Key details
Duration
The length of time to complete this qualification is six (6) months full-time or twelve (12) months part-time face-to-face.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This qualification may be superseded during 2023. Further information about the new qualification will be published as soon as it becomes available.
This qualification reflects the role of personal trainers who have specialist skills to train individual clients, or groups of clients, on a one on one or group basis, to improve health-related components of fitness in relatively low-risk situations. This may include training of older clients and children.
Infection control, including COVID-19 measures and the associated restrictions, have been implemented, to ensure the safety and well-being of students, lecturing staff and the wider community.
Career opportunities
Occupations relevant to this qualification in industry sectors such as Fitness Industry include:
>Fitness Instructor
>Personal Trainer
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Students who successfully complete VET qualifications at the Certificate IV level or above and subsequently enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field or discipline, will receive advanced standing as detailed in the table below.
Completed Award Course Level | HE | VET | to a HE Award | Credit granted for a completed award in the same field |
Certificate IV | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Certificate IV | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 40 credit points | |
Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 80 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Advanced Diploma | * | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
Associate Degree | * | 3 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points | |
Associate Degree | * | 4 year Bachelor award | up to 160 credit points |
On completion of this qualification credit(s) may be available into Higher Education courses.
Fees
2023 course fee for students who are eligible for an NT Government supported place is $4,007.50, and for students who are not eligible is $14,312.50.
VET fee exempt
Exemptions apply to VET tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of a Veteran's Affairs payment
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Territory's largest Training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience. Whether you're a high school student or a working professional, we've got the courses and qualifications you want plus the support and flexibility you need to succeed.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning to qualify faster"
Why study at CDU?
"Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Learn from expert lecturers and industry professionals
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses"
What will I study?
To achieve SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness a total of twenty (20) units of competency must be completed comprising twelve (12) core and eight (8) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequence listed below is 1145.
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
CORE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
SISFFIT013 | Instruct exercise to young people aged 13 to 17 years | 90 |
SISFFIT015 | Collaborate with medical and allied health professionals in a fitness context | 60 |
SISFFIT016 | Provide motivation to positively influence exercise behaviour | 45 |
SISFFIT017 | Instruct long-term exercise programs | 55 |
SISFFIT018 | Promote functional movement capacity | 45 |
SISFFIT019 | Incorporate exercise science principles into fitness programming | 55 |
SISFFIT020 | Instruct exercise programs for body composition goals | 50 |
SISFFIT021 | Instruct personal training programs | 70 |
SISFFIT023 | Instruct group personal training programs | 70 |
SISFFIT025 | Recognise the dangers of providing nutrition advice to clients | 15 |
SISFFIT026 | Support healthy eating through the Eat for Health Program | 60 |
SISXRES001 | Conduct sustainable work practices in open spaces | 60 |
Total nominal hours for core units | 675 | |
ELECTIVE UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
BSBSMB401 | Establish legal and risk management requirements of small business | 60 |
BSBSMB403 | Market the small business | 50 |
BSBSMB404 | Undertake small business planning | 50 |
BSBSMB405 | Monitor and manage small business operations | 45 |
SISFFIT007 | Instruct group exercise sessions | 80 |
SISFFIT011 | Instruct approved community fitness programs | 40 |
SISFFIT012 | Instruct movement programs to children aged 5 to 12 years | 90 |
SISFFIT024 | Instruct endurance programs | 55 |
Total nominal hours for elective units | 470 | |
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 1145 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To gain entry into SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness, candidates require:
- To be 18 years or older
- Hold a current first aid and CPR certificate
Students must have been recognised as competent through a recognised training program or recognition process against the following units of competency:
- SISFFIT001 Provide health screening and fitness orientation
- SISFFIT002 Recognise and apply exercise considerations for specific populations
- SISFFIT003 Instruct fitness programs
- SISFFIT004 Incorporate anatomy and physiology principles into fitness programming
- SISFFIT005 Provide healthy eating information
- SISFFIT006 Conduct fitness appraisals
- SISFFIT014 Instruct exercise to older clients
- SISXCCS001 Provide quality service
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student

Charles Darwin University is a platform that can serve as a bridge for your future. Australia is a land of opportunities and when you work hard you get to see the fruits of your labour.
Sharina
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package.
This qualification may be superseded during 2023. Further information about the new qualification will be published as soon as it becomes available.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations:Online, Palmerston
Study Mode:Online, On campus
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.au. Phone: 1800 061 963 (free call). |
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Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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