A Career in Fitness
The health and fitness industry continues to grow, creating opportunities for qualified exercise professionals to develop an exciting career.
If you’re ready to get started as an instructor there are a number of courses to choose from.
What’s your career goal?
Depending on your interests and abilities, and the employment opportunities you are looking for, you can choose a qualification and an area in which to specialise. Some people like the fun of running classes in a gym, some prefer to help people individually in a gym environment, and others are interested in operating their own personal training business.
Find a course
The minimum requirement to work in the fitness industry in Australia is Certificate III in Fitness. There are many training organisations in Australia offering not only fitness qualifications, but those surrounding sport and/or coaching. Make sure you undertake a qualification which is recognised by industry and government.
A qualification such as a Certificate or Diploma is designed to give you the skills to work in a particular occupation, or at a particular occupational level. Formal recognition means it has been approved by government and will be recognised by training organisations, industry and registration bodies.
| Career | Course | Description |
| Exercise Instructor (EI) | Certificate III in Fitness | Exercise Instructors may specialise as a:
Certificate III in Fitness is a good first step into the fitness industry. |
| Exercise Trainer (ET) | Certificate IV in Fitness | Exercise Trainers may specialise as a:
ETs may work one-on-one with clients or with groups. |
| Specialised Exercise Trainer (SET) | Diploma of Fitness | Specialised Exercise Trainers may:
SETs work alongside, and with, allied health professionals. This is a more comprehensive qualification than the previous two qualifications. |
Choosing a training provider
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) are approved training providers of the National Fitness Industry Training Package superseded by the Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package. RTOs include TAFE Colleges and Institutes, adult and community education providers, private providers, community organisations, schools, higher education institutions, commercial and enterprise training providers, industry bodies, and other organisations that meet RTO requirements.
The training delivery varies amongst RTOs and may include e-learning, online, face-to-face or distance education, and may be offered full-time or part-time. Fees, charges and services will also vary.
You may want to ‘shop around’ to find the RTO that best meets your needs.
If you are considering online or distance education, make sure you feel you will have enough support to complete the training successfully. These methods of learning can be more challenging because you don’t have interaction with other students and trainers.
Find out how the RTO supports students learning in this way. Do they offer phone or email support, online help or discussion forums?
What to ask
- How long does the course takes to complete?
- How much does it cost including enrolment fees? Check if there are any additional charges for books, tools, materials and equipment.
- Where is the course delivered?
- What are the dates and times of course delivery?
- What is the assessment component (practical and theory) of the course?
- Is it distance, online learning, flexible or blended delivery?
- What facilities do they have? Ask to view their facilities or attend an open day to get more information.
- Ask how to apply or enrol.
Find all registered RTOs nationally by visiting training.gov.au
Career opportunities
Exercise Instructors can work on a casual or part-time basis, and can freelance or work at one or several fitness facilities at the same time. Full-time employment can be available either at fitness facilities, health resorts, or on cruise ships.
Exercise Trainers can work either within a facility (as an employee or a tenant trainer), within their own studio, or as a self employed mobile trainer.
Why register?
Once you have completed your qualification, you are then eligible to register with Physical Activity Australia.
Physical Activity Australia registration demonstrates to prospective employers, the professional and the public that you:
- hold a recognised and approved qualification
- are competent to work in the fitness sector
- are committed to undertaking ongoing professional development
- have access to appropriate insurance.
For registration enquiries please contact us on register@physicalactivityaustralia.org.au or phone (03) 8320 0100.