New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)

Credits 60 (0.5 EFTS)

Campus Mt Albert

Start dates January or July

Duration Full time for 16 weeks (Including work based learning)

Career opportunities

This programme prepares you for further study toward a career in exercise, sport coaching, and community sport and recreation.

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.

Annual fees $3,200 (NZD) (Approximate domestic fees only. Includes GST but excludes the Compulsory Student Services Fee levy)

If you haven’t studied before, you may be eligible for the fees-free tertiary study scheme.

Gain the skill and knowledge you need to enter the exercise industry as a personal trainer or exercise instructor with this 16-week, work-based programme.

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.

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

Admission requirements

Academic

You will need to provide the following, at different points of your application process.

• To be admitted to this programme all applicants must be at least 16 years of age on the date of the programme’s commencement for the semester in which they wish to enrol.

• NCEA Level 2 or equivalent.

• Applicants who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements will be eligible to be enrolled where their previous educational, work or life experience indicates they have a reasonable likelihood of success.

English

If English is not your first language, you’ll also need one or more of the following:

• IELTS (General or Academic) score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or equivalent;

• Or 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.

Other options

Applicants who have attained the age of 20 years and do not hold the minimum entry requirements will be eligible to be enrolled where their previous educational, work or life experience indicates they have a reasonable likelihood of success.

For more information download the programme regulations: unitec.ac.nz/sport