New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)
Sport & Recreation
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Gain the specialised skills and knowledge needed to become a personal trainer. This practical, hands-on qualification teaches you how to plan, implement, and evaluate exercise programmes tailored to clients' needs and abilities, covering nutrition and behaviour to prepare you for holistic personal training work.
NZ$5,447
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
Core skills this course teaches
Plan and Deliver Exercise Programmes
Design, implement, and evaluate tailored exercise programmes for clients with diverse needs and abilities.
Holistic Personal Training Skills
Incorporate nutrition and behaviour principles into client exercise programmes to ensure holistic wellbeing.
About This Course
This Level 5 certificate develops advanced competence in exercise prescription and personal training. Taught by highly-experienced staff, the qualification is designed for students aiming to work as personal trainers or exercise consultants. It covers professional practice, exercise science, program design, nutrition, and behaviour change. Students gain experience in a purpose-built teaching gym and engage with local industry partners, establishing a client base while learning how to deliver exercise programming for diverse needs. Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with REPs NZ and can progress onto relevant degree and postgraduate programmes.
Course Content
- Professional Practice 2: Professional practice principles for working in the exercise industry.
- Exercise Science 2: Behaviour change interventions in relation to nutrition and exercise.
- Exercise Prescription - Theory: Developing and adapting exercise prescriptions for client needs.
- Personal Training - Practice: Planning, implementing, and evaluating exercise programmes for varied clients.
- Practical gym experience in purpose-built facilities.
- Engagement with local industry and building a client base.
- Nutrition basics and behaviour change strategies.
Entry Requirements
New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or equivalent.
Build towards these roles
Personal TrainerExercise ConsultantFitness InstructorHealth Coach
Build skills in these industries
Sport & RecreationHealth Studies
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.
