New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)
Get the specialised skills and knowledge you need to become a personal trainer. With this practical qualification, you’ll discover how to plan, implement and evaluate specific exercise programmes tailored to your clients’ needs and abilities. This programme will also take you through nutrition and behaviour, so you will be fully prepared to work with clients in a holistic manner.
Domestic
July (numbers dependent)
About the programme
Gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a Personal Trainer.
With this hands-on qualification, taught by highly-experienced and industry-connected staff, you will discover how to plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes. By also studying nutrition and behaviour, you will be fully prepped to work with clients in a holistic manner.
Time spent in our purpose-built, teaching gym, as well as experience with local industry, will enable you to gain a solid understanding of the role of a Personal Trainer. In addition, the chance to work with a variety of clients during the programme will allow you to develop a strong client base. Other career opportunities include an Exercise Consultant.
Successful completion of this Level 5 Certificate will enable you to apply for registration as a Personal Trainer with REPs NZ (Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand). Alternatively, you could expand your learning and career horizons with our degree programme specialising in Sport, Exercise or Health (Physical and Nutrition).
Studying part-time
We know full-time study isn't always possible. We also offer this programme part-time over one year.
International
July (numbers dependent)
About the programme
Gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a Personal Trainer.
With this hands-on qualification, taught by highly-experienced and industry-connected staff, you will discover how to plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes. By also studying nutrition and behaviour, you will be fully prepped to work with clients in a holistic manner.
Time spent in our purpose-built, teaching gym, as well as experience with local industry, will enable you to gain a solid understanding of the role of a Personal Trainer. In addition, the chance to work with a variety of clients during the programme will allow you to develop a strong client base. Other career opportunities include an Exercise Consultant.
Successful completion of this Level 5 Certificate will enable you to apply for registration as a Personal Trainer with REPs NZ (Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand). Alternatively, you could expand your learning and career horizons with our degree programme specialising in Sport, Exercise or Health (Physical and Nutrition).
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
What you will learn
Courses
| Course name | Description | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional Practice 2 | Learn how to apply and evaluate professional practice principles of working in the exercise industry. | 5 | 15 |
| Exercise Science 2 | Gain an understanding of how to apply behaviour change interventions in relation to nutrition and exercise. | 5 | 15 |
| Exercise Prescription - Theory | Learn how to develop and adapt exercise prescriptions to meet the needs of clients. | 5 | 15 |
| Personal Training - Practice | Discover how to plan, implement and evaluate exercise programmes for a range of exercise participants. | 5 | 15 |
Further study options
Expand your learning and career horizons with our Bachelor of Applied Science (specialising in Sport, Exercise, or Health (Physical and Nutrition). This can then pathway into more advanced study specialising in Physical Conditioning with our Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science.
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
Academic requirements
- New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or equivalent.
- In exceptional circumstances, an applicant under 20 who does not meet the academic entry requirements may be granted entry to the programme where they supply evidence of their ability to succeed on the programme.
International requirements and equivalence
To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance OR
- Overall IELTS 5.5 (academic, no 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 internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
All fees and costs are approximate.
Fees
Domestic fees
International fees
Additional costs
All students will need to wear Otago Polytechnic branded clothing when they are working with clients or out with industry. We 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
Visit Welcome to StudyLink studylink.govt.nz to apply for a student loan to cover your course fees, course-related costs or living costs, or to apply for a student allowance.
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
Starting tertiary study or work-based learning for the first time? You may be able to get Fees Free after you complete your first eligible qualification or programme.
Fees Free covers the cost of your fees for the final year of study or final two years of work-based learning, up to $12,000.
When you enrol, you will need to pay your fees. To help you cover this cost, you may wish to apply for a student loan. Find out more at Student loan – StudyLink.
For more information on the eligibility requirements and when it is best to apply for Fees Free, visit Fees Free – Inland Revenue.