Certificate III in Fitness - Online

Get Qualified as a Gym Instructor / Group Fitness Instructor

The SIS30321 - Certificate III in Fitness

is a nationally recognised qualification that allows you to work as a fitness instructor in gyms, studios, leisure centres, and community facilities.

This is the minimum qualification

needed to start a career in the fitness industry. It gives you the essential skills and knowledge to work as a fitness instructor and write fitness programs.

The qualification consists of 15 units of competency (11 core units and 4 elective units)

At Women's Fitness Education, we deliver our course 100% online.

Course Outline

Module 1: Health Appraisal

BSBPEF301: Organise personal work priorities

This unit covers how to plan and manage your work schedule, track performance, and seek feedback to maintain your skills and competency.

SISFFIT032: Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation

This unit covers how to screen clients for exercise programs and provide general advice on suitable programs and services.

SISFFIT033: Complete client fitness assessments

This unit covers how to assess a client’s fitness level using industry-standard pre-exercise screening. You’ll learn to conduct assessments, use various activities and measurements, and document results.

SISFFIT052: Provide healthy eating information

This unit covers how to provide general healthy eating advice to fitness clients based on the Australian national dietary guidelines. The focus is on promoting overall health and well-being for generally healthy individuals, without offering personalised nutrition plans.

Module 2: Exercise Instruction

SISFFIT040: Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients

This unit covers how to design gym-based exercise programs for individuals who require minimal supervision. You’ll learn to provide initial instruction, after which clients will self-manage their workouts with limited ongoing guidance.

SISFFIT047 : Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise

This unit covers the importance of anatomy and physiology in fitness instruction. You’ll learn how to apply this knowledge to design and deliver safe, effective exercise programs.

BSBOPS304: Deliver and monitor a service to customers

This unit covers how to understand customer needs, provide quality service, and monitor client satisfaction. You’ll also learn how to identify areas for improvement in customer service.

Module 3: Group Fitness

HLTAID011 : Provide First Aid

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies.

SISFFIT035 : Plan group exercise sessions

This unit covers how to plan group exercise sessions for mixed-ability groups or those with specific needs, such as older adults. You’ll learn to adapt exercises for different fitness levels and make modifications during instruction to ensure inclusive participation.

SISFFIT036 : Instruct group exercise sessions

This unit covers how to prepare for and lead land-based group exercise sessions using pre-designed plans, whether created by yourself or others.

HLTWHS001: Participate in workplace health and safety

This unit covers how to follow safe work practices to protect both yourself and others in the workplace.

Module 4: Fitness Business

BSBESB301: Investigate business opportunities

This unit covers how to identify business opportunities, understand their key components, and research their viability within relevant legal frameworks.

BSBOPS403: Apply business risk management processes

This unit covers how to identify business risks and apply risk management processes within your job responsibilities.

BSBESB404: Market new business ventures

This unit covers how to create and implement a marketing strategy as part of a business plan to boost business performance. It includes analyzing and interpreting market data to make informed decisions.

SIRXSLS001: Sell to the retail customer

This unit covers how to deliver quality customer service and sell to retail customers. You'll learn to identify customer needs, match products or services to them, and complete a sale.

Nationally Accredited Courses delivered by FEO Academy RTO45428

FAQs

How do you complete a Fitness Certification online?

Theory

All theory learning is delivered through our online platform, available 24/7. We know that everyone learns differently, so we've included a mix of materials—on-demand videos, PowerPoint presentations, ebooks, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. This allows students to choose the format that suits their learning style.

Practical Sessions

With Women's Fitness Education, you don't need to complete 'work placement' or gym-based 'practice hours.' Instead, you'll conduct practice sessions with a practice client throughout the course. These sessions help build confidence in working with real clients.

💡 No gym required! You can complete these sessions in a park, at the beach, in a home studio, or any other suitable space.

How long does it take to complete?

The SIS30321 - Certificate III in Fitness consists of 15 units and can be completed within 12 months.

At Women's Fitness Education, the course is 100% online, self-paced, and available on demand, allowing students to progress at their own speed.

Completion time varies based on prior experience, study time, and personal pace.

What support is available when studying online?

Once you start the course, you'll be assigned a Trainer and Assessor—an experienced fitness professional who will support you throughout your studies. You can reach your trainer via phone, email, or Zoom whenever you need guidance. Plus, you'll gain access to our student-only Facebook Group for extra support and community connection.

How fast is the turn around time on assessments?

At Women's Fitness Education, we offer one of the fastest turnaround time in the industry. Assessment feedback and results are provided within 1 business day, allowing students to continue their studies without delay.

Do I need a mentor?

While having a mentor can be helpful when studying, it’s not mandatory with Women's Fitness Education. With support from our in-house trainers, assessors, online resources, and student-only Facebook Group, you’ll have everything you need to complete the course successfully—mentor optional!

What are the entry requirements?

✅ Age: Must be 16 years or older.

✅ Education: Must have completed Year 10 (or equivalent).

✅ Residency: Must be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent).

✅ Resources: Must have access to a computer and internet.

Women's Fitness Education - Work Placement Partners

While work placement in a gym isn’t required for our certification, we have formal agreements with Fitness First and Goodlife. If you’d prefer to complete your practice sessions in a fitness facility, you’re welcome to use any Fitness First or Goodlife location across Australia.

Entry Requirements

Age: Must be 16 years of age or older
Education: Must have completed year 10 (or equivalent)
Residency Status: Must be a permanent Australian resident (or equivalent)
Resources: Must have access to a computer and internet access

What is the Difference Between a Certificate Ill and Certificate IV in Fitness

The major difference between Certificate Ill and IV in Fitness is in the

job opportunities on completion of the qualification. Certificate Ill in Fitness is tailored for people who want to work as a Group or Gym Instructor while Certificate IV in Fitness is tailored for people who want to work as a Personal Trainer.

SIS30321 - Certificate III in Fitness

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Why Choose Women's Fitness Education?

1: Companion Courses

When you complete your Certificate III in Fitness with Women's Fitness Education, you’ll also gain free access to these specialised courses:

1️⃣ Pelvic Floor and Prolapse

2️⃣ Training Pre and Postnatal Women

3️⃣ Training Menopausal Women

4️⃣ Menstrual Cycle Essentials

These courses provide valuable extra knowledge and set you apart in the fitness industry.

Having a Certificate III PLUS these companion courses makes you more attractive to employers and clients than those who have only completed the standard certification.

2: Live Monthly Webinar via Zoom (optional)

At Women's Fitness Education, our certification is 100% on-demand, allowing you to study at your own pace, in your own time.

However, we also know the value of live learning. That’s why we host a monthly live webinar (via Zoom) covering different women’s health and fitness topics. These sessions are led by our in-house experts or guest speakers.

📅 Attend live or watch the replay—it's up to you!

💡 Note: These sessions are optional and not compulsory.

3: Join Our Exclusive Student Community!

Studying online doesn’t mean you have to do it alone! At Women's Fitness Education, we offer a private, student-only Facebook Group—a safe space to connect, share experiences, ask questions, and support each other in a positive environment.

Inside, you’ll find:

✅ Current students working toward their certification

✅ Recent graduates navigating their next steps

✅ Qualified Personal Trainers & expert mentors

💡 Note: The Facebook Group is optional and not required to complete your course.

SIS30321 - Certificate III in Fitness

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What can you do with a Certificate III in Fitness?

On completion, students will be qualified as both a Gym Instructor and a Group Fitness Instructor.

Gym Instructor: A Gym Instructor helps new members get started by conducting pre-screenings and creating personalised training programs. They monitor the gym floor, assist with technique, encourage members, and ensure safety by spotting hazards and being ready to provide first aid if needed.

Group Fitness Instructor: A Group Fitness Instructor leads fun and engaging workout sessions for people of different ages and fitness levels. Classes may be freestyle, follow a set routine, or be circuit-based. Instead of individual coaching, the focus is on guiding the whole group while keeping sessions energetic, safe, and inclusive.

Professional Registration

On completion of the course, students will be able to register with any of the major fitness registration bodies in Australia including AUSactive and Physical Activity Australia.

AUSactive: AUSactive is Australia’s peak body for the exercise and active health sector, and their goal is to activate Australians to move more.

With a Certificate III in Fitness, you can register with AUSactive as a Gym Instructor or a Group Exercise Instructor.

Physical Activity Australia: Physical Activity Australia were the first fitness registration body in Australia and have been supporting, advising and guiding fitness professionals since 1982.

With a Certificate III in Fitness, you can register with Physical Activity Australia as an Exercise Instructor.

Further Studies

After completion, graduates can progress to the SIS40221 - Certificate IV in Fitness to become a qualified Personal Trainer.

SIS30321 - Certificate III in Fitness

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I completed cert 3 in Fitness with Women's Fitness Education. I wasn't sure whether I was making the right choice, but after talking to Dani from WFE, I decided to go ahead. The best decision I ever made! 100% flexible study option means I could juggle my study in between full time work and family life. I completed the course in 3 months and now continuing with Cert 4. I found the facilitators/educators very supportive and responsive to queries. 100% recommend it!

KELLY

WFE has been a fantastic supportive group. I have just completed my cert 3 in Fitness with them and now moving onto my cert 4. The online system and education team they use is easy to navigate and provides fantastic support through each subject and module. My most favourite part of WFE so far is the monthly webinars they hold. Each month is a really unique and yet important topic that has been a source of great education and awareness for me. I appreciate that if I can't get on to it live I have the ability to watch the recording at any time. I highly recommend if you are looking to train women at all throughout your fitness professional career that you chose Women's Fitness Education.

LARA

I recently completed my Cert 3 in Fitness with WFE and thoroughly enjoyed my learning experience. The education platform was so easy to use and the assessors were quick to respond to any questions I had. I learnt so much and was able to step straight into a role as a group fitness instructor. I’m now moving onto my Cert 4 in fitness with WFE and I can’t wait! If you’re interested in a career in fitness, I can’t recommend WFE enough. All of the support and extra educational opportunities along the way just made it a fantastic experience.

SHAUNA NICOLE

I have just completed my Cert 3 in Fitness with WFE & I must said it was a great experience. I learnt so much that I can now take on my journey through the fitness industry.

I would highly recommend women’s fitness education to all women looking to study fitness

JULIE

I have just completed my Cert 3 with WFE and am moving onto my Cert 4 happily! The course was so easy to understand and access at all times. Assessors where so helpful, including Mish and Dani who are always reaching out and assisting with additional webinars for further knowledge. I would recommend WFE for anyone wanting to focus on female fitness, busy mums, full time workers or anyone trying to get the most out of something in their spare time. Self paced and so easy to take your time or smash it out as you please! Can’t recommend them enough!

CLARA