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Full v. Fast-Tracked PT Course

Written by Kristine Beissner

January 2, 2020

News

As we sometimes get asked to explain the difference between a full and a fast-tracked Certificate III & IV in Fitness as well as why we include the full number of units in our Fitness qualifications, even though we only need to offer the core units, we thought we would put some information together to explain….

A fast-tracked Certificate III and IV in Fitness is the name given to a qualification that only includes the core units of the Certificate III in Fitness training package.

There are no additional units of competency or specialisations included. 

A full Certificate III in Fitness contains the 9 core units + 7 electives that allow graduates to specialise in group exercise instruction, gym instructor and/or aqua instructor, depending on the combination of electives chosen by the RTO.

The Australian Government’s training.gov website describes the specialisation for gym instruction as a qualification for those who tailor client assessments, provide technique correction and develop and demonstrate programs. They are also trained to supervise and maintain a facility or service and handle customer inquiries.

The Group Exercise Instruction specialisation is for those wishing to design and deliver group sessions as well as instruct pre-choreographed and circuit style programs to a range of ages and fitness levels.

Core units that must be included in all Certificate III qualifications are:

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 adults

SISXCCS001 Provide quality service

SISXFAC001 Maintain equipment for activities

SISXIND001 Work effectively in sport, fitness and recreation environments

The most important thing to remember when choosing how to complete a Certificate IV in Fitness is to do your research and ensure the subjects you end up studying give you everything you need for your career – now and into the future.

Also, with a fast-tracked course,  students are only issued a Certificate IV and not receive a Certificate III in Fitness.

Why does the Fitness Institute offer the Full Certificate III in our fitness qualifications? 

There are two main reasons we have chosen to offer a full Certificate III in Fitness (with gym instruction and group fitness specialisations):

  1. We cluster units together to ensure no double up on learning and assessment tasks and this naturally fast-tracks our Certificate III and IV in Fitness courses without having to miss important information and valuable qualifications.
  1. We believe only offering core units, means Instructors and Trainers miss out on necessary and desirable qualifications for a full career in Sport, Fitness and Recreation like;
  • SISFFIT07 – Instruct Group Exercise
  • SISFFIT011 – Instruct Approved Community Fitness
  • BSBRSK401 – Identify Risk and Apply Risk Management Processes
  • HLTWHS001 – Participate in Workplace Health and Safety
  • SISFFIT006– Conduct Fitness Appraisals
  • SISXCAI006 – Facilitating Groups

Yes, it is possible to include some of these or similar electives as part of a Certificate IV in Fitness – but not all. Group Fitness for example, is a Certificate III elective and not available in Certificate IV in Fitness.

In any case, completing the extra units in Certificate III allows you to:

  • Complete a full set of competencies
  • Develop a great foundation skillset for the Cert IV and Diploma of Fitness
  • Be more prepared for a career in sport, fitness and recreation
  • Learn even more!

See more on our Certificate III and IV in Fitness package HERE.

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