Updating Results

New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)

  • Certificate

Thinking about getting a qualification in exercise or personal training? Whether you're currently working in the industry, or if it's something you've always wanted to do, this programme will give you the skills and competencies required to take that next big step.

Key details

Degree Type
Certificate
Intake Months
Feb, Jul
Domestic Fees
$3,900 per year

About this course

Please note: This programme is part-time only. For a full-time option, check out New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)

In the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise, you'll learn how to encourage, engage and inspire people towards their health and wellbeing goals through exercise and fitness, whilst growing your understanding of how to coach people across various communities, using current industry trends and initiatives.

You'll learn how to create personalised exercise programmes, then deliver them effectively to clients. You'll also gain a good understanding of how to structure and deliver small-group exercise programmes.

You'll be able to turn your passion into a business by utilizing key marketing and business skills to self-manage your own promotion and performance. You'll also develop an understanding of current nutritional concepts, as they relate to exercise prescription.

What you'll learn
  • Hauora (health and wellness)
  • Personal training (PT)
  • Fitness instruction
  • Strength and conditioning
  • Nutrition and diet
  • Sport psychology
  • Movement and physical activity
Highlights
  • You'll be eligible to apply for a listing on to the NZ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) upon completing this programme
  • You'll learn really practical skills so that you can get going immediately once you graduate
  • You'll be taught by knowledgeable and passionate staff who are highly connected to the industry
  • You'll graduate with high Maori and Pasifika cultural competencies;
  • Throughout the programme, you'll have the opportunity to experience 50+ hours of work-based learning across multiple sport, exercise and recreation organisations
  • You'll have access to a range of sports facilities while you study
REPs registration

Upon successful completion of this programme, you'll be eligible to be listed on REPs, which operates a registration body for exercise professionals (as well as exercise facilities and educational providers) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Both Exercise New Zealand and the International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPs) recognises REPs as a universal standard to ensure that clients receive safe and effective exercise advice.

Some of the key benefits of being REPs registered are:

  • It's a publically recognisable, promotable and marketable quality mark;
  • You'll have access to marketing material that you can use to promote yourself and your business;
  • REPs is internationally recognised, which means you'll be able to operate from anywhere in the world;
  • You'll be listed on a publically-searchable database;
  • You'll have access to continuing professional development courses and further education;
  • You'll have access to other valuable tools and resources.

A few important things to know:

  • Individuals registered with REPS are required to complete 10 CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points per year;
  • There is an annual registration fee, which depends on your employment situation.

You can find out more about REPs and its benefits here.

Work and earn with Auckland Council while you study Sport, Recreation and Exercise

At Unitec, we are excited to announce our new partnership with Auckland Council which provides an opportunity for students to work while they are studying in Sport, Recreation and Exercise. This work-connected pathway will give you the opportunity to earn while you learn, similar to a paid internship or an apprenticeship.

Auckland Council offers a variety of part-time positions that you can apply for. Being employed in the field in which you are studying provides up-to-date knowledge, financial support, and helps to develop your personal skills, your professional skills and your CV right from the start.

Need more information?
All Auckland Council Pathway applicants will be asked to be part of an interview conversation to develop an individual plan for study/work and to begin the application process for employment at Auckland Council.
If you would like a conversation about this programme, please contact: alenton@unitec.ac.nz

Where to next?

Once you successfully complete your certificate, you can either go straight out into the industry or complete an additional 4 courses to achieve the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise - Exercise Pathway.

Want more information?

Feel free to contact the team with any further questions!

Contact us

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

You will need to provide the following, at different points of your application process.

  1. Have at least 48 credits at NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent) in your 4 best subjects, and;
  2. Consent to a Safety Check which meets the requirements of the Children Act 2014 (formerly known as the Vulnerable Children's Act) including:
    • Provide two forms of verified ID and evidence of any name changes;
    • Consent to a Police vetting check;
    • Complete a self-declaration of criminal convictions and medical conditions form

If you don't meet the academic criteria above, we have a range of Foundation and Bridging Education programmes which will help you prepare for further academic study.

English requirements

If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:

  • Have achieved NCEA Level 3 and New Zealand University entrance;
  • Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency;
  • Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years.

If you don't meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.

If you don't meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.

For more information download the programme regulations:

Programme Regulations

Study locations

Mt Albert

Career pathways

- Personal trainer/fitness instructor - Gym Instructor - Recreation Centre Staff Member - Health and Wellness Coach