Institute of Technology or Polytechnic
Otago PolytechnicNew Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4)
Level of Study
Certificate
Summary
Combine two nationally recognised fitness qualifications through our one-year full-time programme, giving you a strong skillset to launch your career within the dynamic Fitness Industry.
About the programmeBegin your journey to becoming a Personal and Freestyle Group Exercise Trainer with this exciting new programme, made up of two nationally recognised certificates.
Learn how to teach exercise in both a personal or freestyle group exercise setting, and gain an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, nutrition, client care and marketing. These two certificate programmes perfectly complement each other and cover both a one-on-one approach to exercise and a group exercise focus.
With hands-on teaching in our purpose-built gym Tapuae, and real-world experiences out in the industry, you will gain the skills and knowledge you need to become a first-class exercise professional.
As well as having our own purpose-built gym, Otago Polytechnic also offers:
- industry connections to be made as you study
- highly connected and experienced staff
- guest speakers
- work experience opportunities – we deliver group fitness classes while you study
When you graduate you will obtain both the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and the New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Fitness (Level 4). These qualifications will enable you to apply for registration as a Gym Instructor withREPs NZ (Register of Exercise Professionals New Zealand) or a Freestyle Group Exercise Instructor.
Alternatively, you may choose to continue your study at Otago Polytechnic, with our New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5) which will fully prepare you for the role of a Personal Trainer. Or you can continue on to study our 3 year Bachelor of Applied Science degree.
Entry criteria
Entry Entry requirements- You must hold one of the following:
- 40 credits at NCEA Level 1 or above, including 10 Literacy credits and 10 Numeracy credits, OR
- New Zealand Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Exercise (Multi-sector) (Level 3), OR
- a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 2, OR
- a recognised equivalent.
- If you’re 20 years old or above and do not meet the entry requirements, you are eligible for special admission. We’ll work with you to ensure you are prepared for this programme.
- If you’re under 20 and do not meet the entry requirements, you may be eligible for discretionary admission. We’ll work with you to check that you’re prepared for this programme.
To enter Otago Polytechnic's undergraduate certificates, diplomas and degrees, you need to have achieved a secondary school qualification that is equivalent to New Zealand's NCEA levels (National Certificate of Educational Achievement).
This information is available by country on our Equivalent academic entry requirements page.
English Language requirementsIf English is not your first language, you must provide:
- New Zealand University Entrance, OR
- Overall IELTS 5.5 (general, no band score lower than 5.0) achieved in one test completed in the last two years, OR
- Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for internationally recognised proficiency tests and proficiency outcomes for international students).
If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes.
Additional requirementPolice vetting may be needed if you will be engaging in activities with industry or community partners that require this. We’ll work with you on this during your programme if it’s needed.
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