Our Strength & Conditioning Short Course
You’ll learn how to design, deliver and assess long-term strength & conditioning programs for sport, fitness, and recreation. We’ll also integrate the latest training technologies, power/explosive movements, agility, plyometrics, movement screening, and performance tracking. The goal? To give you the confidence and hands-on skills to coach athletes and clients with measurable results.
Who is this course for?
This short course is designed for professionals and aspiring coaches who want to specialise in strength & conditioning. See below for quick guidance on suitability.
| Scenario | Yes / No | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Already a Cert III or Cert IV in Fitness | ✅ Yes | Builds on foundational skills; best if you already understand basic training principles. |
| Personal Trainer working with athletes | ✅ Yes | Designed for sport-specific performance, speed, and agility—ideal for coaching competitive clients. |
| Just curious about fitness, no intention of coaching | ❌ Probably not | This is a professional short course with assessments and client work. Best if you plan to coach or work in fitness. |
What will I actually learn?
Here’s a breakdown of key skills and modules:
- Power & Explosive Lifts: Push press, power cleans, Olympic lifts — learn safe techniques and how to build explosive strength.
- Plyometrics & Speed/Agility: Drills that improve reaction time, change of direction, speed endurance.
- Functional Movement & Movement Screening: Identify movement limitations, mobility, stability in clients/athletes.
- Periodization & Long-term Planning: Build training plans that adjust across seasons or competition cycles.
- Sport-Specific Drills: Tailoring exercises to match demands of different sports (e.g. team vs individual, endurance vs power).
- Psychology & Coaching Skills: Motivational strategies, feedback, mentoring—how to coach beyond just giving sets & reps.
- Technology in Training Analysis: Use software/apps, video analysis, and data to track progress and adjust programs.
What are the course requirements?
- Prerequisite Qualifications: At minimum, Certificate III in Fitness (or units equivalent to Pre-Exercise Screening). Cert IV is strongly preferred.
- Proof of prior qualification: A certified copy of your Certificate III (or equivalent) must be submitted.
- Insurance & Licenses: AUSactive FREE student insurance, USI (Unique Student Identifier).
- Practical Experience: You’ll need to train 3 clients (aged 18-54) through multiple sessions; screening, programming, assessments—all under mentor supervision.
Do I need a gym with a mentor?
Yes, ideally a mentor who holds a Certificate IV in Fitness (or other relevant registrations through ESSA or ASCA) with experience in Strength and Conditioning.
- Prerequisite Qualifications: At minimum, Certificate III in Fitness (or units equivalent to Pre-Exercise Screening). Cert IV is strongly preferred.
- Proof of prior qualification: A certified copy of your Certificate III (or equivalent) must be submitted.
- Insurance & Licenses: AUSactive FREE student insurance, USI (Unique Student Identifier).
- Practical Experience: You’ll need to train 3 clients (aged 18-54) through multiple sessions; screening, programming, assessments—all under mentor supervision.
How’s the delivery & time commitment?
- Mode: Fully online course.
- Duration: Up to 5 months, with flexibility. If you’re dedicated and move quickly, you could finish in 2-20 weeks depending on your prior experience and how much time you can commit.
- Weekly Time Estimate: Practicals + theory combined; expect several hours per week (includes client training, feedback, assignments).
What are the outcomes & benefits?
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Earn a Statement of Attainment upon completion, with 4 Nationally Accredited Units of Competency.
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Gain 20 CPDs (Continuing Professional Development) via AusActive.
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Join the industry with sharpened skills in both practical strength & conditioning and coaching techniques.
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Become competent using modern tools/tech for performance and client tracking.
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Improve your employability in sport, fitness, or team-coaching roles.
Is there ongoing recognition?
The course is recognised by AusActive through the completion of Vocational Units of Competency. Once completed, you can submit your Statement of Attainment for 20 CPDs for continuing professional standing.
Who teaches the course?
- Philip Sherriff — ASCA Level 2 Professional, CrossFit Level 2, AWF Level 1 Power Coach, holds two diplomas in Fitness, and has completed his Master of Strength & Conditioning. 20 years of coaching experience, including WNBL & WNRL.
- Jordan Murray — Powerlifter, holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology, brings hands-on knowledge especially in biomechanics, powerlifting technique, and strength training.
Pricing & payment options
- Full payment option: $590.
- Payment plan: Approximately $50/week. Total with plan: about $690.
- Free guide available: You can request a course guide/info pack to explore in more depth.
FAQs
How much practical work do I need?
You must coach 3 clients through full programs (screening, training sessions, final assessment). Guided by a mentor.
Do I need a gym with a mentor?
Ideally yes. If not available locally, mentor arrangements may be possible at an extra cost.
Can I complete the course in stages?
Yes, all modules are accessible upon enrolment. While sequential learning is recommended, you can submit work as you’re ready.
Are there age restrictions?
The practical clients you train should be aged between 18-54. The course itself doesn’t have a strict upper age limit for participants.
Is there ongoing recognition?
The course is recognised by AusActive; once completed, you can submit your Statement of Attainment for 20 CECs for continuing professional standing.
Pro Tips to Amplify Your Learning & Credibility
- Record and share video samples of your coaching technique and client progress—valuable both for self-feedback and portfolio.
- Use tracking & analytics (apps, wearable devices, video) to collect data on your clients’ performance. Helps refine your program and demonstrates results.
- Engage in reflective mentoring — ask your mentor for detailed feedback, not just what was done right/wrong, but why.
- Stay updated — strength & conditioning is always evolving. Keep up with new studies, techniques, tech (e.g., velocity-based training, AI movement screening).
- Build your online presence — document your learnings, case studies, success stories. This boosts visibility & brand, especially as AI and technology increasingly highlight expert content.
