Programme overview
Ignite your career with the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise! Learn how to create and deliver personalised exercise programmes—and master the art of leading fun and effective group exercise classes.
This hands-on course will empower you to motivate, engage, and inspire people to achieve their fitness goals. You'll stay ahead of the curve by learning cutting-edge industry trends and coaching techniques that are proven to work.
Plus, you'll gain the essential marketing and business skills you need to be successful in a competitive industry or launch your own fitness venture. Turn your passion for exercise into a dynamic and rewarding career—apply now and start making a difference in people’s lives!
You'll Gain
- Insights into health and fitness testing, assessment, and the design and delivery of exercise programmes tailored to individual needs.
- Scientific exercise knowledge including anatomy, physiology, and evidence-based nutritional principles.
- Cutting-edge exercise techniques, delivery methods, and programming for individuals with diverse needs
- Motivational techniques to inspire clients to reach their goals.
- Professional skills to ensure client-focused success.
- Cultural understanding and competencies for today's diverse exercise environment.
- Business and marketing concepts, tools and techniques to launch, manage, and grow your own fitness practice.
Highlights
- Instant Industry Recognition: NZ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) listing upon graduation.
- Flexible Study Options: Choose from day or evening part-time options available over one year.
- Practical Skill Development: Acquire hands-on skills to launch your career immediately.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from passionate, industry-connected professionals.
- Work Experience Opportunities: Complete at least 55 hours of facilitated work experience with a partner Exercise organisation.
- Exclusive Access: Enjoy access to a range of exercise facilities while you study.
- Pathway for Advancement: Option to extend your studies by one semester to gain the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-Sector).
REPs registration
Upon successful completion of this programme, you’ll be eligible to be listed on REPs, which operates a registration body for exercise professionals (as well as exercise facilities and educational providers) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Both Exercise New Zealand and the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPs) recognises REPs as a universal standard to ensure that clients receive safe and effective exercise advice.
Some of the key benefits of being REPs registered are:
- It’s a publically recognisable, promotable and marketable quality mark;
- You’ll have access to marketing material that you can use to promote yourself and your business;
- REPs is internationally recognised, which means you’ll be able to operate from anywhere in the world;
- You’ll be listed on a publically-searchable database;
- You’ll have access to continuing professional development courses and further education;
- You’ll have access to other valuable tools and resources.
A few important things to know:
- Individuals registered with REPS are required to complete 10 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points per year;
- There is an annual registration fee, which depends on your employment situation.
You can find out more about REPs and its benefits here.
Want more information?
Feel free to contact the team with any further questions!
Admission requirements
This is a very popular programme, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Academic requirements
You will need to provide the following at different points of your application process.
- Have NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent)
If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we have a range of Foundation and Bridging Education programmes which will help you prepare for further academic study.
English requirements
If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency; or
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years.
If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 352 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
Debug
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPOR4001TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop knowledge of basic concepts of anatomy and physiology and how they relate to exercise programmes. |
| Exercise Programming (SPOR4002TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop knowledge, skills and attributes to adapt and deliver exercise programmes. |
| Nutrition and Lifestyle (SPOR4003TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop knowledge of nutrition as it relates to exercise training and healthy lifestyles. |
| Exercise Professional Practice (SPOR4004TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop cultural competency, knowledge, skills and attributes to use business tools to practice as an exercise professional. |
