New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Combine two nationally recognised fitness qualifications through a one-year full-time programme, giving you a strong skillset to launch your career in the fitness industry.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Develop exercise instruction skills
Learn to teach exercise in both personal and freestyle group exercise settings.
Understand anatomy and physiology
Gain knowledge of human anatomy and physiology relevant to exercise programmes and apply this to design effective and safe exercise plans.
Apply cultural competency in practice
Demonstrate cultural awareness and use business tools to effectively deliver fitness instruction to diverse clientele, employing principles of Manaakitanga, Tūturutanga, and Tūhonotanga.
What You're Signing Up For
This programme combines the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and the New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4), equipping you to teach in both personal and group settings. You'll learn anatomy and physiology, nutrition, client care, and marketing, with hands-on experience in a purpose-built gym and connections to industry professionals. Upon graduation, you can register with the Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand (REPs NZ) as a Gym or Group Exercise Instructor.
Course Content
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Professional Practice 1
- Group Exercise Professional Practice
- Group Exercise 1
- Exercise Prescription
- Nutrition and Lifestyle
- Group Exercise 2
- Group Exercise 3
- Client care and marketing
- Real-world work experience in group fitness instruction
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, OR
New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector) (Level 3), OR
A relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2, OR
A recognised equivalent
Special admission if aged 20+ without these qualifications
Discretionary admission may be considered for under 20s without standard entry
Police vetting may be required for some industry placements
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Fitness
Sport and Recreation
Health and Wellbeing
Future employment opportunities might be
Gym Instructor
Freestyle Group Exercise Instructor
Personal Trainer (with further study)
Exercise Professional
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.