Everything you need to know to become a part of the Institute of Health and Fitness Certificate courses in Fitness:
What courses can I study?
The Institute of Health and Fitness currently offers a range of nationally-accredited courses of study.
Certificate III in Fitness
The Certificate III in Fitness is aimed not only at people who wish to begin a career in the health and fitness industry, but also at anyone with an interest in health and well-being. This course will teach you about the body and how it works, as well as how to train it.
The course is also of benefit to people in allied health professions such as physiotherapy, dietetics and massage, to complement their existing educational training to enable them to prescribe exercise more effectively for their clients. Recognition of prior learning is available.
The Certificate III in Fitness contains information on: Basic Anatomy, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Nutrition, Exercise Screening, Exercise Programming, Resistance Training, Legal Issues and Communication Skills.
Certificate IV in Fitness
The Certificate IV in Fitness, like the Certificate III in Fitness, is a nationally recognised qualification which will help you advance your skills and experience to make your mark as a personal trainer in the fitness industry. The Certificate III in Fitness or an equivalent qualification is a prerequisite to Certificate IV in Fitness.
The course conducted by the Institute of Health and Fitness will provide training in all three specialisation areas: Personal Training, Older Adults, and Special Populations.
The Certificate IV in Fitness contains information on: Intermediate Anatomy, Exercise Physiology and Nutrition, Exercise for Special Populations (including an understanding of various medical complications), Postural Screening, Intermediate Skills of Strength and Conditioning, Body Composition Assessment, Marketing Skills, Advanced Exercise Planning and Programming, and Small Business Management.
Diploma of Fitness
In 2007 a new nationally-recognised course was added - Diploma of Fitness. This advanced course builds on the knowledge you have acquired from the Certificate III and IV in Fitness to enable you to become a Fitness Therapist/Specialist.
The highly qualified lecturers at the Institute of Health & Fitness will ensure you will be educated to the highest possible standards. This advanced course is aimed at people who not only have an interest in health and well-being but want to understand thoroughly how the body works and how to help the body recover from injury/illness and pass on this knowledge to clients.
The course will also assist you to manage other staff and work closely with medical practitioners and allied health professionals. The course would also be of benefit to people in allied health professions, such as massage and physiotherapy. (* Exemptions are available due to Recognition of Prior Learning.)
Once you have graduated with the Diploma of Fitness you will be qualified to work in a variety of environments relating to the delivery of higher-level fitness training, sports conditioning and other fitness and health related activities. As a Fitness Specialist you will be involved in the planning and delivery of exercise programs for moderate risk clients in a range of unpredictable circumstances, working in conjunction with a suitably credentialed allied health professional and/or medical professional.
Professional Development Courses / Continuing Education Courses
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 Who will conduct the lectures?
The Institute of Health and Fitness, due to its reputation and association with McKinnon Sports Medicine has access to some of the most highly qualified lecturing staff you will find in Australia who teach in the Certificate III and IV in Fitness. The majority of our lecturing staff have at least five years of University education and are all recognised experts in their field.
Unfortunately the fitness industry is riddled with misinformation; to combat this the Institute of Health and Fitness does not mess around with underqualified lecturers to cut corners. Being taught by inadequately qualified lecturers (who may just have the qualification you are studying for) can put you at risk in the long term if you provide your clients with poor and sometimes dangerous advice. If we conduct a class on medical complications - a doctor will deliver the lecture; on legal issues it will be a solicitor; for dietary advice a dietitian will present; the list goes on.
If you have an eye for quality and want to be taught by the best, the courses at the Institute of Health and Fitness are for you! To find out more about our highly qualified lecturing staff please click here.
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What equipment will I require?
 No equipment is required for the student to purchase or have throughout these courses, although access to gyms, personal training studios or personal fitness equipment can help students put the theory into practice in their own time.
We offer all enrolled Institute of Health & Fitness students discounts on equipment from Swiss balls, medicine balls, heart rate monitors and more.
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How will I be assessed?
To gain the Certificate III in Fitness qualification you must pass all practical, theory, and verbal assessments set during your course; successfully complete a workplace placement and the workbook associated with this in a gym of your choice; and obtain a First Aid qualification (Level 2). For further information see our Certificate III assessment requirements.
To become Certificate IV in Fitness qualified you must pass all practical, theory, and verbal assessments set during this course; and successfully complete a workbook and associated verbal questioning from the Institute of Health and Fitness Assessor. For further information see our Certificate IV assessment requirements.
It is essential that students pay close attention to the due dates. Extensions are not usually given except in exceptional circumstances. Students must apply for extensions prior to the due date by mailing (or e-mailing) the Institute of Health & Fitness a completed extension request form.
As with all forms of assessment conducted by the Institute of Health and Fitness the aim is not to try and trick or trap students but simply to uncover what you have learned during your study, and to give you a feeling of accomplishment when you have completed the course. If students are unhappy with their mark or assessment they are of course free to discuss this with the Course Co-ordinator so that a suitable arrangement can be made to assist the student to understand areas of their knowledge that require improving so that they can successfully complete the course. Our code of practice and complaints policy provides information regarding disputes and other issues relating to assessment.
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How do I enrol?
To enrol you must complete and return our course enrolment form and pay a deposit of a minimum of 20% of the course cost. Once your enrolment has been approved an instalment payment plan will be arranged.
Please note that if you are enrolling in the Certificate IV in Fitness please provide a certified copy of your Certificate III in Fitness and/or current registration with Kinect Australia (formerly VICFIT) or Fitness Australia - as these are a pre-requisite for the Certificate IV. Please note there are no pre-requisites for the Certificate III in Fitness. Students who have already been enrolled with the Institute of Health and Fitness do not need to resubmit this material.
Send the completed enrolment form to the Institute of Health and Fitness by mail or fax.
Institute of Health and Fitness
Mail: PO Box 124, Bentleigh, Victoria, 3204
Fax: (03) 9578 5559
Phone: 1300 123 446
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What happens if I fail an assessment?
Don’t worry, you are not required to resit the whole course again! If you fail an exam you will have another opportunity to resit the exam following discussion and tutoring from the Course Coordinator as to areas of knowledge you are required to improve. If you fail your workbook or practical assessment you will be given guidance as to the areas you are required to improve prior to reassessment.
The Institute of Health and Fitness strives to ensure all students are provided with a quality learning environment and extra assistance where required to help ensure that all students can be the best instructors they can be and thus reassessments are kept to a minimum.
Please note there is a small fee associated with all reassessments to help cover our costs related to this. Please refer to our fees and charges policy for further information.
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 What if I have already completed some study elsewhere?
If you have already completed some course units with other institutions or knowledge gained from other sources, such that you would not be gaining anything new from sitting a particular unit you may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL or sometimes known as credit transfer or advanced standing). If you wish to apply for RPL you must contact our Course Coordinator before enrolling in the course to discuss what prior knowledge you may have. You will then be provided with the appropriate forms and information on all the supporting documentation that you must provide. The Course Coordinator will also discuss the fees associated with applying for RPL with you at this time.
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What if I need to withdraw?
If there is an unfortunate circumstance that requires you to withdraw from the course, then a student withdrawal form must be completed to notify us of your need to leave the course. For further information about cost applicable then please refer to the fees and charges policy.
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What about other changes such as a change of address?
Naturally we want to ensure all our records are up to date. Please email or write to us to let us know of any changes in your circumstances. We especially need to know of any changes to your contact details (email address, mailing address, telephone contacts etc).
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What if I there is an emergency that affects my study?
Life is not always easy and from time to time “emergencies” arise (such as a serious illness to you or an immediate family member). Where these unfortunate instances occur we will try and accommodate you in any way we can (such as delaying assessment or making special arrangements), but it is extremely important that you keep us informed of your circumstances so that we can attempt to help you complete the course.
Where possible you need to inform us prior to your absence or the due dates of assessment and it then may require you to explain your situation to us in writing. Please contact us as soon as you are aware of something happening that will affect your study. If this occurs you will be required to fill in the extension application form.
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What support services do you offer?
To help you develop your knowledge and practical application we offer students special discounted rates on all our textbooks and equipment (including heart rate monitors, bwiss balls etc.). Of course our exceptional and friendly lecturing staff are always happy to assist our students in whatever manner they can. We are also currently developing audio recordings of the various subjects taught within the course to assist you in your learning.
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How do I contact the Institute of Health & Fitness for more information?
Please feel free to contact us if you have any further queries regarding study with the Institute of Health and Fitness.
Our contact details are as follows;
Postal Address: PO Box 124, Bentleigh, Victoria, Australia 3204
Phone: 1300 123 446 (Within Australia)
+613 9578 3232 (Outside Australia)
Fax: +613 9579 5559
E-mail:
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Website http://www.sportmed.com.au/
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