New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Combine two nationally recognised fitness qualifications in a one-year, full-time programme, launching your career in the Fitness Industry as a personal or group exercise instructor.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Dunedin, Dunedin
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Design and deliver safe, effective exercise programmes
Confidently design and implement exercise programmes for individuals and groups, ensuring safety and alignment with client goals.
Demonstrate cultural competency in the fitness setting
Operate as an exercise professional using Manaakitanga, Tūturutanga, and Tūhonotanga, engaging respectfully with diverse clients in Aotearoa contexts.
Apply anatomy and nutrition to exercise instruction
What You're Signing Up For
This programme combines the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and the New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4) into one full-time year. Through hands-on teaching in a purpose-built gym and real-world industry experience, develop the knowledge and skills to become a fitness professional with expertise in anatomy, nutrition, exercise prescription, client care, and group instruction. Graduates qualify for registration as a Gym Instructor or Freestyle Group Exercise Instructor with REPs NZ, and may proceed to higher level fitness qualifications.
Course Content
- Human Anatomy and Physiology
- Professional Practice 1 (including cultural competency, business tools, role in Aotearoa context)
- Group Exercise Professional Practice (culturally appropriate values and processes, client engagement)
- Group Exercise 1 (plan and deliver group exercise, safe practice, movement enhancement)
- Exercise Prescription (assessment, adaptation, facilitation, Māori Health Model)
- Nutrition and Lifestyle (nutrition principles, behaviour change for health)
- Group Exercise 2 (advanced planning/choreography/delivery for varied abilities)
- Group Exercise 3 (further mastery of group exercise leadership, participant wellbeing)
What you need to know first
40 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above with 10 credits in Literacy and 10 in Numeracy, OR New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector) (Level 3), OR relevant Level 2 NZQF qualification, OR recognised equivalent.
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Fitness
Sport and Recreation
Health and Wellbeing
Future employment opportunities might be
Gym Instructor
Freestyle Group Exercise Instructor
Fitness Centre Staff
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.