Become a personal trainer

Fitness

Become a personal trainer

Turn your dream to become a personal trainer into a reality and start the process today. You will learn from experts in Strength and Conditioning, Nutrition, Exercise Physiology, Fitness Business Creation and Strategy, Customer Service and Communication. 

Choose your study location

We deliver this course from two locations - choose from either on-campus or mixed mode delivery in Wollongong; or mixed mode delivery in Liverpool. Mixed mode delivery involves online evening classes two days a week, as well as six practical sessions conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus or at a fitness facility located in Liverpool.

Selecting a delivery option

What is it?

Students attend face-to-face classes and interact with their trainer and classmates in a classroom and training facilities. It's a great way to build relationships with peers and trainers, ask questions in real-time, and engage in group discussions and activities.

Note - on campus delivery is available at our Wollongong campus only.

Is it for me?

If you can attend 2.5 weekday classes per week, studying on campus is a great option. Get valuable weekly face-to-face time plus you’ll get to experience campus life and use a wide range of facilities such as the library, computer labs and many study spaces.

 

Fitness students talking outside with laptop

What is it?

Mix of online and face-to-face study. We offer online classes that run weekly in the evenings, combined with intensive face-to-face practical sessions at UOW Wollongong campus or at a leading fitness facility located in Liverpool. There are 6 practical sessions over the course duration conducted on Saturdays from 8.30am - 3.30pm. This allows students to balance their studies with other responsibilities by minimising the time they need to spend away from their other commitments.  

Is it for me?

Learning online is usually more demanding than face-to-face study. It requires self-motivation and the ability to work independently. You’ll need to have access to a computer and fast internet.

Certificate III in Fitness
On campus Mixed mode
  • face-to-face 2.5 days a week between Monday and Friday
  • 30 hours of work placement
  • online workshops: Monday 6-8pm; Tuesday 7-8pm
  • 6 practical workshops: conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus or at a leading fitness facility located in Liverpool, 8.30am - 3.30pm (see schedule below)
  • minimum of 8 hours of self-directed study weekly
  • 30 hours of work placement
Note The Certificate III in Fitness also available as a traineeship or school-based traineeship (SBAT) program.
Certificate IV in Fitness
On campus Mixed mode
  • face-to-face 2.5 days a week between Monday and Friday
  • 40 hours of work placement
  • online workshops: Monday 6-8pm; Tuesday 7-8pm
  • 6 practical workshops: conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus or at a leading fitness facility located in Liverpool, 8.30am - 3.30pm (see schedule below)
  • minimum of 8 hours of self-directed study weekly
  • 40 hours of work placement
Note The Certificate IV in Fitness is also available as a Traineeship.

Saturday Practical Sessions schedule

The dates for students studying by mixed mode delivery:

July 2025 intake February 2026 intake July 2026 intake

Week 3 - 2 August 2025

Week 6 - 23 August 2025

Week 10 - 20 September 2025

Week 14 - 18 October 2025

Week 17 - 8 November 2025

Week 20 - 29 November 2025

Week 3 - 21 February 2026

Week 6 - 14 March 2026

Week 10 - 11 April 2026

Week 14 - 9 May 2026

Week 17 - 30 May 2026

Week 20 - 20 June 2026

Week 3 - 1 August 2026

Week 6 - 22 August 2026

Week 10 - 19 September 2026

Week 14 - 17 October 2026

Week 17 - 7 November 2026

Week 20 - 28 November 2026

 

 

Fitness career outcomes and study pathways

Certificate III in Fitness 

Career outcomes for students that have completed the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness include:

  • gym instructor 
  • group fitness instructor.

Certificate IV in Fitness

Career outcomes for students that have completed the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness include:

  • gym instructor
  • group fitness instructor
  • personal trainer
  • team leader in a fitness environment.

Certificate III in Fitness

On completion of the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness, you will possess the required Units of Competency to be granted entry into the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness.

Certificate IV in Fitness

On completion of SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness, you may progress into:

  • UOW Wollongong campus: the Diploma of Medical and Health Sciences Fast Track at UOW College. Upon successful completion of this Diploma program, you will receive guaranteed* entry into the second year of a Bachelor of Exercise Science, Bachelor of Nutrition Science or Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences at UOW Wollongong campus.
  • UOW Liverpool campus: the Bachelor of Exercise Science at UOW. Upon successful completion of the Certificate IV in Fitness qualification, you are guaranteed entry into this degree at UOW Liverpool campus.

*Guarantee is subject to meeting UOW entry requirements.

Why study with us?

When you study fitness at UOW College, you will get access to the high-quality training centre at the University of Wollongong or the Whitlam Leisure Centre in Liverpool. This includes access to the latest strength and conditioning equipment, fitness testing tools, and resources for creating fitness programs. You will also benefit from small class sizes and a range of study and personal support services.

Meet Alice

The Fitness class sizes are very small and intimate. I've made good friends in my class, and we are all very close. The trainers are very hands-on and they reach out to us individually to ask how we are going. Alice Certificate III in Fitness

Setting you up for success

Study and course help
Personal support and wellbeing
Access to UOW campus facilities
Read more about support and resources

Steps to apply

Interested in one of our courses? Here's what to do next:

Ask a question
Check the entry requirements
Apply now

Our stories

Our fitness courses will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a career in the fitness industry. Our experienced trainers are dedicated to ensuring our students are well-prepared for success in their fitness journeys or for further studies in health and fitness.