Level 5
18 weeksElevate your career in Personal Training with our industry-experienced tutors. You’ll expand your knowledge in science-based nutrition and personalised training exercise prescriptions and unleash your potential to become a pro in the field.
Take your career in Personal Training to the next level!
This course will improve your knowledge of exercise science by teaching you how to create workouts that are safe, effective, and enjoyable. You'll learn how to work with a range of clients, including those with specialised training needs, and gain insights to excel in the constantly changing fitness industry.
You’ll also have the unique opportunity to look at exclusive opportunities with Club Med and a variety of resorts in the USA, such as Big Cedar Resort in Missouri and in some of New Zealand’s ultimate gyms.
You‘ll gain hands-on experience in our onsite gyms and with small class sizes, you’ll have more one-on-one time with your tutor and opportunities to learn with your peers.
During this course you will:
Expand your knowledge in exercise science and nutrition
Design industry-standard programs to boost performance with advanced techniques
Create personalise exercise prescriptions with proper nutrition referrals and follow-up actions
Use science-based techniques to personalise exercise programs and assessments
Learn to train clients with special needs or complex issues with health and fitness
Collaborate with other professionals to help clients achieve their exercise goals
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Hold the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) or current and equivalent skills and experience in a Personal Training role
Be at least 18 years of age by the start date of their programme.
Must attend an interview to confirm ability to participate in required exercise components
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
Campus Tuition Fees: $5,013
Student Services Levy: $200
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Campus Tuition Fees: $9,975
Resource Fees: $1,500
Enrolment Fees: $500
STUDENT LOANS
If you meet certain conditions, you may be eligible for a student loan and allowances.
Find out if you meet the conditions by calling StudyLink on Freephone 0800 88 99 00 or visit www.studylink.govt.nz
New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)
Exercise consultant
Gym instructor
Elite athlete coaching/development
Health coach
Strength and conditioning coach
Group fitness instructor
Start your own personal training business
Ready to take the next step?
Ideally yes, as the Level 5 programme builds upon skills and knowledge gained in the level 4 programme. However, if you have at least one year of experience working as a personal trainer in industry and are able to demonstrate skills and knowledge equivalent to that of a level 4 graduate, then you may be accepted following an interview.
Yes. Working trainers can enter on the strength of their current industry experience without holding the Level 4 certificate. The course extends what you already do with clients by teaching you science-based exercise prescription and working with complex cases. Small class sizes give you more one-on-one time with your tutor, and you’ll gain hands-on experience in NZIS on-site gyms as well.
Graduates of this qualification can be employed or self-employed in roles such as personal trainer or senior exercise instructor. You may also choose to start your own personal training business after graduation, either working freelance with multiple clients or setting up their own studio.
You'll expand your knowledge of nutrition as part of the exercise science component of the course. Your tutors teach you to create personalised exercise prescriptions that include appropriate nutrition referrals and follow-up actions, so you know when to bring in a qualified nutrition professional. That keeps your practice within the scope of an exercise professional while your clients still receive the dietary support they need.
Yes. Once completing the level 5 programme and growing your career you may begin to work with more athletic populations, such as those entering amateur competitions or club level sport. If you're interested in working with high-level athletes, pursuing higher level study such as a degree in strength and conditioning will help you on this career path.
Your tutors also teach you to collaborate with other professionals on a client’s goals, both of which matter when you coach an advanced athlete.
Partnered with
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New Zealand Institute of Sport is one of the trading names for the registered Private Training Establishment New Zealand Management Academies Ltd (NZMA). Your enrolment is with NZMA and your qualification is issued by NZMA. © 2026