Course Overview

About This Course

Establish yourself in fitness with this entry-level qualification. You'll be equipped with a broad range of knowledge needed to work as a fitness or exercise instructor. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, the number of people working as fitness instructors is growing very strongly. They predict there will be around 21,000 job openings in this large occupation over the next five years. You will learn the basic knowledge needed to succeed in areas like fitness program instruction, provision of healthy eating information and instructing group exercise classes. You may also have a chance to specialise in areas like aqua or group exercise instructor. Our teaching team have many years of industry experience and knowledge that will help you achieve your goals within the fitness industry. Successfully completing this course will allow you to seek employment as a qualified exercise instructor. You will be able to take your skills and work anywhere in Australia, or move into further study to expand your options.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

66 Ernest St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Concession $1,440 · Subsidised $2,145 · Full Fee $4,215

Duration

6 months (on campus) or 1 year (online self-directed)

Intakes

06 Oct 2026, 27 Jan 2027, 12 Apr 2027 (South Bank); varies by campus

Study Mode

Full time on campus (2-3 days/week) or Part time online (up to 12 hrs/week self-directed)

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students must complete a Skills Check after application submission, assessing English, Maths and Digital Technology skills; recommended benchmark levels are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.
International students must demonstrate English Language Proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.0 (no individual band less than 5.5) or equivalent.
International students must have completed Year 10 (or equivalent); non school-leavers must have relevant work experience or qualification indicating likely success of course completion.
Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland.
International students under 18 applying for a student visa must have adequate welfare arrangements in place as required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Students must have access to and wear appropriate general fitness attire and enclosed shoes; TAFE Queensland branded uniform items may be required at additional cost.
Students must apply for a Blue Card (working with children check) to satisfy all course requirements.
Online students must complete HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid with an external provider (at approximately $150 additional cost) and provide proof of completion for credit transfer, as this unit is not delivered online but is required for final issuance of the certificate.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Gymnasium Instructor
Group Exercise Instructor
Aqua Exercise Instructor
Fitness Instructor

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units15 units

BSBOPS304

Deliver and monitor a service to customers

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify customer needs, deliver and monitor customer service and identify improvements in the provision of customer service.

BSBPEF301

Organise personal work priorities

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to organise personal work schedules, to monitor and obtain feedback on work performance and to maintain required levels of competence.

HLTAID011

Provide First Aid

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a first aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings.

HLTWHS001

Participate in workplace health and safety

SISFFIT032

Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to screen clients for participation in exercise programs and to provide general advice about programs and services suitable to clients.

SISFFIT033

Complete client fitness assessments

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess current fitness capabilities of clients using information from industry standard pre-exercise screening as the starting point

SISFFIT035

Plan group exercise sessions

This unit describes the performance outcomes, knowledge and skills required to plan group exercise sessions designed for participation by mixed ability groups, or by groups that predominately comprise a particular profile, for example, older people.

SISFFIT036

Instruct group exercise sessions

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare for and deliver land-based group exercise sessions according to predesigned session plans which may have been developed by self or others.

SISFFIT040

Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop tailored gym-based exercise programs for individuals where the level of personalised instruction, ongoing client monitoring and program evaluation is limited.

SISFFIT047

Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the role of anatomy and physiology knowledge in fitness instruction, and to use that knowledge to develop and instruct safe and effective exercise activities.

SISFFIT052

Provide healthy eating information

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide general, and not individualised, information about healthy eating to fitness clients.

BSBSUS211

Participate in sustainable work practices

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to measure, support and find opportunities to improve the sustainability of work practices.

SIRXSLS001

Sell to the retail customer

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to deliver quality customer service and sell to retail customers. It requires the ability to determine customer needs, match products and services to their needs, and facilitate a sale.

SISSPAR008

Maintain personal wellbeing as an athlete

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge an athlete requires to maintain their own wellbeing. It focusses on an athlete's self reliance in relation to resilience, recovery, travel, sleep, diet and mental health.

SISSPAR009

Participate in conditioning for sport

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to participate in strength and conditioning to physically prepare for competition in a specific sport.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the Certificate III in Fitness cost?

The course fees vary depending on your eligibility. The concession fee is $1,440 (fee concessions may apply to this subsidised course for eligible students), the subsidised fee is $2,145 (for eligible students accessing government funded courses), the full fee is $4,215, and the international student fee is $5,000.

Where can I study the Certificate III in Fitness at TAFE Queensland?

You can study the Certificate III in Fitness at campuses in Greater Brisbane (South Bank), Gold Coast (Robina), Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba), and Wide Bay Burnett (Hervey Bay). It is also available online as a self-directed option.

How long does it take to complete the Certificate III in Fitness?

The on-campus delivery takes 6 months full time, while the online self-directed option takes 1 year part time (up to 12 hours self-directed study per week plus optional support via Zoom).

What career opportunities are available after completing this qualification?

After completing the Certificate III in Fitness, you can seek employment as a Gymnasium Instructor, Group Exercise Instructor, Aqua Exercise Instructor, or Fitness Instructor. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, there will be around 21,000 job openings in this large occupation over the next five years.

Can I continue my studies after completing the Certificate III in Fitness?

Yes, you can build your foundation with the Certificate III in Fitness, then take the next step toward a rewarding career as a personal trainer by advancing to the Certificate IV in Fitness. You will also be able to take your skills and work anywhere in Australia.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $72,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $72,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $115,000 per year

Career Paths

Exercise ScientistAccredited Exercise Physiologist (with postgraduate qualifications)Strength and Conditioning CoachSports ScientistPerformance Analyst

Key Skills

Human anatomy and musculoskeletal assessmentExercise physiology and cardiovascular testing (e.g. VO2max, lactate threshold)Biomechanical movement analysis and gait assessmentEvidence-based exercise prescription for diverse populationsSports psychology and behaviour change strategies

Full Course Overview

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