New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)
Learn how to teach functional exercise movements while gaining a clear understanding of human anatomy and physiology. Discover how behavioural change can lead to lasting results for your clients. With hands-on teaching in our purpose-built gym and real industry work experience, you will gain the skills and knowledge to become a first-class exercise professional.
Domestic
July
About the programme
Start on your path to becoming a Personal Trainer with this exciting new programme.
Learn how to teach exercise, gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and discover how the role of behaviour change can lead to lasting results for your clients.
With hands-on teaching in our purpose-built gym, Tapuae, and real world experiences out in industry, gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a first-class exercise professional. You could work with others to provide exercise advice or become a Gym Instructor.
Successful completion of this Level 4 Certificate will enable you to apply for registration as a Gym Instructor with REPs NZ (Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand). Alternatively, you may choose to continue your study with our Level 5 programme which will fully prepare you for the role of a Personal Trainer.
International
July
About the programme
Start on your path to becoming a Personal Trainer with this exciting new programme.
Learn how to teach exercise, gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, and discover how the role of behaviour change can lead to lasting results for your clients.
With hands-on teaching in our purpose-built gym, Tapuae, and real world experiences out in industry, gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a first-class exercise professional.
Successful completion of this Level 4 Certificate will enable you to apply for registration as a Gym Instructor with REPs NZ (Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand). Alternatively, you may choose to continue your study with our Level 5 programme which will fully prepare you for the role of a Personal Trainer.
What You Study
Courses
Course name | Description | Level | Credits |
---|---|---|---|
Human Anatomy and Physiology |
Gain knowledge of the basic concepts of anatomy and physiology and how they relate to exercise programmes.
|
4 | 15 |
Exercise Programming |
Develop knowledge, skills and attributes to adapt and deliver exercise programmes.
|
4 | 15 |
Nutrition and Lifestyle |
Develop knowledge of nutrition as it relates to exercise training and healthy lifestyles.
|
4 | 15 |
Exercise Professional Practice |
Develop cultural competency, knowledge, skills and attributes to use business tools to practice as an exercise professional.
|
4 | 15 |
Further study options
To become a Personal Trainer, you will need to complete the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5). Our Bachelor of Applied Science degree will then enable you to advance your learning further and explore the areas of Exercise, Sport and Health to expand your career prospects.
Workload
Your workload
Full-time students will be expected to study for 36 hours per week. This will include directed teaching, self-directed learning and industry experience hours.
Entry
Entry requirements
- You must hold one of the following:
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, or
- New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector) (Level 3), or
- a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2, or
- a recognised equivalent.
- If you’re 20 years old or above and do not meet the entry requirements, you are eligible for special admission. We’ll work with you to ensure you are prepared for this programme.
- If you’re under 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for discretionary admission. We’ll work with you to check that you’re prepared for this programme.
- If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance, or
- Overall Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band score lower than 5.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years), or
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Additional requirement
Police vetting may be needed if you will be engaging in activities with industry or community partners that require this. We’ll work with you on this during your programme if it’s needed.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
All students will need to wear Otago Polytechnic branded clothing when they are working with clients or are out with industry. We also ask all learners to have a laptop or tablet that they can use for classwork.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees shown above are approximate only. There may be a slight fee increase per year once Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) rules and guidelines are applied. These fees also don’t include additional costs or living costs.
Studylink
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink.
Some support may be available for domestic part-time students if this programme offers a part-time study option.
Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
Student Services Fee
For most students, your tuition fee shown above includes a Student Services Fee – also known as the Student Levy. This compulsory fee covers your access to the student services we offer. This cost is tailored depending on how you're studying.
The international tuition fee does not include your Student Levy. This will be calculated when you enrol with us.
Click below to find out more about the Student Levy costs and services provided.
Fees Free
The Government has announced that Fees Free for the first year of study or training will finish at the end of 2024. A final-year Fees Free policy will replace it, starting from 1 January 2025.
If you are a first-time tertiary learner in 2025, you may be able to get Fees Free for your final year of study or training. If you are eligible, you will need to apply for your entitlement through IRD from 2026 onwards.
For more information about the transition from first-year Fees Free or the final-year Fees Free policy, visit FeesFree.govt.nz.
Study Grants for international students
We have a range of Study Grants to support our international students.
Application
A change for 2023 enrolments
When you apply to study with Otago Polytechnic in 2023, you will be enrolled with Te Pūkenga, the new national network of vocational and applied education in Aotearoa New Zealand. You will learn in the same way, in the same place, and with the same people, and you will graduate with a Te Pūkenga qualification.