Charles Darwin University (CDU TAFE)
6 months full-time or 12 months part-time
Become a qualified fitness instructor with this nationally accredited Certificate III. Learn to plan and deliver group exercise sessions and develop gym-based programs in fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure centres across the Northern Territory.
Candidates require access to a fitness facility supervised by qualified trainers (paid or volunteer) and must hold or be eligible for a Working with Children Check. A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where additional support may be needed. Students need reliable computer access for the online learning platform Learnline and must purchase a uniform shirt for practical placements.
The course covers 15 units of competency including core units in customer service delivery, personal work priorities, first aid, workplace health and safety, pre-exercise screening, client fitness assessments, group exercise session planning and instruction, gym-based exercise program development, and anatomy and physiology knowledge. Elective units include recreation programs for older persons, group movement programs for children, and personalised exercise programs for adolescent and older clients. Total nominal hours: 783, comprising 498 hours for core units and 285 hours for elective units.
Charles Darwin University is the Northern Territory's largest training provider offering industry-ready skills and experience. CDU provides expert lecturers and industry professionals, access to first-class facilities, recognition of prior learning to qualify faster, and flexible study options. The institution offers a people-first approach with a supportive learning environment, allowing students to balance study with work and family commitments.
Graduates can pursue careers as aqua instructors, group fitness instructors, gym instructors, or exercise instructors in fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres. The qualification provides a pathway to further training, including the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness for those seeking advanced qualifications and specialisation in personal training or other fitness disciplines.