• Aquatics
  • Entertainment and events
  • Exercise
  • Mātauranga Māori
  • Outdoor recreation

Qualifications for Exercise

The exercise sector is made up of those who teach, lead and guide participants as they take part in a range of fitness activities.

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New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (L4)

This programme is for people who want to adapt and deliver appropriate instruction to exercise clients. Completing the Exercise Level 4 certificate will set you up for a career as an employed or self-employed personal trainer, exercise consultant, community exercise instructor, or team training instructor.
Level 4

Exercise Foundations Programme (L3)

This programme is tailor-made to support people beginning their exercise career. Completing the Exercise Foundations programme will equip you to assist people using a gym, fitness facility or engaging in community exercise. This programme is eligible for a Building Foundations scholarship, which provides zero-fee enrolment and fully subsidised assessments to make career progression in the exercise industry more accessible for everyone.
Level 3

New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (L4)

This programme is for people designing and leading their own group exercise classes.
Completing the Freestyle Group Exercise certificate will equip you with the skills and confidence to create and deliver fun, effective and safe group fitness classes, specialising in your chosen elective.
Level 4
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Map you career

There are many different ways that you can progress through the sectors, and lots of skills are transferable across different roles and practice areas. Our Career Maps will help you visualise key jobs and pathways.

Kōrero With Us!

For more information about the qualifications, please contact your regional advisor.

Explore the latest success stories from the exercise sector

Nicole Shand
Fitness instructor and coach - Sport Tasman
Shanae Yates
Exercise trainee
Latu To’omaga
Better health for Pasifika people

How To Enrol

Ready to go? Just click the "Enrol" button in the top right-hand corner of this website, set up a new account in our Learner Portal if it is your first time, and then click the "Enrol here" button. Select your programme from the dropdown menu, and follow the prompts to complete the rest of the form.

Your enrolment form will be processed by your regional advisor, and then sent to your workplace manager to review and sign electronically. Once your manager has signed, the form automatically gets sent back to you, and your learner advisor, to review and sign.