FAQ

Last updated: 19/11/2024

Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions. 

Enjoy…

Got more questions? Need more info ?

  • Don't hesitate to contact us by e-mail or by phone.
  • You're also very welcome to join one of our information sessions, PCA Meet-up.

1. What job opportunities are there for those who have studied with Physical Coaching Academy ?

The market is booming. And career opportunities are many and varied. Both clubs and clients are looking for qualified, reliable and certified trainers. Once you've completed your studies with PCA, you can offer future employers and clients this guarantee of professionalism.

A long list of options

Here are the main ones :

  • gyms, sports clubs 
  • Personal Training studios (maybe your own, one day…)
  • health and wellness centers
  • holiday clubs, spas
  • at-home training 
  • online training (individual or group)
  • training in companies
  • physiotherapists (interdisciplinary collaboration)
  • sports and leisure centers open to the public
  • ...

2. What are my employment options ?

As a trainer, you can work in a number of ways.

Employee

You could be employed by a sports facility (gym, Personal Training studio, sports club, etc.). In this case, you'll be bound to your employer by a fixed-term or permanent employment contract.

Self-employment

You can also set up as self-employed or create your own company. However, you must be able to demonstrate basic management skills.   

As a self-employed person, you have numerous options : set up your own Personal Training business/studio, train clients from home or work for a gym which uses self-employed trainers. 

Many chains and gyms work with freelance trainers. In this case, you'll be asked to make a financial contribution, either in the form of a monthly flat fee to access the premises and clientèle, or in the form of a percentage of the income you generate through this arrangement.

Self-employment sideline

You could also work as an employee (in a sports facility or elsewhere), while running your freelance Personal Training business as a sideline. 

More info : Belgium.be

3. Given the various courses on the market, how can I decide which best suits by aspirations and ambitions ?

You need to consider many factors when you're choosing a course. Let's look at the main ones.

The job you want

The Physical Coaching Academy program is designed for Personal Trainers, sports performance coaches and other sports and health professionals dedicated to their clients' physical and mental well-being. PCA offers a complete teaching package: basic programs, advanced programs, workshops and specializations mean that you can tailor your own learning journey.

The level of quality you're after

To be able to train your clients as effectively and safely as possible, it's vital that you've mastered basic anatomy, physiology and biomechanics. With our tutors, you'll discover just how exciting these topics are when linked to the role of a Personal Trainer.

Our teaching is based on the latest scientific research. In particular, we have worked since 2011 with NASMᵀᴹ (National Academy of Sports Medicine), the recognized world leader in its industry. We use their OPTᵀᴹ (Optimum Performance Training) model in our NASMᵀᴹ modules, and we are also inspired by this in our other programs. OPTᵀᴹ is a progressive and scientifically proven training process, tested on several thousands of individuals and numerous top athletes.

Our tutors, who are experts in their areas, take care to ensure a perfect balance of theory-based and practical learning. They are freelancers who have enjoyed career success. The quality of our teaching is down to their experience.

Finally, to produce high-level trainers, we regularly update our course content, according to both the latest scientific data and market trends. 

The spirit in which classes are taught

A quick word about our tutors : they are enthusiastic and experienced educators. They know how to transmit their knowledge and expertise to you, and how to share everything there is to know about the profession with you. But you and your fellow students also have an important role to play. Our tutors set aside ample time for group discussions and interaction. This is a constructive and motivating approach.

Your qualification is recognized in Belgium and internationally.

Physical Coaching Academy programs culminate in an exam (theory and/or practical), meaning that your qualification has true market value. We'll cover this in more depth in the next question.

Qualifications awarded by Physical Coaching Academy for the « Physical Trainer » and « NASMᵀᴹ Personal Trainer » programs are recognized across Europa by EuropeActive and mean that you are automatically listed in the EREPS register (level 3 for the Physical Trainer program and level 4 for the NASMᵀᴹ Personal Trainer program).

NASMᵀᴹ, the international leader in Personal Training courses, operates on every continent and is active in 35 countries. This is the most recognized and sought-after qualification internationally. 

4. Will PCA's reputation help your career ?

Without doubt. As a leader in Personal Training in Belgium, we are regularly consulted by fitness centers, training studios and physiotherapists looking to recruit trainers who have gained certification with us. 

Our reputation rests on two key points. Firstly, on the recognition from trainers who pass through the Academy,  and secondly, on the NASMᵀᴹ certified trainers who we alone in Belgium are able to certify.

Case in point : in January 2020, David Lloyd (the European leader in health and racquets clubs and gyms) entrusted the complete management all of the Personal Training services offered at its two Belgian clubs (Uccle and Antwerp) to Physical Coaching Academy.

In 2023, we entered into a similar partnership with Fit-Out, the largest fitness center in Belgium, located in the Ghent region.

Want to keep up-to-date with the latest news? 

We frequently post job opportunities which are passed to us on our Facebook and Instagram pages. Be sure to check them regularly.

5. Is it possible to pay for my course in installments?

Certainly, you have the option to pay for your course in 4 monthly installments, with no additional fees. The first payment is made at the time of the order, and the remaining 3 installments will be automatically deducted by the payment system approximately 30 days apart.

6. Are there any vouchers or grants available to fund your courses ?

In some cases, it may be possible to secure part funding for your course. This will depend on your situation and where your business is based. Click on the links below for further information.

In Belgium, if you are an employee in Joint Committee 314 (hairdressing, fitness, beauty care) → Education Allowance

In the Walloon region → Vouchers

7. Can I study remotely?

Some of our programs can be completed without you needing to attend in person. 

We offer 2 types of distance learning programs :

  • 100% pre-recorded programs

These can be completed whenever and wherever suits you :

These three courses can be ordered directly from the website by visiting the course page. The list is not exhaustive, and if you are interested in another specialization listed on the NASMᵀᴹ website, please don't hesitate to inform us via our contact form or email. We will then send you our best offer as soon as possible.

  • Blended learning

A mix of pre-recorded content (to watch at your convenience) and webinars to watch online (set timetable). Good to know: our Physical Trainer program will be available in this format from 2024.

8. Can you take our courses in France

Currently, we do not regularly organize training sessions in France. Occasionally, based on demand, we may schedule a session in the country. The dates will be available in our agenda. Please note that you also have the option to choose our 'accelerated' courses during the summer in Brussels (in July and August). This allows you to stay on-site for the duration of the course and reduce the need for travel to Belgium.

9. You live abroad but you want to study in Belgium. Is that an option ?

Our programs taught in English are run mainly in Brussels.

As the Belgian and European capital, the city of Brussels is well served by public transport and offers plenty of accommodation.

Transport

Accommodation

Summer School

Finding it tricky to free up one day a week? For some programs, we run a Summer School crash course : take all of your classes in one week.

10. Do the qualifications issued by Physical Coaching Academy expire ?

To remain at the cutting-edge of their industry, sports and health professionals must invest in their personal development and in continuing education. That's why organizations such as NASMᵀᴹ set an expiry date on their certifications. 

To extend the validity of their qualification, a NASMᵀᴹ certified Personal Trainer must complete 20 hours of continuing education (equivalent to 2.0 Continuous Education Units) every 2 years in an accredited educational center, such as PCA.

The CPR/AED module (CPR and using a defibrillator) also require recertification. Qualified first-aiders are invited to refresh their knowledge and skills every 2 years. All you have to do is take another day of education.

***

Up to you!

Your experience on this site will be improved by allowing cookies. More info