Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between Certificate III and Certificate IV?

A. Certificate III in Fitness (Gym Instructor) is the entry level qualification required for employment in the Fitness Industry.  This allows an instructor to Assess, write programs, teach exercises, and assist people with their gym programs.  Certificate III is also the pre-requisite for Certificate IV (Personal Trainer).  Certificate IV is a higher level qualification designed to increase the depth of knowledge and skill levels required for more 1-on-1 training.  You need Certificate IV to access Personal Training insurance.

Q. How long does it take to complete Certificate III?

A. This is the most commonly asked question, but one that depends entirely on the individual. It takes you as long as it takes to get through the lecture material,

complete the practical assessments, and take the online exams. If you study the lectures full time (approx 15 - 20 hours per week) it should take you about 2-3 weeks. If you study the lectures in a more part time format it would be more like 4-6 weeks to get it done.

Q. How am I assessed or tested?

A. Assessments for both Certificate III and Certificate IV cover a wide range of formats to fully prepare you for each topic.  Students are guided as to how to study and prepare, with practice assessments and tutoring services available.  The assessments are focused on the pracitical application of learnt theory to ensure people are "job ready".

Q. Do I need Certificate IV to work as a Personal Trainer?

A. Certificate IV is the minimum standard to work in the Fitness Industry as a Personal Trainer.  While it is possible for some instructors to deliver Personal Training services without this level, it is now the minimum standard if you wish to access the appropriate insurance cover.

Q. How long does it take to complete Certificate IV?

A. A very individual answer. It takes as long as you need to complete the lectures, complete the assessments, the practical components and the exams. If you study full time (approx 15 - 20 hours per week) it should take approximately 4 weeks, if you take it a little more slowly, study part time (8 - 10 hours per week) then it would be approximately 8 weeks. Again though the pace is set by you and the work you put in.

Q. What are the job opportunities and prospects with either Certificate III or Certificate IV?

A. Very good.  The Fitness Industry is one of the most rapidly growing and expanding industries in Australia.  Areas of employment include private gyms, local government leisure centres, corporate fitness facilities, and larger public gyms.  Certificate IV graduates can become employees of gyms and PT Studio's or even operate their own business.

Q. Do I need to be fit or an athlete to do the course?

A. No.  There are no specific fitness requirements for the course, but it is expected that students have a strong interest in training, health and fitness and be able to demonstrate basic exercises and movements.

Q. Who should do these courses?

A. Anyone seeking employment in the Fitness Industry, and people with their own interests in health, fitness, training and well being.

Q. What is the difference between qualification and registration?

A. Qualification is the formal training process that leads to competency based assessment.  These qualifications are recognised in all states of Australia and internationally.  At the end of the course, providing all requirements have been met, students will be issued with their Certificate III or Certificate IV.

Registration is the industry recognising the qualification.  Students can register with Kinect or Fitness Australia.  Registration with one of these bodies is also generall considered to be the industry requirement for employment. 

Q. How long does my registration last?

A. Registration is valid for 2 years, during which time you must accumulate CEC points for ongoing registration.  Your qualification is permanent, but Registration requires ongoing education and personal development.