New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain the skills and knowledge to become a Personal Trainer with this hands-on Level 5 certificate focusing on exercise programming, nutrition, behaviour change, and professional practice.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 17 weeks
This course requires 36 hours per week
Core skills this course teaches
Plan, implement, and evaluate exercise programmes
Design and deliver tailored exercise programmes that meet the specific needs and abilities of various clients.
Apply professional practice principles
Demonstrate industry standards and professional behaviour when working as a personal trainer or exercise consultant.
Integrate nutrition and behaviour strategies
Incorporate nutrition advice and behaviour change techniques to support holistic client wellbeing.
What You're Signing Up For
This practical qualification, delivered on campus in Dunedin, prepares students for careers in the exercise industry, particularly as Personal Trainers. You will learn to plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes tailored to client needs, and study nutrition and behaviour for holistic client care. Through placement in a teaching gym and connections with industry, you will gain extensive experience with clients and be positioned to register as a Personal Trainer with REPs NZ. The programme also provides pathways to further study in applied science and physical conditioning.
Course Content
- Professional Practice 2: Evaluating professional practice principles in the exercise industry
- Exercise Science 2: Behaviour change interventions for nutrition and exercise
- Exercise Prescription – Theory: Development and adaptation of exercise prescriptions
- Personal Training – Practice: Planning, implementing, and evaluating exercise programmes
What you need to know first
New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or equivalent.
Applicants under 20 without the above qualification may be considered based on evidence of ability to succeed.
International: Secondary school qualification equivalent to NCEA Level 3.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Sport and Recreation
Fitness
Health and Wellbeing
Future employment opportunities might be
Personal Trainer
Exercise Consultant
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.