A Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) provides a pathway to work as an employed or self-employed personal trainer in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes, and outdoor locations.
This qualification reflects the role of personal trainers who develop, instruct and evaluate personalised exercise programs for generally healthy and low risk clients, to achieve specific fitness goals. Clients with higher health risks are referred to medical or allied health professionals.
Personal trainers may offer services to individuals and groups, and may provide online training services. In some employment contexts, personal trainers may be involved in team leadership or supervisory activities.
The Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) consists of 17 units, 10 core and 7 elective (see details below)
Module 1: Health Coaching
BSBPEF302: Develop Self Awareness
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to improve self-reliance to confidently perform work tasks within the scope of own responsibility. It involves reflecting on personal development and acquiring knowledge of personal strengths and weaknesses through feedback from others. It also involves the development of goals and plans to improve workplace performance.
SISFFIT053: Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify individual client needs for healthy eating advice, and provide information that supports clients to establish healthier eating patterns. Information is based on the current Australian national dietary guidelines and associated resources which aim to promote optimal health and wellbeing for generally healthy people.
SISFFIT050: Support exercise behaviour change
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish current patterns of client exercise and support clients to make changes to optimise fitness outcomes, health and wellbeing. Support for behaviour change reflects evidence-based approaches and can be integrated into fitness assessment, program planning, instruction and evaluation.
Module 2: Advanced Programming
SISFFIT049: Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify how exercise science principles (also known as exercise training principles) apply to fitness instruction, and use those principles in the design and ongoing modification of exercise programs for clients.
SISFFIT041: Develop personalised exercise programs
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop exercise programs and a series of sessions tailored to individual client needs, exercise preferences and fitness goals.
Module 3: Personal Training
SISFFIT043: Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and instruct exercise programs and sessions specifically tailored to meet body composition goals for individual clients. Goals may relate to body composition maintenance or change. It covers skills for evaluating and modifying programs in response to client monitoring and feedback.
SISFFIT044: Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop and instruct exercise programs and sessions specifically tailored for individual older clients. Older clients are those aged at least 55 years; however, they can be significantly older. It covers skills for evaluating and modifying programs in response to client monitoring and feedback. Programs and sessions take account of the particular issues and risks for older clients.
SISFFIT042: Instruct personalised exercise sessions
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare for, instruct and evaluate pre-designed exercise sessions that have been tailored to individual client needs, exercise preferences and fitness goals, as part of an overall personal training program. It covers skills for modifying programs in response to ongoing client monitoring and feedback.
SISXCAI009: Instruct strength and conditioning techniques
This unit describes the performance outcomes, knowledge and skills required to use drills, exercises and activities to instruct individuals undertaking fitness programs in strength and conditioning techniques to achieve personal fitness goals.
SISXCAI010: Develop strength and conditioning programs
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop, implement and evaluate strength and conditioning programs. It focuses on the skills needed to develop programs to meet the needs of participants undertaking fitness programs to achieve personal fitness goals.
Module 4: Youth Training
SISFFIT045: Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to complete pre-exercise screening and fitness assessments for individual clients aged thirteen to seventeen years, and to develop and instruct exercise programs and sessions specifically tailored for these clients. It covers skills for evaluating and modifying programs in response to client monitoring and feedback.
SISFFIT051: Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish the industry context for fitness instruction work, develop collaborative relationships with medical and allied health professionals, and use reflective practice and critical thinking for ongoing professional development. It requires the ability to identify and evaluate evidence-based information for use in day-to-day fitness instruction activities.
CHCCOM006: Establish and manage client relationships
This unit describes the skills and knowledge to establish and manage professional one-to-one relationships with clients in the context of providing an ongoing health service or intervention.
Nationally Accredited Courses delivered by FEO Academy RTO45428
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Theory: All our theory learning is delivered via our online learning platform. You can log in to the platform 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
We understand that all students have different learning styles, so we've included the content in a variety of mediums, including on-demand videos, PowerPoint presentations, online ebooks, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. Students can consume the content in the medium in their preferred learning style.
Practical Sessions: If you choose to study with Women's Fitness Education, there is no 'work placement' or 'practice hours' in a gym required. You will however need to perform 'practise sessions' with a 'practise client' throughout the course. These practise sessions allow you to gain the confidence of working with real clients.
Note: These practise sessions do not need to performed in a gym. They can performed in places such as parks, beaches, home studio etc.
At Women's Fitness Education our qualification is delivered on demand (100% online and self paced), students have the option to progress more quickly through the qualification. The total time it takes to complete the qualification usually depends on the students previous experience, how much time they can dedicate to their study and the pace they prefer to work at.
Once you commence the Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221), you will be assigned a "Trainer and Assessor" who is an experienced Fitness Professional. If you need any support throughout the course, your Trainer will be able to guide you. You can contact your Trainer via either phone, email or zoom. You will also gain access to our student only Facebook Group.
At Women's Fitness education, we pride ourselves on having the fastest turn around time in the industry. Assessment feedback and result is delivered within 1 business day. Students can continue with their course while waiting for this feedback, ensuring no interruption to their studies.
Although a mentor can be extremely helpful while completing an online Certificate IV in Fitness, if you choose with to study with Women's Fitness Education, it not mandatory. Between our in house trainers, assessors, online resources and student only Facebook Group. The course can be completed without a mentor.
It is possible to complete the Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) without completing a Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321). You will however you will need to complete the following nine units.
HLTAID011: Provide First Aid,HLTWHS001: Participate in workplace health and safety, SISFFIT032: Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation, SISFFIT033: Complete client fitness assessments, SISFFIT035: Plan group exercise sessions, SISFFIT036: Instruct group exercise sessions, SISFFIT040: Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients, SISFFIT047: Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise, SISFFIT052: Provide healthy eating information.
Some students prefer to choose this option which is often referred to as a "Certificate IV in Fitness + Pre Requisite Units". Instead of completing a Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) and then a Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221), the student would complete the "pre requisite units" and then a Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221).
Although there is no required work placement in a gym as part of our certification - we have a formal arrangement with both Fitness First and Goodlife. If you'd prefer to complete your practise sessions at a fitness facility - you're welcome to do it at any Fitness First or Goodlife facilities across Australia.
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Entry Requirements
Age: Must be at least 16 years of age
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
Must have completed the following units (or equivalent):
HLTAID011: Provide First Aid
HLTWHS001: Participate in workplace health and safety
SISFFIT032: Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation
SISFFIT033: Complete client fitness assessments
SISFFIT035: Plan group exercise sessions
SISFFIT036: Instruct group exercise sessions
SISFFIT040: Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients
SISFFIT047: Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise
SISFFIT052: Provide healthy eating information
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1) Training Females (10CECs): regular $297
2) Training Pre and Post Natal Women (4CECs): regular: $97
3) Training Menopausal and Peri Menopausal Women (8CECs): regular: $297
4) Menstrual Cycle Essentials (6CECs): regular $297
These companion courses will not only arm you with extra knowledge as a Fitness Professional but they will also give you a point of difference when starting in the Fitness Industry.
Employers and clients will look more favourably at a Fitness Professional who has completed a Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) AND the above companion courses as opposed to a Fitness Professional who has only completed the Certificate IV.
At Women's Fitness Education, we've designed our certification so it can be completed on demand, in your own time at your own pace. We do however understand the power of learning live. For this reason we run a live monthly webinar (via zoom) covering a different topic on Women's Health / Fitness. This session may delivered in house by one of our experts - or we may bring in a guest speaker.
You can choose to attend these sessions live or watch the replay.
Note: These zoom sessions are optional and NOT compulsory to attend
We understand how important community it is, especially when studying a certification online.
That's why at Women's Fitness Education, we have a private Facebook Group exclusively for our students! This is a safe space for students to connect, share experiences, seek advice, and support each other in a positive and encouraging environment.
In this group, you'll find a community of like-minded women who are all either
- Peers actively pursuing a Certification with us
- Recent graduates navigating their next steps
- Qualified Personal Trainers and our handpicked 'Group Experts'
Once you graduate, you are welcome to stay in the Group and get a lifetime access of support!
Note: The Facebook Group is optional and NOT compulsory to join.
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According to Fitness Registration body AUSactive, a Personal Trainer's scope of practice includes
A. Pre-exercise health screening
B. Safety and risk assessment and management
C. Application of first aid to clients where required
D. Fitness assessment and analysis in accordance with knowledge and skill obtained through qualification and/ or continuing education
E. Development of safe, effective and appropriate exercise programs tailored to client or group needs
F. Exercise delivery inclusive of demonstrating,
instructing, monitoring, reviewing and modifying program content including technique, method and progression
G. Working within professional limitations to provide basic healthy eating information and advice through the application of nationally endorsed nutritional standards and guidelines
H. Provision of general nationally endorsed public health information that will educate and support positive client health outcomes
I. Use of evidence based protocols to enhance client exercise adherence through goal setting, motivation, guidance, social support, relapse prevention and feedback
J. Referring to medical or allied health professionals for guidance. Utilising best practice referral/ feedback processes to optimise client health outcomes
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 IV in Fitness (SIS40221), you can register with AUSactive as a Personal Trainer.
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 IV in Fitness (SIS40421), you can register with Physical Activity Australia as a Personal Trainer.
On completion of the Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40421), students can continue to up skill by taking Continuous Education Credit (CEC) courses.
Areas to focus on could include
- Bootcamp
- Functional Training
- Programming
- Training Older Adults
- Training Kids / Young Adults
- Body Composition
- Nutrition
- Mobility
- Training Special Populations
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Fitness Education Online is a fantastic online Fitness resource for Fitness Professionals. They offer a range of Courses to suit every field in the fitness industry - highly recommend. Their presenters are professional and knowledgeable in the way they present information.Highly recommend Kirstyn Campbell's Pelvic Floor Essentials for Fitness Professionals Course as well as Mich Wright's Training Perimenopausal & Menopausal Women. Both contain essential informatiion for not only training mums-to-be/new mums but also for women over 55.
LEE W.
I've just completed Training Menopausal a Peri-menopausal Women. I loved Michelle Wrights presenting and am going to seek out more of her courses now. Highly recommend! I didn't know much about peri-menopause and menopause before but feel so much more confident taking on this stage now. I run bootcamp style classes for pre and post natal women so wanted to upskill on our next stage of life, but also open my market up to some older women. I've been asked a lot in the past if I'd put on a class for older women, even though all of my current classes are so adaptable for any age/stage. I realised that people need to see themselves in a group to feel more like we are "their people". I now feel like I have the knowledge to put a dedicated class on the timetable and I'm excited to broaden my skills and fine tune this new class.All reactions:33
BRIANA H.
Hi I’m a newbie in the fitness industry and super excited at the convenience and content of the online education - I love how phone friendly it is - anytime anyplace convenienceI just completed Training Menopausal and Peri-menopausal women .. which honestly I found a bit triggering as I am one and didn’t regret doing this course. I loved the use of the comedienne as one resource to breakdown barriers and education re pelvic floor issues in men and women. Encouraging re all age fitness with some useful targeted insights to this group.
ANNE D.
Thank you to Fitness Education online for offering great courses. I have just completed the Mishfit Pregnant & Post Natal Training. I have been in the industry for 14 years and predominantly train women. I found this course to have great content which was easy to understand. Having video content as well as written content was great. Anybody training women will benefit from doing this courses, regardless the client being pregnant through to ladies going through menopause and dealing with pelvic floor issues or simply getting clients to better understand their core muscles.
ANGE S.
I honestly can't rate this organisation and their educational resources high enough. I was looking for a course to do to be able to train Pre and Post Natal Women, and ever since doing my first course with FEO, they are the one organisation I continued to return to for my professional development! They continue to update their courses, including their video content of each and the visual demonstrations and other methods of teaching cater to all styles of learning. I always finish a course with many drills and ideas to implement into my individual and group based sessions. The biggest takeaway I get from every equipment based course, is ways to work in the different planes and target both the anterior and posterior chains. Highly recommend to both group instructors and personal trainers looking to add variety to their sessions! Thank-you to the whole team at FEO!
RACH O.
I’ve just completed Mishfit: pregnancy & postnatal training for Personal Trainers level 1 & 2 through Fitness Education Online. I gained so much knowledge through these courses which will help with my female clients. I recommend this course to all personal trainers that have female clients. I also just completed the bootcamp games mini course which had some great ideas for making bootcamp sessions fun and full of laughter. Can’t wait to try some of these games with my clients I look forward to doing more courses through Fitness Education Online, what a great supportive team!
KRISTIE H.
I’ve been a Personal Trainer for 4 years. I just finished the periodisation of periods course with Mish Fit. I’ve learned so much information from this course, which is already helping my existing clients. I can’t wait to see where this new information takes myself and my team. So grateful for the opportunity to do a course like this!
KERRY B.
I recently finished two courses and I have started my third on the subject of women’s health training and specifically pelvic floor, understanding the menstrual cycle as it relates to training and pre and postnatal. And I have to say I have loved the content. I have gained so much already, absolutely sponging up the knowledge. Love it. And it hasn’t just helped with the content provided, but also given me the connections for further study by providing links to the top providers in the field and that has been incredibly helpful. Can’t recommend enough. It has truly opened my eyes to where we are failing women and how we can be the change to fix it. Thanks so much fitness Ed!
ANGIE H.
Happy to have completed pregnant & post-natal for Fitness Professionals. I liked the structure of the course and how the presenter made it easy to learn. Being in the industry for over 3 years & a bit confused why we were not taught about what is taught in this course in our Fitness certificates studies. Better late than never for me at least
HANNAH A.
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National Qualifications Provided by FEO Academy RTO45428