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.
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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.
A Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) comprises of the 17 units of competency as outlined above. Students may take a maximum of up to 12 months to complete the certification.
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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If you choose to complete your Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) with Women's Fitness Education, you will also get access to the following companion courses included for free.
1) Pelvic Floor and Prolapse
2) Training Pre and Post Natal Women
3) Training Menopausal Women
4) Menstrual Cycle Essentials
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 III in Fitness (SIS30321) AND the above companion courses as opposed to a Fitness Professional who has only completed the Certificate III.
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 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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Gym-Based Personal Trainer: Work within a gym or fitness centre, providing personalised training sessions to clients using the gym’s equipment and facilities.
Mobile Personal Trainer: Offer personal training services by traveling to clients' homes, parks, or other convenient locations, bringing the necessary equipment with you.
Online Personal Trainer: Deliver fitness coaching, workout plans, and guidance to clients through online platforms, allowing you to work with clients remotely.
Bootcamp Instructor: Lead high-energy, group fitness classes, typically held outdoors or in large indoor spaces, focusing on intense, circuit-style workouts.
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 Courses (CEC courses).
Areas to focus on could include
- Functional Training
- Nutrition
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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 H.
I have just completed my Cert III with women fitness education & 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 K.
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
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 N.
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 W.
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.
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National Qualifications Provided by FEO Academy RTO45428