The Health & Fitness Personal Trainer (Level 4) is a nationally recognised vocational qualification designed to prepare students for a career in the fitness and exercise industry. It teaches the fundamentals of personal training, including anatomy, exercise programming, client management, and health-related knowledge — alongside practical experience designing and delivering fitness programmes.

 

This course is delivered by the New Zealand Institute of Sport (NZIS), which is part of New Zealand Management Academies Ltd (NZMA) — a NZQA Category One provider (highest quality rating).

 

Why Study This Course?

• Become job-ready as a personal trainer, fitness coach or exercise consultant
• Gain practical skills to design and deliver custom fitness programmes
• Develop expertise in human anatomy, physiology, nutrition, and client motivation
• Learn business and client-management skills to work independently or in gyms
• Access industry insights and networking opportunities (e.g., with partners like City Fitness)
• Free gym membership included with study (on-campus/online)

 

Subjects / Programme Structure

The programme covers a blend of theory and practical units, including:

Core Topics

• Human anatomy and physiology
• Exercise programming and prescription
• Client assessment and goal setting
• Nutrition fundamentals and lifestyle coaching
• Safe exercise instruction techniques
• Motivation strategies and barriers to client success
• Ethical practice and client safety
• Small business and self-employment preparation
• Communication and professionalism in a fitness setting

 

Disciplines & Specialisations

At Level 4, the focus is broad foundational skills for the exercise industry — including:

• Personal training fundamentals

• Functional movement and biomechanics

• Client-centred fitness coaching

• Health behaviour change

• Fitness business basics

 

Highlights & Benefits

• Industry Focus: Hands-on skills that link directly to job roles
• Flexible Study: Multiple delivery modes (on-campus, online or part-time)
• Free Gym Access: Jetts Fitness membership included during course
• Industry Insights: Networking and interview opportunities with partners like City Fitness
• Career Ready: Build your own programmes and client management skills in real scenarios
• International Recognition: Credits and qualification recognised by the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and via international fitness organisations (aligned to ICREPS agreements).

 

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue many entry-level roles in the health and fitness sector, such as:

• Personal Trainer / Fitness Coach
• Gym Instructor / Group Fitness Instructor
• Team Fitness Trainer
• Exercise Consultant
• Athlete Support Assistant
• Strength & Conditioning Assistant
• Boot Camp or Outdoor Fitness Trainer

 

Visa Requirements (International Students)

As an international student enrolling in a full-time, on-campus NZIS course, you must:

• Apply for a New Zealand Student Visa once you receive an official Offer Letter
• Show proof of funds to support tuition and living costs
• Meet English language requirements (IELTS or equivalent)
• Provide health insurance and character documentation
• Follow NZ Immigration rules for international study

 

Latest Notes & Updates

• International students are eligible for the Level 4 Health & Fitness Personal Trainer course at NZIS — unlike some other sport courses that are domestic-only.
• The qualification you earn is recognised internationally through partnerships like the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), which has global equivalence agreements in over 30 countries — meaning your certificate has good portability if you want to work overseas.
• Multiple start dates throughout the year give flexibility for international arrival and visa planning.