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.
Requirements - To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Entry RequirementsStudents are required to complete the bksb (basic key skills builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy 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Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold the following units of competency or units that have been superseded by those units as shown in the table below:
| Entry requirements | Or Units that superseded those units such as |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 | ||||
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| Student Availability |
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| Fees |
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| Application Mode |
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| How to Apply | Please Enquire or Apply Now | ||||
| Study Area |
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| Skill Area |
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| AQF Level | Level 4: Certificate IV |
Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations
Graduates of the Certificate IV in Fitness are qualified to work as personal trainers across a wide range of settings—from gyms and wellness centres to cruise ships, resorts, and remote communities. This nationally recognised qualification also opens doors to roles within the defence force, corporate health programs, rehabilitation support, and even opportunities to run your own fitness business or specialise in niche areas like youth, older adults, or athletic performance
- Complete 10 core units
- 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.
Students studying via mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities and residential schools.
Approximate study commitment:
Part-time - 17 hours per week
Full-time - 19.5 hours per week
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. You will find your course planner on MYCQU.
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 | ||||
| SISFFIT041 | Develop personalised exercise programs | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions | 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 | |
| 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 | |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning 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 | ||||
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans | 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 Sequence
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 | SISFFIT041 - Develop personalised exercise programs |
| 2 | SISFFIT042 - Instruct personalised exercise sessions |
| 2 | SISFFIT050 - Support exercise behaviour change |
| 2 | CHCCOM006 - Establish and manage client relationships |
| 2 | SISFFIT043 - Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals |
| 3 | SISXCAI005 - Conduct individualised long-term training programs |
| 3 | SISXCAI009 - Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| 3 | SISXCAI010 - Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| 4 | SISFFIT034 - Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| 5 | BSBESB404 - Market new business ventures |
| 5 | BSBESB402 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| 5 | BSBESB401 - Research and develop business plans |
| 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 |
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 | |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Unit Group 3 | ||||
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| Unit Group 4 | ||||
| SISFFIT044 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISFFIT045 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
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 |
| 2 | SISXCAI009 - Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| 2 | SISXCAI010 - Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| 3 | BSBESB404 - Market new business ventures |
| 3 | BSBESB401 - Research and develop business plans |
| 3 | BSBESB402 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| 3 | SISFFIT034 - Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| 4 | SISFFIT044 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients |
| 4 | SISFFIT051 - Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction |
| 4 | SISFFIT045 - Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients |
| 4 | SISFFIT053 - Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients |
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 | ||||
| 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 | |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
| 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 |
| 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 |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
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 | ||||
| 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 | |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning 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 | |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of 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 Sequence
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 |
| 3 | SISXCAI009 - Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| 3 | SISXCAI010 - Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| 4 | SISFFIT034 - Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| 5 | BSBESB401 - Research and develop business plans |
| 5 | BSBESB404 - Market new business ventures |
| 5 | BSBESB402 - Establish legal and risk management requirements of 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 |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients |
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction |
Course Assessment Information
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 |
Residential Schools/Workshops
Mixed Mode Course Structure
| 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
July: Part Time
August: Part Time
September: Part Time
October: Part Time
November: Part Time
On Campus Course Structure
RPL Course Structure
Traineeship Course Structure
Domestic 2023 Availabilities
Mixed Mode Course Structure
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
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
Traineeship Course Structure
Domestic 2024 Availabilities
Mixed Mode Course Structure
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
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
Traineeship Course Structure
Domestic 2025 Availabilities
Mixed Mode Course Structure
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
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
Traineeship Course Structure
Domestic 2026 Availabilities
Mixed Mode Course Structure
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
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
Traineeship Course Structure
Show Historic Availabilities
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.
