Previous Version Version Effective: 1st of January, 2025
Version Effective: 1st of January, 2025

SIS40221 - Certificate IV in Fitness

Course Details

Course Summary

This qualification represents the role of personal trainers who design, deliver, and assess tailored exercise programs for generally healthy clients at low risk, helping them achieve specific fitness objectives. Clients with higher health risks are referred to medical or allied health professionals. Personal trainers operate independently, applying advanced fitness knowledge and skills in both predictable and unpredictable scenarios. They demonstrate strong communication and collaboration abilities to engage with clients and health professionals, aiming to enhance client fitness outcomes.

The competencies in this qualification must be applied in alignment with Commonwealth, State, or Territory laws, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice.

At the time of publication, this qualification does not require specific occupational licensing, certification, or legislative compliance.


Entry Requirements

Students are required to complete the bksb (basic key skills builder) online literacy and numeracy assessment prior to enrolment unless the student has completed an equal or higher level course.

Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold the following units of competency or units that have been superseded by those units as shown in the table below:

 

Entry requirements Or Units that superseded those units such as
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (or a unit that supersedes this unit HLTAID003
HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety Same
SISFFIT032 Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation SISFFIT001 Provide health screening and fitness orientation
SISFFIT033 Complete client fitness assessments SISFFIT006 Conduct fitness appraisals
SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions SISFFIT007 - Instruct group exercise sessions or SISFFIT023 - Instruct group personal training programs
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions

SISFFIT007 - Instruct group exercise session or SISFFIT009 - Deliver pre-choreographed or prescribed community fitness or

SISFFIT010 - Deliver pre-choreographed or prescribed group exercise to music or SISFFIT011 - Instruct approved community fitness programs or SISFFIT023 - Instruct group personal training programs

SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients SISFFIT003 - Instruct fitness programs
SISFFIT047 Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise SISFFIT004 - Incorporate anatomy and physiology principles into fitness programming
SISFFIT052 Provide healthy eating information SISFFIT005 - Provide healthy eating information

 


Course Details

Course Type Qualification
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees
Full Fee $3,472.00 (2025)
Fee for service per unit $248.00 (2025)
RPL Fee for service per Unit $186.00 (2025)
For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
How to Apply Please Enquire or Apply Now
Study Area
  • Health
Skill Area
  • Fitness Sport and Recreation
AQF Level Level 4: Certificate IV

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
Not Applicable
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable

Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations

Completion of CQUniversity’s Certificate IV in Fitness prepares individuals to work as personal trainers, either as employees or self-employed professionals, across various settings such as fitness centres, gyms, community and leisure facilities, client homes, workplaces, and outdoor environments. Personal trainers may provide services to individuals or groups, including offering online training. In some roles, they may also take on leadership or supervisory responsibilities within a team.

Course Structures

In order to complete this course, you must:

  1. Complete 10 core units
  2. Complete 7 elective units

Study Mode Definitions

  • Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
  • On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
  • Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.

*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.

Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.

Please select a course structure from the options below:
Mixed Mode Course Structure

Students studying via mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities and residential schools.

Enrolments for this program are spread over the study duration to provide the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge. Some units with similar outcomes have been clustered to enhance the learning experience. Students can extend their study duration and access educational support if required.

Your sequence of enrolment will depend on the month you commence your course.

To view your enrolment sequence, visit the course planner for the month and year you intend to start your studies.

For more information about your sequence of units please contact the Fitness team on fitness-team@cqu.edu.au

  • Mixed Mode
Unit Group 1
SISFFIT049 Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 2
SISFFIT050 Support exercise behaviour change More Information Training.gov Details
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT041 Develop personalised exercise programs More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT042 Instruct personalised exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT043 Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 3
SISXCAI005 Conduct individualised long-term training programs More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 4
SISFFIT034 Assess client movement and provide exercise advice More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 5
BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans More Information Training.gov Details
BSBESB404 Market new business ventures More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 6
SISFFIT045 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT044 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 7
SISFFIT051 Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT053 Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 8

The three units under Unit Group 8 are pre-requisites for SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. These are also core units within SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness. To receive a credit transfer for these three (3) units please acknowledge your completion of the Certificate III in Fitness and complete the Credit Transfer section on the application form.  

SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 SISFFIT049 - Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction
2 SISFFIT050 - Support exercise behaviour change
2 CHCCOM006 - Establish and manage client relationships
2 SISFFIT041 - Develop personalised exercise programs
2 SISFFIT042 - Instruct personalised exercise sessions
2 SISFFIT043 - Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals
3 SISXCAI005 - Conduct individualised long-term training programs
4 SISFFIT034 - Assess client movement and provide exercise advice
5 BSBESB401 - Research and develop business plans
5 BSBESB404 - Market new business ventures
6 SISFFIT045 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients
6 SISFFIT044 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients
7 SISFFIT051 - Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction
7 SISFFIT053 - Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients

The following units have no specific enrolment order and you should discuss the order of enrolment for these with your teacher.
Unit Code Unit Name
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions
SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients

On Campus Course Structure

Students studying on-campus are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the semester.

Your sequence of enrolment will depend on the month you commence your course.

To view your enrolment sequence, visit the course planner for the month and year you intend to start your studies.

For more information about your sequence of units please contact the Fitness team on fitness-team@cqu.edu.au

  • On-campus
Unit Group 1
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT050 Support exercise behaviour change More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT049 Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT043 Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT042 Instruct personalised exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT041 Develop personalised exercise programs More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 2
SISXCAI005 Conduct individualised long-term training programs More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 3
BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans More Information Training.gov Details
BSBESB404 Market new business ventures More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT034 Assess client movement and provide exercise advice More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 4
SISFFIT053 Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT051 Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT044 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT045 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 5

The three units under Unit Group 8 are pre-requisites for SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. These are also core units within SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness. To receive a credit transfer for these three (3) units please acknowledge your completion of the Certificate III in Fitness and complete the Credit Transfer section on the application form.  

SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 CHCCOM006 - Establish and manage client relationships
1 SISFFIT050 - Support exercise behaviour change
1 SISFFIT049 - Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction
1 SISFFIT043 - Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals
1 SISFFIT042 - Instruct personalised exercise sessions
1 SISFFIT041 - Develop personalised exercise programs
2 SISXCAI005 - Conduct individualised long-term training programs
3 BSBESB401 - Research and develop business plans
3 BSBESB404 - Market new business ventures
3 SISFFIT034 - Assess client movement and provide exercise advice
4 SISFFIT053 - Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients
4 SISFFIT051 - Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction
4 SISFFIT044 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients
4 SISFFIT045 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients

The following units have no specific enrolment order and you should discuss the order of enrolment for these with your teacher.
Unit Code Unit Name
SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients

RPL Course Structure

RPL Only

  • RPL/RCC/Credit
Core
SISFFIT050 Support exercise behaviour change More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT042 Instruct personalised exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT043 Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals More Information Training.gov Details
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT041 Develop personalised exercise programs More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT044 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT045 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT051 Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT053 Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT049 Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
Elective
SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISXCAI005 Conduct individualised long-term training programs More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT034 Assess client movement and provide exercise advice More Information Training.gov Details
BSBESB404 Market new business ventures More Information Training.gov Details
BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

For the following units, you may choose your own order of study, while taking into account pre-requisite requirements and the unit availability.
Unit Code Unit Name
SISFFIT050 Support exercise behaviour change
SISFFIT042 Instruct personalised exercise sessions
SISFFIT043 Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships
SISFFIT041 Develop personalised exercise programs
SISFFIT044 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients
SISFFIT045 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients
SISFFIT051 Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction
SISFFIT053 Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients
SISFFIT049 Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction
SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions
SISXCAI005 Conduct individualised long-term training programs
SISFFIT034 Assess client movement and provide exercise advice
BSBESB404 Market new business ventures
BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients

Traineeship Course Structure

Students studying as a trainee will participate in a combination of online learning activities and residential schools.

Enrolments for this program are spread over the study duration to provide the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge. Some units with similar outcomes have been clustered to enhance the learning experience. Students can extend their study duration and access educational support if required.

Your sequence of enrolment will depend on the month you commence your course.

To view your enrolment sequence, visit the course planner for the month and year you intend to start your studies.

For more information about your sequence of units please contact the Fitness team on fitness-team@cqu.edu.au

  • Mixed Mode
Unit Group 1
SISFFIT049 Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 2
SISFFIT042 Instruct personalised exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT043 Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT050 Support exercise behaviour change More Information Training.gov Details
CHCCOM006 Establish and manage client relationships More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT041 Develop personalised exercise programs More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 3
SISXCAI005 Conduct individualised long-term training programs More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 4
SISFFIT034 Assess client movement and provide exercise advice More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 5
BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans More Information Training.gov Details
BSBESB404 Market new business ventures More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 6
SISFFIT045 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT044 Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 7
SISFFIT053 Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT051 Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction More Information Training.gov Details
Unit Group 8

The three units under Unit Group 8 are pre-requisites for SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. These are also core units within SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness. To receive a credit transfer for these three (3) units please acknowledge your completion of the Certificate III in Fitness and complete the Credit Transfer section on the application form.  

SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients More Information Training.gov Details
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions More Information Training.gov Details

Unit Sequence

Below is the recommended study sequence for this course. Please enrol in your units as per the following order.
Units with the same sequence number should be enrolled into at the same time.
Sequence Unit
1 SISFFIT049 - Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction
2 SISFFIT042 - Instruct personalised exercise sessions
2 SISFFIT043 - Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals
2 SISFFIT050 - Support exercise behaviour change
2 CHCCOM006 - Establish and manage client relationships
2 SISFFIT041 - Develop personalised exercise programs
3 SISXCAI005 - Conduct individualised long-term training programs
4 SISFFIT034 - Assess client movement and provide exercise advice
5 BSBESB401 - Research and develop business plans
5 BSBESB404 - Market new business ventures
6 SISFFIT045 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients
6 SISFFIT044 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients

The following units have no specific enrolment order and you should discuss the order of enrolment for these with your teacher.
Unit Code Unit Name
SISFFIT053 Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients
SISFFIT051 Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction
SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions
SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients
SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions

Course Assessment Information

RPL - Students who have previous informal and formal learning need to advise their trainer/assessor prior to enrolment. If the student wishes to apply for an RPL they need to apply to the RPL Centre.
Credit transfer - If credit for relevant formal qualifications is sought, then the process will be actioned after the student has enrolled in at least one unit of competency as directed by the relevant trainer/assessor. The Trainer/Assessor will work with the student on their credit transfer application, and provide advice and support as necessary.
Assessment Types
Project
Practical Task
RPL
Written/Electronic Assessment
Course Learning Outcomes
Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

Residential Schools/Workshops

Mixed Mode Course Structure

This course includes compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops. Select your preferred location for further details.
Mixed Mode
SIS40221 Practical Block
Location Mixed Mode, To Be Advised
Start Date To Be Advised
End Date To Be Advised
Start Time To Be Advised
End Time To Be Advised
Compulsory Yes

Domestic 2022 Availabilities

Mixed Mode Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
July: Part Time
August: Part Time
September: Part Time
October: Part Time
November: Part Time

On Campus Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

RPL Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Traineeship Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2023 Availabilities

Mixed Mode Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
May: Full Time/Part Time
June: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time
August: Full Time
September: Full Time
October: Full Time
November: Full Time/Part Time

On Campus Course Structure

On-campus

Mackay City

February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time

RPL Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Traineeship Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2024 Availabilities

Mixed Mode Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
May: Full Time/Part Time
June: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
September: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time
November: Full Time/Part Time

On Campus Course Structure

On-campus

Mackay City

February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
June: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
September: Full Time/Part Time

RPL Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Traineeship Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Domestic 2025 Availabilities

Mixed Mode Course Structure

Mixed Mode
Mixed Mode includes a combination of online learning activities and compulsory site-specific attendance at residential schools and/or workshops.
February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
May: Full Time/Part Time
June: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
September: Full Time/Part Time
October: Full Time/Part Time
November: Full Time/Part Time

On Campus Course Structure

On-campus

Mackay City

February: Full Time/Part Time
March: Full Time/Part Time
April: Full Time/Part Time
July: Full Time/Part Time
August: Full Time/Part Time
September: Full Time/Part Time

RPL Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.

Traineeship Course Structure

There are currently no intakes scheduled for this course structure.
For individual class days and times for each intake please check the TAFE Timetable located here
The availabilities shown above are for the current and future years. To view any historic availabilities please press "Show Historic Availabilities" below:

Show Historic Availabilities
More Details

More Details

Attendance (Mixed Mode)

Students completing this course will need to attend a two hour ISL class each week for the duration of the course. For students who cannot attend in person (Mackay City Campus, Cairns City Campus and Zoom) , the weekly class can be accessed via a recording on the online student learning platform called Moodle. Room numbers for on campus attendance will be provided by the course coordinator upon enrolment.

Students must also attend two five (5) day practicals. These are run from Monday through Friday, one in mid-May and the other the last week in July. Specific dates will be provided by the course coordinator at the beginning of each student intake. These practicals are available in Mackay, Bundaberg and Cairns. Bundaberg and Cairns practicals are dependent on adequate student numbers.
 
Attendance (On-campus)

Mackay City Campus only.  Students completing this course will need to attend the Mackay City Campus Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 9am to 2.30pm. All practical will be completed in class time. 

 

Enrolment Information 

As this course has a rolling intake, the enrolment sequence will differ depending on the month you enrol. Please refer to the table below or contact the fitness team for more information fitness-team@cqu.edu.au.