New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)
Turn your passion for sport and exercise into a career in the fitness industry.
Our New Zealand Certificate in Exercise programme will give you a sound theoretical and practical base for working in the fitness industry.
The programme covers exercise professional practice, performance training, nutrition, anatomy and physiology. Class sizes are small, so you receive close attention and support from your tutors.
As part of your studies, you’ll connect with a variety of people representing the fitness industry. And because many of the courses within the programme are highly practical, you’ll spend considerable time in the gym.
The academic skills you acquire during the programme are transferrable into degrees such as the Bachelor of Applied Science in health promotion or sport and exercise science. Upon completion of this certificate you’ll be eligible to register for REPS registration (which is required to work as a personal trainer in gyms).
Part-time up to three years.
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
40 credits NCEA Level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion Pathway or Ara TOA Sports Pathway or equivalent.
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion Pathway
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
Funding assistance
If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
With this qualification you will be ready for a number of employment opportunities and career pathways within the fitness industry such as a personal trainer, gym trainer, group exercise instructor and sales and marketing roles.
As a successful fitness industry employee you will have well developed social skills which are also relevant to many other occupations.
Graduates will be eligible for registration with the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPS) at the personal trainer level. Part-time up to 3 years.
Study pathways
As a Certificate in Exercise graduate you can progress to our Bachelor of Applied Science (Sport and Exercise Science), Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion) or Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health. Further study in physical education, recreation, massage therapy, physiotherapy, sports coaching and teaching is also an option.
Recommended school subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Physics
New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)
Turn your passion for sport and exercise into a career in the fitness industry.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Certificate |
| Code | NZ3563 |
| Next Starts | February 2025 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | 20 January for February start, 23 June for July start |
| Credits | 60 |
| Level | 4 |
| Additional Equipment/Fees | Advised before enrolment |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| Available Part time | Yes |
| Reference | NZ3563-STRU |
Fees for 2024
Fees for 2025
With an internationally-recognised Ara qualification, the world is your oyster. Our graduates can be found working and making a difference across the globe…
MoreCredit Recognition
If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.
Find out moreDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 426 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 363 KB
- NZ Certificate in Exercise Additional Requirements Form PDF, 31 KB
Area of Interest
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