Certificate III in Fitness

Victoria University Polytechnic’s Certificate III in Fitness is designed to provide you with the skills and knowledge to work confidently as a gym instructor or group exercise instructor.

You'll learn the latest styles of training from our industry-leading teachers and gain essential skills in:

fitness session design and instruction anatomy and physiology principles fitness appraisals exercise instruction for older clients health screening  workplace health and safety first aid and risk management.

You'll have access to Victoria University’s $68 million sport precinct that includes an aquatic centre, commercial gym with the latest equipment and group exercise spaces.

You'll also gain hands-on work experience in a supported learning environment at our custom designed teaching gym on campus.

To be awarded the SIS30315 Certificate III in Fitness, a student must successfully complete a total of sixteen (16) units of competency, consisting of:

• nine (9) core units, and;
• seven (7) elective units, consisting of:

• all units in Groups A, B or C, and;
• all remaining units to make up the required seven (7) electives must be selected from Group D of which:
• a maximum of two (2) units may be selected elsewhere in the SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package, or any other current training package or accredited course.

Specialisations:

The Polytechnic currently offer the following as a dual specialisation:

1. Group Exercise Instructor, and;

2. Gym Instructor.

Course structure and units

Dual Specialisation: Group Exercise Instructor, Gym Instructor

To be awarded the dual specialisation, the following training package rules must be adhered to:

All Group B and Group C electives must be selected.

CORE UNITS

• 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
• SISFFIT014 - Instruct exercise to older clients
• SISXCCS001 - Provide quality service
• SISXFAC001 - Maintain equipment for activities
• SISXIND001 - Work effectively in sport, fitness and recreation environments

ELECTIVE UNITS

Group A: Aqua Exercise Instructor

Group A electives are not currently offered by the Polytechnic.

Group B: Group Exercise Instructor

• BSBRSK401 - Identify risk and apply risk management processes
• HLTAID003 - Provide first aid
• HLTWHS001 - Participate in workplace health and safety
• SISFFIT007 - Instruct group exercise sessions
• SISFFIT011 - Instruct approved community fitness programs

Group C: Gym Instructor

Please note the following units meet the requirements for Group C.

BSBRSK401, HLTAID003 and HLTWHS001 which are listed in Group B.

SISFFIT006 which is listed in Group D.

Group D

• SISFFIT006 - Conduct fitness appraisals
• SISXDIS001 - Facilitate inclusion for people with a disability

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.

Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Entry requirements

Prior to enrolment, all applicants will be required to complete a literacy and numeracy assessment to assist with determining eligibility and to identify learning support needs.For employment and practical placement purposes, this vocational sector typically requires a current Working with Children's Check. Failure to provide the required documents in the timeframe specified by the Course Coordinator, means you will be unable to undertake practical placement in a workplace and therefore not eligible to progress in this course.The following is a suggested site you could visit to obtain this check:- Working with Children Check - http://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Pathways from VU courses

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

You may be able to complete your qualification sooner through formal recognition of your existing skills. This is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

To receive RPL, we assess your previous work, education and life experiences against recognised qualifications. Applications for RPL can be made prior to enrolling.

Call us on 1300 TAFE VP (1300 823 387) to discuss RPL options with the course manager.

This qualification reflects the role of instructors who perform a range of activities and functions within the fitness industry. Depending on the specialisation chosen, this qualification provides a pathway to work as an instructor providing exercise instruction for group, aqua or gym programs. They work independently with some level of autonomy in a controlled environment such as fitness, leisure, aquatic and community centres where risks are managed through pre-existing risk assessment and hazard control processes.

Individuals who specialise in Group Exercise Instruction deliver exercise sessions designed for participation by a group of clients with a mix of ages/fitness levels. Sessions may be freestyle, pre-choreographed or circuit style. These individuals instruct and demonstrate complete exercise sessions to groups with limited individual interaction.

Individuals who specialise in Gym Instruction provide individually tailored client assessments, provide technique correction as needed, and develop and demonstrate programs. They also provide supervision of a facility or service, keep equipment clean, tidy and well maintained, and handle various customer inquiries.