Course Overview
The new improved "Cert4Fitness" has been built around the well-known fitness certificate course delivered by Toi Ohomai for 22 years.
Often referred to "as the best year of my life" this course provides you with life changing experiences through the use of exercise as a vehicle.
Constructed as a one-year full-time course you can now exit with two nationally recognised qualifications, the New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4) and the New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4), that aligns with REPS accreditation (Register of Exercise Professionals).
Each qualification complements the other with common underlying themes such as nutrition, anatomy and physiology, client connection, marketing and an understanding of what makes a successful fitness business connecting the different strands. Exercise instruction is based around helping clients achieve their goals through a variety of exercise programmes within a one-on-one approach. Group exercise explores three modalities of group based classes to guide clients towards goal success.
All learning styles are catered for with visual and kinesthetic learners thriving in an environment that is based on "doing". To experience this course will change your life and provide you with the skills and confidence to change the lives of those around you.
There are plenty of field trips, an applied exercise workload and opportunities to create memories you will never forget. This is more than just a course, it's a way of life!
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 4); plus
- New Zealand Certificate in Freestyle Group Exercise (Level 4)
You'll also have completed a First Aid Certificate.
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Mar 2025 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 120 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Exercise Consultant
- Community Exercise Instructor
- Team Training Instructor
- Personal Trainer
- Freestyle Group Exercise Instructor
- Group or Small Team Training Instructor
- Self-employed
Topics you'll cover
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Exercise Analysis
- Energy Systems
- Retention
- Goal Setting
- Client Pre-Screen
- Professionalism
- Principles of Training
- Fitness Testing
- Exercise Prescription
- Nutrition
- Health Models
- First Aid
- Business Skills
- Marketing
- Choreography
- Programme Delivery
- Group Exercise Classes
- Exercise Abilities
- Health and Wellbeing
- Culturally Appropriate Values
- Processes and Protocols
- Participant Exercise Needs
- Movement Patterns
- Exercise Products and Services
- Development and Maintenance of a Client Base
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | To be confirmed for domestic students |
|---|
Please note, fees for our 2025 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2025 fee amount.
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
If you are under 20 years old, you must have NCEA Level 1, or equivalent.
If you do not meet the academic requirements you may be given special admission if Toi Ohomai staff are satisfied you are capable of successfully completing the requirements.
Special admission may also apply for applicants over 20 years.
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
English language requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 3 Mar 2025 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 3 Mar 2025 |
Study options
- 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
Important dates
Further Study Options
Courses Offered at Toi Ohomai
Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions
- New Zealand Certificate in Exercise (Level 5)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (University of Waikato)
- Bachelor of Heath Science (AUT)
