Programme overview
In the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4), you will have the opportunity to apply to work in an exercise or gym facility as part of your learning.
Our partnership with Auckland Council allows students to earn while they learn at various council-owned facilities. This is similar to a paid internship or an apprenticeship, so you can apply what you learn in the course to your job in real time. We can also provide referrals for employment with Auckland Council. *Please note that employment decisions by Auckland Council are not within our control and cannot be guaranteed.
The best personal trainers create exercise programmes that are safe, effective and fun for their clients. To do that, you need the skills to assess and analyse an individual’s physical strengths and weaknesses, plan customised workout plans that safely improve performance, and provide guidance in a way that encourages and inspires individuals towards their health and well-being goals.
The New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) is designed specifically for people who want to work as personal trainers or exercise instructors. If you are passionate about health, fitness and exercise and want to join the industry, or currently work in the industry without a qualification, this is a great way to accelerate your career.
You will gain the skills and knowledge over 16 weeks to become an effective personal trainer or exercise instructor. After completing the certificate, you will be able to deliver exercise instruction to individuals, groups and communities, and you will be eligible to join the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs NZ). The certificate provides many benefits, including professional development and access to marketing materials.
The programme covers
- Exercise programme design and delivery
- Health and fitness testing and assessment
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- Correct and safe exercise techniques
- Programming across populations with diverse needs
- Motivational client exercise techniques
- Professional behaviour for working with clients
- Evidence-based nutritional principles and guidelines
- Marketing concepts, business tools and techniques to support business practice
- Cultural understanding and competencies
Highlights
- Fast track into work. Sixteen weeks (full time) allows you to quickly learn and adapt to the requirements of the sport, exercise and recreation industry.
- Earn and learn. The majority of this programme is work based and supported by online learning, which means you can study and work at the same time. Attendance at some on-campus classes will be required.
- Focus on business skills. Many personal trainers are self-employed; therefore, the programme includes business, people and marketing skills required to start and build your own business.
- Over 25 years of delivering sport, recreation and exercise programmes. We have outstanding graduates working in the industry across Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Learn from knowledgeable and passionate educators. Our lecturers have hands-on industry experience and are well connected to various private and Auckland Council-owned gyms, and sport and recreation facilities and organisations.
- Access to our dedicated active facilities. Our well-equipped exercise lab provides extra space to put your learning into action.
- Become REPs registered. Following successful completion of this programme, you will be eligible to join REPs NZ, a registration body for exercise professionals (as well as exercise facilities and educational providers) in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Studying Sport, Recreation and Exercise with Auckland Council
In the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4), you will have the opportunity to apply to work in an exercise or gym facility as part of your learning.
Our partnership with Auckland Council allows students to earn while they learn at various council-owned facilities. This is similar to a paid internship or an apprenticeship, so you can apply what you learn in the course to your job in real time. We can also provide referrals for employment with Auckland Council.
Need more information?
All Auckland Council Pathway applicants will be asked to be part of an interview conversation to develop an individual plan for study/work and to begin the application process for employment at Auckland Council.
If you would like a conversation about this programme, please contact: alenton@unitec.ac.nz
Where to next?
Once you successfully complete your certificate, you can either go straight out into the industry or complete an additional four courses to achieve the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise - Exercise Pathway.
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:
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses including timetables, please click on the course names below.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Exercise Delivery (SPOREXE401) | 20.0 credits (0.167 EFTS) | This course will introduce students to the exercise industry and their role as an exercise professional within the industry. It provides students a broad overview of gross anatomy, physiological structures, structure and functions of the body systems, and evidence based nutrition with regard to health and well-being frameworks and the design of personalised exercise programmes. |
| Delivering Exercise Programmes (SPOREXE402) | 20.0 credits (0.167 EFTS) | This course will introduce students to exercise science components and approved industry pre-screening techniques and provide skills to design and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes. It will also introduce students to the fundamentals of establishing an exercise business. |
| Becoming an Exercise Professional (SPOREXE403) | 20.0 credits (0.167 EFTS) | This course will enable students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to monitor and adapt personalised exercise programmes and to support clients in their exercise and motivation. It provides students with the knowledge to recognise, within their scope, when to refer a client to allied health professionals. It will also introduce students to the application of business tools and marketing strategies which will support a personal training business in the exercise industry. |
