The two fitness qualifications are designed to be taken in order. The SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness gets you working in a gym. The SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness makes you a personal trainer. This page explains what each one covers and how they fit together.
Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) — the foundation
The Certificate III is the entry qualification. It teaches you to screen a client, program and instruct a gym-based session, lead group classes, and work safely. It is what gyms ask for when hiring instructors, and it satisfies the entry requirement for the Certificate IV.
Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221) — personal training
The Certificate IV builds on that foundation and qualifies you to work as a personal trainer. You learn to conduct full fitness assessments, design individualised programs against a client’s goals, monitor and adjust over time, provide nutritional advice within scope, and run the business side of a practice.
How long the pathway takes
Because the college delivers both qualifications with flexible online study and in-person practical assessment, you can move through them at your own pace. Many students complete the Certificate III, begin working in a gym, and then study the Certificate IV while employed.
Which one do you need?
- If you want to instruct in a gym or lead group classes — the Certificate III
- If you want your own clients and to program for them individually — the Certificate IV
- If you are uncertain — the Certificate III is the sensible starting point, and it counts towards the Certificate IV
Getting started
Full details for each qualification are on the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness and SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness pages. Contact the college if you would like help working out which one matches your situation.