 - The Salary of a Royal Navy PTI

The salary of a Royal Navy physical training instructor is significantly easier to determine, as it is readily accessible to the general public.

From the Royal Navy’s website, we can clearly see that new applicants will receive a total of £15,000 per year. 

However, upon the completion of their LPTQC, the potential is there for candidates to earn a total of £31,000 per year.  

This is a very appealing salary, one that could appeal to many Naval recruits who are looking to advance their military careers. 

However, we’d like to remind readers that the LPTQC qualifies less than 20 candidates every year, meaning that the chances of earning this pay rise are somewhat slimmer when compared to the likes of a PT.

#4 - The Salary of a PTI in The RAF

Some would argue that the RAF’s PTI course is the most appealing as there is a guaranteed salary increase upon the completion of training.

The statistic above has even been guaranteed by the RAF and features on the recruitment site as one of the most appealing aspects of this job role. 

Applicants will receive £16,235 per year during their initial training period, which will then significantly increase to £28,500+ per year after 6 months.

However, when we compare all three salaries of PTI in the UK, none of them are as financially rewarding as that of a personal trainer. 

This is due to the fact that the salaries of a PTI in all three armed forces are capped to a certain extent by your commanding officers. 

In contrast, personal trainers have limitless potential and can earn as much or as little as they wish. 

If you’re looking for financial guidance on how to earn more as a personal trainer, why not check out our article detailing how to create PT pricing packages.

What Does a Typical PT Session Look Like?

With this salary information in mind, many may be questioning whether a personal trainer’s salary is higher to reflect the difficulty of their job role. 

Some would argue that the PT has a somewhat greater challenge on their hands, as they have to adapt their teaching style to each individual client. 

This skill is one of the key factors that make a good personal trainer - you have to meet your clients needs, and must create tailored programs that suit their present fitness levels, and future goals.

Furthermore, personal trainers will only have limited time to work with their clients, with the average session usually lasting around 1 hour. 

This is in contrast to PTI who will work with their recruits for a significant amount of time every day, in order to prepare them for deployment.

For this reason, many PTs will attempt to develop short but effective workout programs that clients can execute on their own. For this reason, the crafted workouts should not be over complicated and accessible to a variety of skill levels. 

When it comes to important skills that personal trainers need to know, crafting workouts is by far top of the list. 

Without this knowledge, you simply won’t be able to function as a PT, and will soon develop a negative reputation among clients.

We’d recommend dedicating time each day to learning how to effectively plan sessions, and ensuring you’re fully familiar with your clients’ needs and goals. 

What Does a Typical PTI Session Look Like?

This section is dedicated to answering ‘what is a PTI session and what does it look like?’. 

We have made some reference to the many differences between these job roles throughout this entire article, but the main difference between PT and PTI sessions is the purpose behind the training. 

For the PTI session there are no individualistic goals, regardless of whether you’re employed by the Army, Royal Navy or RAF. 

Instead, the purpose behind these sessions is to prepare members of the armed forces for deployment.

Furthermore, the candidates being trained will have very little one-to-one interaction with the PTI. This means that instead of adapting the routine to suit their needs, physical training instructors will guide trainees through a princess that has been designed and approved by a higher power.

These routines will largely consist of drills that are designed to improve the endurance and strength of the armed forces recruits.

Due to these training regimes being used by the military not much is known about the exact details, but they’re likely to be geared towards improving your cardiovascular fitness and endurance.

However, something that we do know is that these sessions do not have a set amount of allotted time. 

This means that they can run for whole days, depending on the training process implemented at the time. 

Therefore, we can conclude this by saying PTI in the UK have very little creative freedom and independence when it comes to their training process.

Can I Become a Personal Trainer After Working as a PTI?

Throughout this article, we have compared both PT and PTI courses, but you don’t necessarily have to choose one over the other. In fact, it’s entirely possible to hold both.

If you are a former physical training instructor who has or is about to, re-enter civilian life, you may be questioning what your next career move is. 

In this instance, you can absolutely become a personal trainer, but you must ensure to become properly qualified first.

If you decide to pursue this career, you can actually receive financial support and have up to 80% of your personal training courses funded by ELCAS (Enhanced Learning Credits), with you simply paying 20% of the cost upfront.

So, how does this funding work?

The scheme is available for members of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and the sum of funding available rises depending on the number of years served. 

The great thing about the scheme is that it supplies ex-military members with an upfront payment, which they can use to complete nationally-recognised qualifications.

The money is made available for course fees so that you can retrain in your desired sector. 

All you need to do is check that your course provider is recognised by ELCAS, and make sure they provide nationally-recognised qualifications at Level 3 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework (England, Northern Ireland, and Wales), and Level Six or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Before You Go!

This article was created for the purpose of answering the question ‘what is a PTI and how does it differ from a PT?’, with the aim of dispelling misinformation, and providing clarity for those in a military career. 

We encourage all our readers at OriGym to thoroughly research each job advertisement they apply for, regardless of whether it's for a physical training instructor or personal trainer.

If you’re interested in exploring the latter, OriGym can help you to launch a career with our industry-leading personal training diploma, where you’ll receive support 7 days a week from our expert team.

If you’re already qualified, you can also check out our list of courses you can complete to become a Level 4 Personal Trainer. They're qualifications specifically designed to help further your career.