Program Overview

New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4)

Overview

Turn your passion for sport and exercise into a career in the fitness industry. Our New Zealand Certificate in Exercise programme will give you a sound theoretical and practical base for working in the fitness industry.

What will I study

The programme covers exercise professional practice, performance training, nutrition, anatomy and physiology. Class sizes are small, so you receive close attention and support from your tutors.

Pathway

As part of your studies, you’ll connect with a variety of people representing the fitness industry. And because many of the courses within the programme are highly practical, you’ll spend considerable time in the gym.

Details

• Type: Certificate
• Code: NZ3563
• May be available for Study Visa?: Yes
• International application close date: 20 January for February start, 23 June for July start
• Credits: 60
• Level: 4
• Additional Equipment/Fees: Advised before enrolment
• May be eligible for Studylink?: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• Reference: NZ3563-STRU

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $3,815 - $4,459 per year
• International Fee: $13,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year
• Valid To: December 31, 2025

Academic Requirements

• 40 credits NCEA Level 1, including 10 literacy credits and 10 numeracy credits
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion Pathway or Ara TOA Sports Pathway or equivalent.
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 3) Ara Sports, Nutrition and Health Promotion Pathway

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
  • English Proficiency Outcomes Chart.
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
• What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
  • You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.

Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic

• 5.0 Listening
• 5.0 Reading
• 5.0 Writing
• 5.0 Speaking

Funding assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.

Core courses

• Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPOR4001) - 15 credits
• Exercise Programming (SPOR4002) - 15 credits
• Nutrition and Lifestyle (SPOR4003) - 15 credits
• Exercise Professional Practice (SPOR4004) - 15 credits

Career opportunities

With this qualification you will be ready for a number of employment opportunities and career pathways within the fitness industry such as a personal trainer, gym trainer, group exercise instructor and sales and marketing roles.

Study pathways

As a Certificate in Exercise graduate you can progress to our Bachelor of Applied Science (Sport and Exercise Science), Bachelor of Applied Science (Health Promotion) or Bachelor of Musculoskeletal Health. Further study in physical education, recreation, massage therapy, physiotherapy, sports coaching and teaching is also an option.

Recommended school subjects

• English
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Physics

Credit Recognition

If you have prior relevant experience or previous related study credits, you may be eligible for credit recognition towards this qualification.