Want to know how to become a Personal Trainer in Australia? If you’re considering a career as a personal trainer in Australia, you're in luck! The demand for Personal Trainers in Australia is on the rise, with the industry expected to grow by 11.5% between 2019 and 2024.
However, becoming a personal trainer in Australia requires more than just a passion for fitness and a desire to help others. There are certain steps you must take to meet the industry standards and legally work as a personal trainer in this country.
In this blog post, we'll outline the steps you need to take to become a personal trainer in Australia, from obtaining the necessary qualifications to finding a job in the field.
Step 1: Obtain a Certificate III and IV in Fitness
The first step to becoming a personal trainer in Australia is to obtain a Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) and Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40215). The Certificate IV is the minimum qualification required to work as a personal trainer in this country and you need to complete your Certificate III before you can start your Certificate IV.
The Certificate IV in Fitness is a nationally recognized qualification that covers the knowledge and skills needed to work as a personal trainer, including anatomy and physiology, exercise science, and programming and delivering safe and effective exercise sessions.
There are a number of registered training organizations (RTOs) that offer the Certificate III and IV in Fitness (including ourselves – click here to check out our courses). You can find a full list of RTOs on the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) website.
Step 2: Join a Professional Association / Registration Body
There are several professional associations for personal trainers in Australia, such as AUSactive, Physical Activity Australia, FITREC and Health and Fitness Association Australia. Joining a professional association can help you stay up to date with industry standards, access professional development opportunities, and network with other professionals in the field.
Professional associations often offer membership benefits such as discounted insurance rates, access to industry resources and events, and opportunities to connect with potential clients or employers.
Step 3: Get Insured
Personal trainers are required to have professional indemnity insurance to protect themselves and their clients in case of injury or damage. This type of insurance covers legal liability for damages arising from professional negligence or mistakes made while providing personal training services.
There are a number of insurance companies that offer professional indemnity insurance specifically for personal trainers in Australia, including Marsh, Guild and BizCover. You can compare options and get quotes from multiple companies to find the best coverage for your needs.
Step 4: Find a Job
Once you have completed your qualifications and obtained insurance, you can start looking for work as a personal trainer. You can find job openings at gyms, health clubs, and fitness studios, or you can start your own personal training business.
Many personal trainers start their careers by working at a gym or fitness studio as an employee or independent contractor. This can be a good way to gain experience, build a client base, and learn from more experienced trainers.
You can search for job openings on job websites, such as Indeed or LinkedIn, or you can reach out to local gyms and fitness studios directly to inquire about job openings. You may also want to consider networking with other personal trainers and fitness professionals to learn about potential job opportunities.
If you prefer to work independently, you can start your own personal training business. This can be a more flexible option, but it also requires more effort to market your services and build a client base.
To start your own business, you'll need to register as a sole trader or set up a company with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). You'll also need to obtain a business license and register for any relevant taxes, such as the goods and services tax (GST).
Step 5: Choose a Specialization
Personal trainers can specialize in a particular area, such as weight loss, muscle building, or training a specific demographic such as training pre and post natal women or training older adults. Choosing a specialization can help you stand out in the market and attract specific clients.
For example, if you have a background in muscle building, you might consider specializing in hypertrophy training. Or, if you have a passion for training older adults you might consider specializing in training seniors.
Step 6: Consider Obtaining Additional Qualifications
Depending on your career goals and the type of clients you want to work with, you may want to consider obtaining additional qualifications beyond the Certificate IV in Fitness.
At Fitness Education Online, we offer a range of CEC courses for Personal Trainers. Topics vary from functional training courses, nutrition courses and business / marketing courses.
Alternatively, you might consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field, such as kinesiology or sports science. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind exercise and can open up more advanced career opportunities in the field.
Conclusion
That’s how to become a Personal Trainer in Australia. As you now know, becoming a personal trainer in Australia requires dedication and hard work, but it can be a rewarding and fulfilling career for those who are passionate about helping others achieve their fitness goals. By following the steps outlined above, you can work towards becoming a qualified and respected personal trainer in Australia.
Remember to keep learning and staying up to date with industry standards and best practices, as this will help you provide the best possible service to your clients and advance your career. With the right skills and knowledge, you can succeed as a personal trainer in Australia and make a positive impact on the lives of others.
