How to become a personal trainer in the Netherlands: courses in English

Updated: November 2026

To become a personal trainer in the Netherlands, you normally take two courses: a fitness trainer course at level 3 and a personal trainer course at level 4. You don't need any prior education, and at Sport & People you can do both in English. Most people take about 10 months, studying from home or in a classroom group.

We often get this question from people who have moved here and don't speak Dutch yet, or who want a qualification they can also use elsewhere in Europe. So here is how it works, including the parts that are less convenient.

Do you need a diploma to work as a personal trainer?

Legally, no. Personal trainer is not a protected title in the Netherlands, so anyone can use it. In practice, it is hard to get started without a recognised diploma. Gyms usually ask for one, and clients want to know that you have been properly trained and assessed.

The route, step by step

You start with Fitness Trainer A (EREPS level 3). This is where you learn anatomy, exercise physiology, nutrition and how to write a training programme. You also learn how to guide people safely on the gym floor. There are no entry requirements other than a minimum age of 16.

The next step is the Personal Trainer ACE course (EREPS level 4). Now the focus moves to working one-on-one with clients. For this course you need a level 3 diploma or equivalent, and you have to be at least 18.

Both courses end with exams and an internship at a gym you choose yourself. Fitness Trainer A has a theory exam of 60 multiple-choice questions, and you need at least 40 correct answers to pass. You also keep a portfolio during your internship and finish with a practical exam. Once you have passed, we register you with EREPS. The first year of registration is on us.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

You can take the courses separately, but if you already know you want to become a personal trainer, the PT Pro Package English is the better deal. It combines both courses for less money.

These are the regular prices in November 2026, including course materials and exams. Any current offer is shown on the course page. With the package you save € 291 on home study or € 975 in the classroom, and you can spread the cost over 12 monthly instalments at no extra charge.

Home study or classroom?

With home study you can start the same day and decide for yourself when you study. There is a monthly Q&A with the instructor. It suits people who work full-time or have irregular hours, but you do need the discipline to keep going. The access period is 8 months per course, so a busy month won't ruin your plans.

In the classroom you learn with an instructor and a group of fellow students, on fixed class days. Fitness Trainer A in English runs in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You pay more, but if you know you'll struggle to study alone, the structure is often worth it. The start dates are on the course dates page.

Is the certification recognised?

Our English-language courses are recognised by EREPS, the European Register of Exercise Professionals. It is part of EuropeActive and shows your level in a public register, so an employer or client can look you up. That is useful if you might work in another European country later on, although requirements differ per country and per employer.

There is one thing you should know before you enrol. The English-language courses do not lead to an NL Actief diploma. NL Actief is the Dutch industry organisation, and many Dutch gyms know that diploma well. If you speak Dutch and plan to stay in the Netherlands long-term, our Dutch-language PT Pro package gives you both NL Actief and EREPS.

The level 4 course follows the method of the American Council on Exercise, and Sport & People is the exclusive ACE partner in the Benelux. If you want a certification that is also known outside Europe, you can take the optional American ACE exam at a test centre in Veenendaal.

Do you need to speak Dutch?

Not for the course. The lessons, study materials and exams are all in English. At work it depends on the gym and on your clients. In cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam plenty of people are happy to train in English, and some trainers build their whole client base around that. If you want to work at a local gym in a smaller town, some Dutch will help.

What can you earn?

As a fitness trainer at level 3 you are usually employed by a gym, at € 2,598 to € 2,832 gross per month for 40 hours. As a personal trainer at level 4 you usually work for yourself and charge € 50 to € 65 per session. Say you train 20 sessions a week: that comes to € 4,335 to € 5,635 in revenue per month, and about 30 to 40 percent of that goes to costs and tax. These amounts are based on the NL Actief pay scales from 1 January 2026 and the study Personal Training in Nederland by Wolfhagen and Wouters.

Starting out as a self-employed trainer

Most personal trainers in the Netherlands work as freelancers (zzp'ers). You register with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KVK), take out professional and business liability insurance, and agree with a gym or studio on rent and working hours. Finding your first clients often takes longer than people expect, so many trainers start part-time or combine it with a job at a gym.

Frequently asked questions

Can I become a personal trainer in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch?

Yes. You can take the courses in English, and many clients in the larger cities are happy to train in English.

How long does it take to become a personal trainer?

About 10 months with the PT Pro Package English. With home study you set your own pace, and it takes 8 to 10 months on average.

Do I need prior education?

No. You start with Fitness Trainer A, which has no entry requirements other than a minimum age of 16. For Personal Trainer ACE you have to be at least 18.

Do I have to find my own internship?

Yes. You choose a gym or fitness club near you. If you can't find a place, your instructor will help you.

Can someone else pay for the course?

Possibly. Under certain conditions your employer or UWV can pay for all or part of the course.

Not sure which route suits you? Have a look at the PT Pro Package English, or give us a call on 085 30 32 812 and we'll talk it through with you.