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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
Availability: Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 2026.
Online Application: This course is available for online application.
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as a traineeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information. (example)
This qualification reflects the role of personal trainers who develop, instruct and evaluate personalised exercise programs for generally healthy and low risk clients, to achieve specific fitness goals. Clients with higher health risks are referred to medical or allied health professionals.
Personal trainers work independently using highly developed fitness skills and knowledge in both routine and unpredictable situations. They use well-developed communication and collaboration skills to interact with clients and health professionals to improve client fitness outcomes.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification, or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
| Delivery Details | |
| Location | Alice Springs Casuarina Katherine Online |
| Duration | 6 months full-time 12 months part-time *Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level |
| Study Mode | Blended Face-to-face Online Workplace *Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide |
| Start Date | Term 3 - 01/07/2026 (July to September) *A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course. |
| Attendance | Classes Tutorial/Drop In Session: |
Career opportunities
Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
- Fitness Instructor
- Personal Trainer
- Gym Manager
- Fitness Business Owner
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) recognises skills and knowledge gained through previous study, work experience, volunteering, or life experience. If your existing skills and knowledge meet the requirements of a unit of competency, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your qualification. If you would like to apply for RPL, please indicate this when completing your enrolment form. For more information, please contact CDU TAFE Student Services on 08 8946 7111, or email TAFE@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
If you have completed the same, or an equivalent, unit through another Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO), you may be eligible for a credit transfer. To apply, submit a completed Application for Credit Transfer Form and supporting documentation. Applications are encouraged at the time of enrolment. There is no fee for credit transfer applications.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
If you completed a VET qualification at Certificate IV level or above and later enrol in a Bachelor degree in the same field, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your degree.
The table below shows the maximum credit available based on your completed qualification.
Completed Qualification | HE | VET | Bachelor Degree | Maximum Credit Available |
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 | |
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline. | ||||
This qualification provides a pathway to work as an employed or self-employed personal trainer in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes, and outdoor locations. Personal trainers may offer services to individuals and groups and may provide online training services. In some employment contexts, personal trainers may be involved in team leadership or supervisory activities. | ||||
Professional Recognition |
Course Structure To achieve SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness a total of seventeen (17) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) core and seven (7) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below. 10 core units, plus
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 960.
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If applicable select Timetables | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Employability Skills |
2026 Fees
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill. Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now. |
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type. For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments. |
General Description Availability: Applications for 2026 are now closed. The next available intake will commence in Semester 1 2027 with applications opening in November 2026. This qualification reflects the role of personal trainers who develop, instruct and evaluate personalised exercise programs for generally healthy and low risk clients, to achieve specific fitness goals. Clients with higher health risks are referred to medical or allied health professionals. Personal trainers work independently using highly developed fitness skills and knowledge in both routine and unpredictable situations. They use well-developed communication and collaboration skills to interact with clients and health professionals to improve client fitness outcomes. The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards, and industry codes of practice. No occupational licensing, certification, or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Course Information Flyer(s) SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness - 2026 | ||||||||||||
Accreditation This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package. | ||||||||||||
Locations and Study Mode Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources. Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine, Online Study Mode: On campus, online, both, workplace assessment Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year. | ||||||||||||
Entry Requirements Domestic | A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals. To gain entry into SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness, candidates require:
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold the following units of competency or units that have been superseded and are equivalent to these units:
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Duration Estimated completion time: 0.5 year/s | |
| This program is delivered over a period of 6 to 12 months. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level. | |
Career Opportunities Possible job titles relevant to this qualification include:
|
Marketing Professional Recognition |
Marketing Course Description |
Marketing Career Opportunities |
- ABN 54 093 513 649
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- CRICOS Provider No: 00300K (NT/VIC) | 03286A (NSW)
- RTO Provider No: 0373
This qualification provides a pathway to work as an employed or self-employed personal trainer in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes, and outdoor locations.
Personal trainers may offer services to individuals and groups and may provide online training services. In some employment contexts, personal trainers may be involved in team leadership or supervisory activities.
Fees
2026 Fees
| Fee Type | 2026 Course Fees |
| Fee Free TAFE* | Free |
| Full Fee | $13,257.60 |
*This course is part of the Fee Free TAFE initiative. Fee Free TAFE and vocational education and training is a joint initiative of the Northern Territory Government and Australian Governments providing tuition-free training places to students wanting to train, retain or upskill.
Fee free places are available for eligible domestic students who are NT residents, limited places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)
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.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
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.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness a total of seventeen (17) units of competency must be completed comprising ten (10) core and seven (7) elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.
Course structure
10 core units, plus
7 elective units, consisting of:
- 2 units from Group A
- 2 units from Group B
- 3 units from Group A, B, or C, elsewhere in the SIS Training Package, or from any other current Training Package or accredited course.
The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 960.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| Core units of competency | ||
| CHCCOM006 | Establish and manage client relationships | 35 |
| SISFFIT041 | Develop personalised exercise programs | 70 |
| SISFFIT042 | Instruct personalised exercise sessions | 70 |
| SISFFIT043 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for body composition goals | 50 |
| SISFFIT044 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for older clients | 75 |
| SISFFIT045 | Develop and instruct personalised exercise programs for adolescent clients | 90 |
| SISFFIT049 | Use exercise science principles in fitness instruction | 60 |
| SISFFIT050 | Support exercise behaviour change | 55 |
| SISFFIT051 | Establish and maintain professional practice for fitness instruction | 60 |
| SISFFIT053 | Support healthy eating for individual fitness clients | 70 |
| Total nominal hours for core units | 635 | |
| Elective units of competency (ALL 7 units must be completed) | ||
| BSBESB302 | Develop and present business proposals | 30 |
| BSBESB401 | Research and develop business plans | 50 |
| SISFFIT034 | Assess client movement and provide exercise advice | 40 |
| SISFFIT037 | Develop and instruct group movement programs for children | 80 |
| SISXCAI009 | Instruct strength and conditioning techniques | 60 |
| SISXCAI010 | Develop strength and conditioning programs | 30 |
| BSBOPS304 | Deliver and monitor a service to customers (unnamed) | 35 |
| Total nominal hours for elective units | 325 | |
| Total nominal hours for the qualification | 960 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
To gain entry into SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness, candidates require:
- To have access to a Fitness facility supervised by qualified trainers (paid or volunteer)
- To hold or must be eligible for a Working with Children Clearance (also known as Ochre card)
Entry to this qualification is open to individuals who hold the following units of competency or units that have been superseded and are equivalent to these units:
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (or a unit that supersedes this unit)
- HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
- SISFFIT032 Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation
- SISFFIT033 Complete client fitness assessments
- SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions
- SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions
- SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients
- SISFFIT047 Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise
- SISFFIT052 Provide healthy eating information
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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.
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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.
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina, Katherine, Online
Study Mode: On campus, online, both, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
Tourism, Recreation and Beauty Services |
You make CDU
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.
You make CDU
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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