Personal training courses

Fitness and Personal Training Courses

Request info pack Ready to apply
Get qualified in 5 months
Study in Wollongong or Liverpool
Flexible study options (on campus or mixed mode)
No ATAR required
Become a personal trainer or group fitness instructor

Choose the right Fitness qualification

Certificate III in Fitness career outcomes

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

  • Gym instructor
  • Group fitness instructor

Study pathways

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

Certificate IV in Fitness career outcomes

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

  • Gym instructor
  • Group fitness instructor
  • Personal trainer
  • Team leader in a fitness environment.

Study pathways

On completion of the Certificate IV in Fitness, you can progress to the Diploma of Medical and Health Sciences (Fast Track) at UOW College, providing a clear pathway to university. Successful completion of this diploma offers guaranteed entry into the second year of a Bachelor of Exercise Science, Bachelor of Nutrition Science, or Bachelor of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Wollongong (UOW), Wollongong campus.

Why study fitness at UOW College?

Get job-ready with practical, industry-focused training designed to prepare you for a career in fitness.

  • Train in real fitness environments
    Access high-quality training facilities at the University of Wollongong or a leading fitness facility in Liverpool, using industry-standard equipment.
  • Build practical, job-ready skills
    Learn how to design programs, coach clients, and deliver training sessions in real-world settings.
  • Learn in smaller classes
    Benefit from personalised support and a more hands-on learning experience.
  • Get support throughout your studies
    Access a range of academic and personal support services to help you succeed.

Fitness courses

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.

Meet Peter

Being able to do practical sessions in person, coaching other students and having our tutors guide us at every step was incredibly valuable. Peter Certificate IV in Fitness

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.

Meet Peter
Meet Kelly
Meet Eloise
Meet Jordan

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.

A woman sitting on the floor using a laptop

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:

Week July 2026 intake February 2027 intake
3 1 August 2026 20 February 2027
6 22 August 2026 13 March 2027
10 19 September 2026 10 April 2027
14 17 October 2026 8 May 2027
17 7 November 2026 29 May 2027
20 28 November 2026 19 June 2027

 

 

Setting you up for success

Study and course help

Access a range of services to assist you with your course and enhance your study skills, including academic support services available at UOW.

Personal support and wellbeing

Receive support to help you adapt to study life, including assistance from student advisors, individual counselling, health and wellbeing advice, and referrals to external services.

Access to UOW campus facilities

Unlock full access to UOW’s campus from day one, including the library, computer labs, study spaces, accommodation, and various on-campus cafes.

Read more about support and resources

Steps to apply

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

Ask a question

Ask a question about the course or request for a course advisor to contact you.

Check the entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and pathway details here.

Apply now

Submit your application now.

FAQs

The SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness develops the skills required for roles such as gym instructor and group fitness instructor. The SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness builds on this foundation and prepares students for roles including personal trainer and fitness team leader.

The SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness prepares students for personal training and one-to-one client coaching. Entry into the Certificate IV requires the relevant units of competency completed through the Certificate III in Fitness.

The Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate IV in Fitness each take five months to complete.

Career outcomes may include gym instructor and group fitness instructor. The qualification also provides a pathway into the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness.

UOW College delivers its Fitness courses in Wollongong and Liverpool. On-campus and mixed-mode options are available in Wollongong, while mixed-mode delivery is available in Liverpool.

The courses are not delivered entirely online. Mixed-mode delivery combines online evening classes with six face-to-face practical sessions held on Saturdays in Wollongong or Liverpool.

No ATAR is required for either Fitness course.

To apply for the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness, you must:

  • Be 16 years of age or older.
  • Complete the UOW College basic literacy and numeracy online assessment with results at level two or higher.

The SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness is designed to continue from the Certificate III course. To apply, you must:

  • Be 16 years of age or older.
  • Complete the UOW College literacy and numeracy online assessment with results at level two or higher.
  • Hold current First Aid and CPR certificates.
  • Hold the required units of competency listed in the course entry requirements.

Students continuing from the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness will possess the required units of competency for entry into the Certificate IV course.

These courses are not available to international students. Check the full entry requirements before applying.

Yes. Both courses include face-to-face practical learning and work placement. The Certificate III includes 30 hours of work placement, while the Certificate IV includes 40 hours.

After completing the Certificate III in Fitness, you can progress to the Certificate IV in Fitness.

After completing the Certificate IV, you can progress to the Diploma of Medical and Health Sciences (Fast Track) at UOW College. This provides a pathway to eligible health and exercise-related degrees at the University of Wollongong.