Overview
*Subject to NZQA approval.
Are you interested in the Health and Wellness of your community?
As well as the on-campus locations, this programme is available for the entire Northland region as an online option as long as the learner has access to a functional gym.
About this programme
This programme has been designed to equip you with the know-how to start your exercise industry journey. You’ll learn about the exercise industry, what it means to be an exercise professional, what support is available and, importantly, what is required to be an effective exercise professional and help others along their exercise journey. You’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the theories and gym exercises you’ve learnt.
This nationally recognised qualification for personal trainers will enable graduates to register with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
This qualification provides a pathway for entry into the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Level 5), as well as those looking to start a career as a personal trainer.
How you will learn
This qualification is delivered online with face-to-face workshops (with an option to attend via Zoom) around specific topics. Throughout their learning experience students will be supported by tutors and industry supervisors.
- Theory (online) - The theory components of this programme are offered as online courses, which is intuitive and responsive to learners, providing a range of interactive learning opportunities between tutors and students, peer to peer and via self-assessment. This platform delivers learning to students using multimedia content, course overviews, relevant audio-visual content and readings.
- Practical - The practical delivery will engage with exercise organisations (usually gyms) to set up appropriate practicum opportunities. Exercise facilities are required to meet host site criteria to be approved and must sign a Work Experience Agreement outlining their role and responsibilities.
This qualification requires 220 hours in the gym or a gym-based workplace.
What you will learn
Graduates will be able to:
- deliver safe and effective exercise programmes, including pre-screening, within own scope of practice and industry code of ethics;
- apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology to adapt and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes to individuals;
- adapt programmes for apparently healthy people and common at risk groups using exercise science and testing;
- apply motivational and communication techniques to enhance individual participant commitment to a personalised exercise programme;
- apply a health and wellness framework and evidence-based nutrition principles to support a personalised exercise programme and recommend referral pathways to allied health professionals;
- use marketing and business tools and techniques to support business practices as an exercise professional.
Entry Requirements
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to understand follow, and respond to instructions given in English.
- be physically able to complete the programme specific outcomes
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
All applicants must:
- be at least 16 years old at the time the programme commences.
- be able to read, write, and communicate in English at a basic level.
- be physically able to complete the programme-specific outcomes.
Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Applicants under 20 years of age must hold 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.
All applicants must have a level of English sufficient to be able to study at this level. Applicants for whom English is not a first language must have an IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5; or an accepted international equivalence.
Intakes & Applications
Dates & Bookings
Youth Guarantee Fund*
If you are aged 16 to 24, you could study for FREE as part of the government's Youth Guarantee fund. To qualify for the Youth Guarantee fund, you must meet the following criteria:
- Complete an application for a course that is covered by the Youth Guarantee fund.
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident.
- Be 16 to 24 years old at the time the course starts. Learners who are 15 years old and hold Ministry approved early leaving exemption from their school may also be eligible. This exemption must be in place before the course starts.
Priority places will be given to students who:
- have not yet achieved NCEA Level 1 or NCEA Level 2; or
- have completed a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification through a Youth Guarantee provision programme.
All free study is subject to funding confirmation. Proof of residency status is required. Programme entry criteria may apply. Eligibility for student allowances or student loans may vary. Contact Studylink for more information.
* All fees and study costs found on this website are indicative course fees only and exclude the Compulsory Student Services Fee (CSSF) levy.
The 2025 CSSF levy is $300 per full-time equivalent student (120 credits) and funds key services for students.
Prices are in New Zealand Dollars including GST, and are for domestic students only, unless otherwise stated. For programmes longer than one academic year in duration, the fees quoted are for the first year. Final study costs depends on a number of factors including the courses you select to study. All fees and study costs are subject to confirmation, including zero fees courses.
Courses and programmes may be cancelled, postponed or have their content or configuration changed from time to time (including during the academic year) at the discretion of NorthTec. See our full Terms and conditions.
Additional Information
Employment Pathways
About Te Pūkenga
Following the Government’s announcement of its intention to disestablish Te Pūkenga | New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, please be assured that your programme of study or training will continue as planned while we work through the details of how this change will be implemented.
We are committed to ensuring that organisational changes that need to be made to meet the Government’s expectations do not impact the delivery of our programmes and training for our learners and employers.
If you need access to learner support services or have any concerns, please contact us.
