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Advance your fitness career and become a personal trainer through our SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Through face-to-face learning opportunities with experienced instructors, you’ll gain practical, hands-on knowledge in real-world environments, ensuring that you graduate confident, capable, and ready to take your fitness career to the next level.
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.
This is a nationally recognised course.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
Learning at CQU has been truly motivating! Lessons balance theory and practice perfectly, with lecturers eagerly sharing their vast industry knowledge. I feel prepared, supported, and confident in my skills to enter the workforce.
Emmalese Dunn
Certificate III and IV in Fitness
Upon completion of the Certificate IV in Fitness graduates are qualified to work as a personal trainer across a wide range of fitness settings, these include 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.
| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 18 months |
Students studying full-time should plan to dedicate approximately 19.5 hours per week to their coursework. Part-time students should expect to allocate around 17 hours per week.
As part of the Certificate IV in Fitness students will attend 2x3-day compulsory practical blocks. Our residential schools are designed to build your confidence and competence in key areas such as client interaction, exercise programming, and coaching techniques. During these residential schools you will:
· Gain real-world experience in a supportive, controlled environment.
· Receive immediate feedback from experienced instructors to help develop and refine your skill set.
· Engage in practical assessments, demonstrations, and role-play scenarios that simulate actual workplace conditions.
· Connect with future colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals.
For more information about residential school locations and attendance information visit Residential Schools and Workshops.
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.
For more information about your sequence of units please contact the Fitness team on fitness-team@cqu.edu.au
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT049 | Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT041 | Develop personalised exercise programs |
| SISFFIT050 | Support exercise behaviour change |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions |
| CHCCOM006 | Establish and manage client relationships |
| SISFFIT043 | Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| SISXCAI005 | Conduct individualised long-term training programs |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT044 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients |
| SISFFIT045 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients |
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction |
| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 12 months |
Students studying on-campus benefit from attending and participating in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the semester.
Throughout your studies, you will gain valuable skills through face-to-face learning with our experienced teaching team, who will support you in both theoretical understanding and the development of practical skills. As an On-Campus student you will:
· Gain real-world experience in a supportive, controlled environment.
· Receive immediate feedback from experienced instructors to help develop and refine your skill set.
· Engage in practical assessments, demonstrations, and role-play scenarios that simulate actual workplace conditions.
· Connect with future colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals.
For more information about your sequence of units please contact the Fitness team on fitness-team@cqu.edu.au
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCCOM006 | Establish and manage client relationships |
| SISFFIT050 | Support exercise behaviour change |
| SISFFIT049 | Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction |
| SISFFIT043 | Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions |
| SISFFIT041 | Develop personalised exercise programs |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| SISXCAI005 | Conduct individualised long-term training programs |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction |
| SISFFIT044 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients |
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients |
| SISFFIT045 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients |
RPL Only
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| SISFFIT050 | Support exercise behaviour change |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures |
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| SISXCAI005 | Conduct individualised long-term training programs |
| Full Time Duration | Part Time Duration |
|---|---|
| 12 months | 18 months |
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
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT049 | Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT050 | Support exercise behaviour change |
| CHCCOM006 | Establish and manage client relationships |
| SISFFIT041 | Develop personalised exercise programs |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions |
| SISFFIT043 | Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| SISXCAI005 | Conduct individualised long-term training programs |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT045 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients |
| SISFFIT044 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction |
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients |
Students studying full-time should plan to dedicate approximately 19.5 hours per week to their coursework. Part-time students should expect to allocate around 17 hours per week.
As part of the Certificate IV in Fitness students will attend 2x 3-day compulsory practical blocks. Our residential schools are designed to build your confidence and competence in key areas such as client interaction, exercise programming, and coaching techniques. During these residential schools you will:
· Gain real-world experience in a supportive, controlled environment.
· Receive immediate feedback from experienced instructors to help develop and refine your skill set.
· Engage in practical assessments, demonstrations, and role-play scenarios that simulate actual workplace conditions.
· Connect with future colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals.
For more information about residential school locations and attendance information visit Residential Schools and Workshops.
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.
Important: Year 12 students should not undertake this course expecting to receive the full QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period. These students should enter the course with an understanding that they may not complete all units within their school year.
For more information about your sequence of units please contact the Fitness team on fitness-team@cqu.edu.au
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT049 | Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| CHCCOM006 | Establish and manage client relationships |
| SISFFIT050 | Support exercise behaviour change |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions |
| SISFFIT041 | Develop personalised exercise programs |
| SISFFIT043 | Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| SISXCAI005 | Conduct individualised long-term training programs |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT044 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients |
| SISFFIT045 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients |
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction |
Credit Only
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISFFIT049 | Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction |
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients |
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction |
| SISFFIT045 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients |
| SISFFIT044 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients |
| SISFFIT041 | Develop personalised exercise programs |
| CHCCOM006 | Establish and manage client relationships |
| SISFFIT043 | Develop and Instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions |
| SISFFIT050 | Support exercise behaviour change |
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| SISXCAI005 | Conduct individualised long-term training programs |
| BSBESB402 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans |
| BSBESB404 | Market new business ventures |
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice |
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| March, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| April, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| May, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| June, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| July, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| August, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| September, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| October, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| November, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City |
| March, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City |
| April, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City |
| July, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City |
| August, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City |
| September, 2026 | On-campus, Mackay City |
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| February, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| March, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| April, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| May, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| June, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| July, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| August, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| September, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| October, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| November, 2026 | Mixed Mode, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay City, Rockhampton |
| SIS40221 Practical Block | |
|---|---|
| Location | Mixed Mode |
| Room | 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 |
Mixed Mode: There are two compulsory practical blocks (May and August) for the mixed mode course. Practical blocks are held in Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Cairns. *subject to change On Campus: No practical blocks. All practical completed in scheduled class time. | |
To help us understand how best to support you, you’ll need to complete the bksb (Basic Key Skills Builder) online literacy, numeracy and digital literacy assessments to progress your application. Alternatively, completion of an equal or higher level course may exempt you from this testing.
Start TAFE Now students must be in Year 11 or Year 12. Important: Year 12 students should not undertake this course expecting to receive the full QCE points as the duration of the course exceeds the school year learning period. These students should enter the course with an understanding that they may not complete all units within their school year.
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 |
Fee for Service/Full Fee occurs when the full tuition fee is charged to students. This may occur when the course is not included in government subsidy program/s or the student is not eligible for a government subsidy. These students are obligated to cover the entire cost. Learn more about Paying for TAFE.
At CQUniversity, we believe that studying should be for everyone. No matter your situation, we know that everyone needs a helping hand from time to time, and we are proud to offer scholarships, bursaries and stipends.
Our scholarships could help you pay for things like relocation, living on campus, laptops and technology, childcare, study and living expenses, travel and more
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
