Program Overview

Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Instructing

The Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Instructing is a course that provides students with the knowledge and practical skills to professionally assess client fitness and provide effective reassessment and programme prescriptions.

Fitness Instructing Course Overview

This course focuses on the practical application of exercises, including cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility. Students will develop applied skills in prescribing safe, effective, and up-to-date exercise programmes.

Topics Include

• Assessment of blood pressure, body composition, endurance, aerobic fitness, and muscular strength
• Exercise demonstration and spotting
• Programming for cardiovascular/aerobic fitness, fitness, and weight loss
• Postural assessment and relative flexibility
• Resistance training programming for strength and hypertrophy

Delivery Mode

Students are required to attend all in-person classes on the AUT North Campus, in addition to online self-study throughout the course. There are no online classes to attend.

Prerequisite

• Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Foundations

Who This Fitness Instructing Course Is Suitable For

This course is suitable for individuals who have already completed the Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Foundations and are ready for the next step in their journey to becoming a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor.

After Completing This Course

The Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Instructing is the second of three courses needed to become a qualified personal trainer and fitness instructor. Upon successful completion, students can enrol in the next course, the Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Training.

Next Step to Become a Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor

• Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Training

Classes

2026 Classes

SPEX508/01

• Course Date: Friday, 13 March (material and study calendar available online)
• Class Dates: Saturday, 21, Sunday, 22, Saturday, 28, Sunday, 29 March, and Saturday, 18, Sunday, 19 April (workshop dates when students are required to attend the class in person on the North Campus)
• Times: 8:30am-5:30pm approx. (once the course starts, students will be able to access the full timetable)
• Final Assessment: Tuesday, 28 April submit assessments online
• Prerequisite Course: Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Foundations SPEX402

SPEX508/02

• Course Date: Friday, 24 July (material and study calendar available online)
• Class Dates: Saturday, 1, Sunday, 2, Saturday, 8, Sunday, 9, Saturday, 15, Sunday, 16 August (workshop dates when students are required to attend the class in person on the North Campus)
• Times: 8:30am-5:30pm approx. (once the course starts, students will be able to access the full timetable)
• Final Assessment: Monday, 24 August submit assessments online
• Prerequisite Course: Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Foundations SPEX402

Quick Facts

• Programme Code: AKCOP
• Course Code: SPEX508
• Prerequisite Course: SPEX402
• Start Dates: 13 March, 24 July 2026
• Duration: 5 weeks approx.
• Campus: North
• Fees:
  • $1,475.00 (domestic)
  • $1,755.00 (international)
  • *All fees are in NZ dollars, include GST, and include the tuition fee. The student services levy is an additional cost of $152.70.

Related Courses

• Certificate of Proficiency in Fitness Foundations
• Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Training
• Certificate of Proficiency in Group Fitness Instructing