Become a Personal Trainer

Study Fitness fee-free* in 2023!

Complete the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness fee-free* 

Want to become a personal trainer and launch your career in the health and fitness industry? Turn your dream 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. 

Our Fitness courses

Certificate III in Fitness
Certificate IV in Fitness

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.

Is it for me?

If you can attend 3 weekday classes per week, studying on campus is a great option. Get valuable weekly face-to-face time plus you’ll get to experience UOW's beautiful campus and use a wide range of facilities such as the library, computer labs and many study spaces.

 

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 classes on campus. There are 8 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, requiring self-motivation and independent work. This delivery method may be best suited to mature age students, however applicants under 20 may be asked to meet with the Program Manager to confirm suitability. You’ll need to have access to a computer and fast internet.

Course details

Each Fitness course runs for five months and includes a work placement where students gain practical experience and apply their classroom knowledge. UOW College organises work placements to prepare our Fitness students for their future careers.

Certificate III in Fitness:

  • Aged 16 and over; AND 
  • Complete a literacy and numeracy online assessment with results of level two or higher

Certificate IV in Fitness: 

  • Complete a literacy and numeracy online assessment with results of level two or higher; AND 
  • Current First Aid and CPR certificate; AND  
  • Certificate III in Fitness; OR 
  • Selected prerequisite units of competency from the Certificate III in Fitness - see course finder for details.

This course is designed to continue from the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness.

These courses are fee-free* in 2023!

If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can take advantage of fee-free training which is fully funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments. To check your eligibility, refer to: Are you eligible for Smart and Skilled training?

To learn more about fees, visit our Domestic Student Fees page.

There are two intakes a year: 

  • February 
  • July 

For a complete list of course dates, check our Key Dates page.

Certificate III in Fitness
On campus Distance
  • face-to-face 3 days a week between Monday and Friday
  • 30 hours of work placement
  • online workshops: Monday 6-8pm; Tuesday 7-8pm
  • 8 practical workshops: conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus, 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, school-based traineeship (SBAT) and VET in Schools program.
Certificate IV in Fitness
On campus Distance
  • 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
  • 8 practical workshops: conducted on Saturdays at UOW Wollongong campus, 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 following dates apply to students studying by Distance delivery:

July 2023 intake February 2024 intake
Week 3 - 5 August Week 3 - 17 February
Week 5 - 19 August Week 6 - 9 March
Week 6 - 26 August Week 8 - 23 March
Week 12 - 7 October Week 12 - 20 April
Week 15 - 28 October Week 15 - 11 May
Week 19 - 25 November Week 18 - 1 June
Week 21 - 2 December Week 21 - 15 June
Week 22 - 9 December Week 22 - 22 June

 

Certificate III in Fitness

On completion of the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness, you may progress into the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness.


Certificate IV in Fitness

On completion of SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness, you may progress into the Diploma of Medical and Health Science Fast Track at UOW College.

After you have successfully completed 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.

*Guarantee is subject to meeting UOW entry requirements.

World class facilities

You will have access to the University of Wollongong (UOW) high performance training facility, and access to the latest in strength and conditioning, fitness testing, and fitness programming equipment. You will enjoy specialised tutorials and workshops from local industry experts in the field of Sport and Exercise Science. UOW College also offers a full range of academic and personal support services for the most outstanding educational experience.

Student support services


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.

Why study with us?

High School wasn’t for me and I discovered that UOW College offered a fitness course I could study after completing year 10. UOW College taught me skills in not only the fitness industry but skills within myself to be the best person I can be for my future. The teachers made everything very relatable to real life and have set me up for the future. ERIN Certificate III and IV in Fitness

* Subject to meeting eligibility requirements. Training is fee-free and fully funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.