Programme overview
In the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise, you’ll learn how to create personalised exercise programmes, tailored to suit individual needs, then deliver them effectively to the client. You’ll also gain a good understanding of how to structure and deliver small group exercise programmes.
You’ll learn how to encourage, engage and inspire people towards their health and wellness goals through exercise, whilst growing your understanding of how to coach people across various communities, using current industry trends and initiatives.
You'll be able to turn your passion into a business by utilizing key marketing and business skills to self-manage your own promotion and performance. You’ll also develop an understanding of current nutritional concepts, as they relate to exercise prescription.
This programme covers
- Health and fitness testing and assessment
- Exercise programme design and delivery
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- Correct and safe exercise techniques
- Programming for people with diverse needs
- Motivational client exercise techniques
- Professional behaviour when working with clients
- Evidence-based nutritional principles and guidelines
- Marketing concepts, business tools and techniques to support business practice
- Cultural understanding and competencies
Highlights
- You’ll automatically be listed on to the NZ Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) upon completing this programme
- Flexibility in how you complete this programme, with 1-year part-time options available both during the day and in evenings
- You’ll learn really practical skills so that you can get going immediately once you graduate
- You’ll be taught by knowledgeable and passionate staff who are highly connected to the industry
- We’ll help you find an organisation with whom you’ll have the opportunity to complete at least 55 hours of facilitated work experience
- You’ll have access to a range of sport facilities while you study
- If you enjoy the certificate, you can complete an extra semester to gain the New Zealand Diploma in Sport, Recreation and Exercise.
Want more information?
Feel free to contact the team with any further questions!
Admission requirements
This is a very popular programme, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
Academic requirements
You will need to provide the following at different points of your application process.
- Have NCEA Level 2 (or equivalent)
If you don’t meet the academic criteria above, we have a range of Foundation and Bridging Education programmes which will help you prepare for further academic study.
English requirements
If English is not your first language you will also need one or more of the following:
- Be able to provide evidence you satisfy our criteria for existing English proficiency; or
- Have achieved at least one English proficiency outcome in the last two years.
If you don’t meet the English criteria above, we have a range of English Language programmes available, depending on your current level of ability.
If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still apply under special or discretionary entrance.
For more information, download the programme regulations (PDF 352 KB)
Courses and timetables
For more details on the courses, please click on the course names below. Please note that our systems are updating with new course timetable information for 2025; please check back again soon.
| Courses | Credits | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| Human Anatomy and Physiology (SPOR4001TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop knowledge of basic concepts of anatomy and physiology and how they relate to exercise programmes. |
| Exercise Programming (SPOR4002TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop knowledge, skills and attributes to adapt and deliver exercise programmes. |
| Nutrition and Lifestyle (SPOR4003TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop knowledge of nutrition as it relates to exercise training and healthy lifestyles. |
| Exercise Professional Practice (SPOR4004TP) | 15.0 credits (0.125 EFTS) | This course aims to develop cultural competency, knowledge, skills and attributes to use business tools to practice as an exercise professional. |
