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.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over one year.
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.
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over one year.
What You Study
Courses
| Course name | Description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Exercise Prescription |
|
4 | 15 |
| Applied Anatomy and Physiology |
|
4 | 15 |
| Professional Practice 1 |
|
4 | 15 |
| Exercise Science 1 |
|
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. If you choose to study part-time, you will need to study for around 16 hours per week.
Entry
Entry requirements
- Open entry.
- 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.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Fees Free
If you’re a domestic student and this is your first time doing tertiary study in New Zealand (over 60 credits at Level 3 or higher), you may be able to get free tuition fees for this programme.
All the details and criteria are on the Fees Free website and you can check whether you’re going to be able to access funding by entering your National Student Number.
If you can access it, we’ll organise your fees with the Tertiary Education Commission when you’re enrolled to study with us. This funding doesn’t include additional costs or living costs.
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.
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.
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.
Domestic full-time students can apply for a student loan through Studylink. Some support may be available for domestic part-time students. Apply at the same time as you apply for your course (you can withdraw your application anytime).
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.
Disclaimer
While every effort is made to ensure that this sheet is accurate, Otago Polytechnic reserves the right to amend, alter or withdraw any of the contained information. The fees shown in this document are indicative only. Both domestic and international fees are subject to change and are dependent on the development and implementation of Government policies. Please note that additional fees may from time to time be required for external examination, NZQA fees and/or additional material fees.
