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SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness + Entry Requirements

Fast-Track Personal Training Course.

Get equipped with the training and skills needed to kick-start a rewarding fitness career.

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What is the Fast-Track Personal Training Course?

AIPT’s Fast-Track Personal Training Course is a streamlined pathway to becoming a qualified Personal Trainer. It’s designed for learners who want the same nationally recognised qualification as the standard Certificate IV in Fitness but delivered in a shorter timeframe with flexible online theory and hands-on practical components.

What makes it ‘Fast-Track’?

The AIPT Fast-Track Personal Training Course delivers the same nationally recognised qualification as a standard SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness, just in a shorter timeframe. It’s ideal for those who want to gain certification sooner and start working as a Personal Trainer without compromising on quality or practical experience.

You’ll complete theoretical modules online at your own pace, supported by hands-on gym-based learning under the supervision of a qualified AIPT mentor.

In short: You’ll cover everything required for your Certificate IV; faster, smarter, and with the flexibility to fit your schedule.

Qualification Delivered – SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness

This course leads to SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness, a nationally recognised qualification that allows you to work independently as a Personal Trainer across Australia. It’s the benchmark for professional recognition in gyms, fitness studios, and private coaching environments.

Who is this course for? 

Ideal student profile 

This accelerated course is designed for: 

  • Fitness enthusiasts who want to turn their passion into a career quickly. 

  • Career changers with limited time who need a fast, flexible qualification. 

  • Gym instructors or fitness assistants ready to upgrade to a Personal Trainer role. 

  • Motivated learners who thrive with self-paced study and real-world application 

If your goal is to start training clients sooner, this course is for you. 

Course Outcomes.

Upon qualification, the Fast-Track Personal Training Course will enable you to work as a fully qualified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor. 

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Personal Trainer

  • Health Clubs — Work for a local gym or fitness centre training your own clients as a qualified Personal Trainer. Completing the SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness alone does not allow you to conduct any group exercise classes that are formalised in a group setting. For example, choreographed to music.  
  • Personal Training Franchises — Work within an established fitness franchise to deliver specialised training to its members.
  • Your Own Personal Training Business — Be your own boss and choose when and where you work with your own client network. 
  • Community Fitness Settings — Support the health and fitness of your own community providing fitness advice for organised group initiatives.  
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Group Exercise Instructor

Plan and deliver group exercise sessions and develop gym-based programs for groups of individuals where the level of personalised instruction and ongoing client monitoring is limited. Group Exercise Instructors often work in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres.

Before commencing SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness, students are required to complete and be deemed competent in the below units of competency (or superseded units), which are available as part of the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness.

  • HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (or a unit that supersedes this unit)
  • HLTWHS001 Participate in workplace health and safety
  • SISFFIT032 Complete pre-exercise screening and service orientation
  • SISFFIT033 Complete client fitness assessments
  • SISFFIT035 Plan group exercise sessions
  • SISFFIT036 Instruct group exercise sessions
  • SISFFIT040 Develop and instruct gym-based exercise programs for individual clients
  • SISFFIT047 Use anatomy and physiology knowledge to support safe and effective exercise
  • SISFFIT052 Provide healthy eating information.

First Aid: You must obtain HLTAID011 Provide First Aid from an external provider. This cost is not included in your course fee; however, AIPT has an agreement with Red Cross Australia (RTO 3605) to provide first-aid training to our students at a reduced price. You can choose to take advantage of this arrangement or pursue this unit of competency via another training provider. 

Education: You’ll need to have completed year 10 or equivalent (i.e., a qualification at Certificate II level or higher, or 2 years of industry experience in a role that requires the use of written documentation and communication). 

Minimum Age: You need to be at least 16. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian will need to sign your enrolment form. 

Residency Status: You need to be a permanent Australian resident or equivalent. 

Working with Children Check: For the work placement portion of your course, you may need a current “Working with Children Check Clearance” issued by the relevant authority in your state/territory.

Practical Assessment: Please be aware some of your assessments require you to source participants to role-play clients, please work with your mentor to secure the required number.

Course snapshot
Qualification

Fast-Track Personal Training Course.

Delivery structure

Practical Elements: 

  • At a Campus Club 
  • With a 1-to-1 Flexible Mentor 
  • With a Mentor of Your Choice 

Theoretical Elements: 

  • Are completed online 
Duration

Up to 18 months

Study load
  • 44.5 hours of practical experience in a real gym.
  • 27 course units to complete.
  • Complete 1.5 course units every month to graduate in 18 months.

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Delivery Structure.

The Fast-Track Personal Training Course with AIPT is split into two key parts to fit your lifestyle. So, learn your way, at your pace. Here’s how we deliver the course:

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1. Practical.

The practical elements of your course can be undertaken in one of three ways: 

Campus Club

Learn in a small group environment inside one of Australia’s leading gyms and be mentored by the best in the business.

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Undertake 44.5 hours of face-to-face practical learning following a set timetable.
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Learn inside a leading gym and be mentored by a real fitness professional.

Campuses near you

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2. Theoretical.

Leverage our online learning platform to learn the course’s theoretical elements, anywhere and anytime.

Components.

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27 course units to complete.
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Complete 1.5 course units every month to graduate in 18 months.

Resources Required

For the online part of the course, you may need regular access to:

Computer: Laptop or desktop computer with working speakers or headphone points.
Internet:
High-speed internet such as Broadband or ADSL, T1/T2, fibre optic (Dial-up access is not recommended).
Windows:
Operating system – Windows 8 or above.
Mobile Phone with video capability
or Video Camera: Some assessments in your course will require you to take and submit videos of you undertaking tasks for assessment.
Office Equipment: Printer and scanner to print and upload some of your assessments.
Internet Browser:
Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Internet Explorer 11.
MAC:
Operating system - OS X 10.14 Mojave or later.
Software:
Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Word (or Open Office which is free to download).

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Units.

Work your way toward becoming a qualified Personal Trainer by completing the nationally recognised units below; each is designed to build real, job-ready fitness skills and confidence from day one.

Entry Requirements

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to screen clients for participation in exercise programs and to provide general advice about programs and services suitable to clients. 

It requires the ability to utilise industry standard pre-exercise screening systems, questionnaires and guidelines to collect and evaluate health information, and to determine suitable levels of exercise intensity for clients. This includes determining risk factors and providing referrals to medical or allied health professionals for guidance. 

Screening may occur prior to clients beginning an exercise program, before changes to programs and when their health status changes. Outcomes are used by fitness instructors to plan client programs. Skills for planning are covered in complementary units. 

This unit applies to group fitness instructors, gym instructors and personal trainers. It can also apply to other fitness facility staff members who screen clients and provide service information prior to clients participating in exercise activities. They practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes, and outdoor locations, depending on their job role. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to assess current fitness capabilities of clients using information from industry standard pre-exercise screening as the starting point. It requires the ability to complete assessments using a range of activities and measurements and to document outcomes.

Assessment may occur prior to clients beginning an exercise program, before changes to programs and when their health status changes. Outcomes are used by fitness instructors to plan client programs. Skills for planning are covered in complementary units. 

This unit applies to gym instructors and personal trainers, who work unsupervised when interacting with clients using discretion and judgement to provide individually tailored client assessments. They practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes and outdoor locations, depending on their job role. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to provide general, and not individualised, information about healthy eating to fitness clients. Information is based on the main recommendations of the current Australian national dietary guidelines which aim to promote optimal health and wellbeing for generally healthy people.

The unit requires the ability to recognise situations that are beyond the scope of practice for fitness instructors, and to provide information about the types of medical and allied health professionals with expertise to advise on nutritional needs. 

This unit applies to group fitness and gym instructors who practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, knowledge and skills required to plan group exercise sessions designed for participation by mixed ability groups, or by groups that predominately comprise a particular profile, for example, older people. It requires the ability to account for the participation of individuals from specific population groups and of diverse abilities and allow for modifications that can be made during instruction. 

It covers skills for evaluating and improving sessions in response to participant and instructor feedback, noting that sessions might be delivered by self or others. Skills for instructing group exercise sessions are covered in a complementary unit. 

Exercise sessions are diverse in nature. They could combine or specifically concentrate on cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility exercises, and be delivered with or without music. 

This unit applies to group fitness instructors and personal trainers who use discretion and judgment when planning sessions to meet diverse participant needs. Instructors practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and other locations, depending on their role. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. 

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify customer needs, deliver and monitor customer service and identify improvements in the provision of customer service.  

The unit applies to those who apply a broad range of competencies in various work contexts. In this role, individuals often exercise discretion and judgement using appropriate knowledge of customer service. They provide technical advice and support to customers over short or long-term interactions.

This course offer includes the units BSBOPS304, HLTWHS001 and SISFFIT036 as part of the cluster GE01 Group Exercise. Students who complete this cluster and submit a copy of their statement of attainment for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid are eligible to receive the skill set SISSS00128 Group Exercise Leader. This skill set is targeted toward group exercise leaders who lead predesigned group exercise sessions in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres. Please note, BSBOPS304 is not an entry requirement unit.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required for workers to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others. 

The unit applies to all workers who require knowledge of workplace health and safety (WHS) to carry out their own work, either under direct supervision or with some individual responsibility. 

This course offer includes the units BSBOPS304, HLTWHS001 and SISFFIT036 as part of the cluster GE01 Group Exercise. Students who complete this cluster and submit a copy of their statement of attainment for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid are eligible to receive the skill set SISSS00128 Group Exercise Leader. This skill set is targeted toward group exercise leaders who lead predesigned group exercise sessions in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to prepare for and deliver land-based group exercise sessions according to predesigned session plans which may have been developed by self or others. 

It requires the ability to use exercise instructional techniques, and cater for different participant needs, in a mixed ability group situation within the confines of session guidelines. 

Skills for planning group exercise sessions are covered in a complementary unit. 

Exercise sessions are diverse in nature. They could combine or specifically concentrate on cardiovascular, resistance and flexibility exercises, and be delivered with or without music. 

This unit applies to group fitness instructors who work unsupervised when instructing groups, using discretion and judgement to solve routine problems and are guided by policies and procedures. It also applies to personal trainers working independently with groups. Instructors practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and other locations, depending on their role. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. 

This course offer includes the units BSBOPS304, HLTWHS001 and SISFFIT036 as part of the cluster GE01 Group Exercise. Students who complete this cluster and submit a copy of their statement of attainment for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid are eligible to receive the skill set SISSS00128 Group Exercise Leader. This skill set is targeted toward group exercise leaders who lead predesigned group exercise sessions in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres.

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to provide a First Aid response to a casualty in line with First Aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies. 

The unit applies to all persons who may be required to provide a First Aid response in a range of situations, including community and workplace settings. 

Specific licensing/regulatory requirements relating to this competency, including requirements for refresher training should be obtained from the relevant national/state/territory Work Health and Safety Regulatory Authorities. 

*This course contains the unit HLTAID011 Provide First Aid which must be completed through an external RTO. AIPT has an agreement in place with Red Cross Australia (RTOID 3605) which allows students to receive training for this unit at a reduced price or you may source your own training provider. Please note that the cost of this external training is not included in your course fee. Upon completion, you will need to submit a copy of your First Aid certificate for us to process a Credit Transfer against this unit of competency on your student record.

This course offer includes the units BSBOPS304, HLTWHS001 and SISFFIT036 as part of the cluster GE01 Group Exercise. Students who complete this cluster and submit a copy of their statement of attainment for HLTAID011 Provide First Aid are eligible to receive the skill set SISSS00128 Group Exercise Leader. This skill set is targeted toward group exercise leaders who lead predesigned group exercise sessions in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to develop tailored gym-based exercise programs for individuals where the level of personalised instruction, ongoing client monitoring and program evaluation is limited. Clients are provided with initial instruction and then largely self-manage their own exercise sessions at the gym, according to the program, without ongoing one-to-one instruction. 

It requires the ability to integrate information from pre-exercise screenings, fitness assessments, and any medical guidance that may have been received for particular clients, to design suitable programs. 

This unit applies to gym instructors and gym-based personal trainers who work unsupervised when interacting with clients using discretion and judgement and are guided by policies and procedures. They practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, and leisure and community centres. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify the role of anatomy and physiology knowledge in fitness instruction, and to use that knowledge to develop and instruct safe and effective exercise activities. 

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology underpins effective performance in a range of work functions for fitness instruction. This unit has direct links to, and supports, a range of units for planning and instructing group and personalised exercise programs. 

This unit applies to group fitness instructors, gym instructors and personal trainers. They practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes and outdoor locations, depending on their role. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice. 

Career outcomes 

Here are what the Fast-track Personal Training Course ensures to provide the learners during and after qualification: 

Real-world learning experience 

Gain practical, hands-on experience through AIPT’s mentor network and real gym environments. You’ll apply your skills with actual clients, learning to assess, coach, and motivate under professional guidance so you graduate job-ready and confident from day one. 

Where this course will take you 

The qualification opens doors to Australia’s growing fitness industry. Work in gyms, studios, or community centres, join an established training franchise, or start your own business as a certified personal trainer. Well, the choice is yours!  

Why Fast-Tracking your qualification matters 

There are some reasons why fast-tracking the course makes it more beneficial: 

  • Get career-ready faster: Skip the wait and step into the fitness industry sooner with a qualification that gets you job-ready. 

  • Learn and earn: Start applying your new skills in real settings while you study because the best learning happens on the gym floor. 

  • Stay ahead of the pack: The fitness industry moves fast. Fast-tracking helps you qualify before the crowd and build momentum early. 

  • Fit study around life: With flexible delivery and mentor support, you can learn on your own terms. 

  • Turn passion into progress: Every module brings you closer to the career you’ve been dreaming about.

Cost & payment.

Choose what works for you. Pay upfront via VISA, MasterCard, or bank deposit, or opt for a flexible instalment plan paid weekly or fortnightly.

Your course fee includes

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Delivery and assessment of your qualification

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Study materials (including all resources)

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Ongoing support from our Education Team

We offer two payment methods

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Full fee upfront

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Instalment plans

For more information about the course costs, please call us on 1300 616 180.

Comparing fast-track and standard courses

Wondering which path is right for you? Here’s a quick look at how the Fast-Track Personal Training Course stacks up against the standard course, so you can decide which suits your goals and lifestyle. 

Features 

Standard Course (Certificate IV in Fitness) 

Fast-Track Course 

Duration 

Up to 12 months 

Up to 18 months 

Learning Pace 

Self-paced, regular study 

Self-paced, regular, structured 

Practical Hours 

27 hrs 

44.5 hrs 

Ideal for 

Students preferring a gradual pace 

Students wanting to fast-track their career 

Why choose AIPT?

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100+ campus locations

With so many campus locations, we are never far from where you are.

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Flexible payment options

Choose from payment plans that fit your lifestyle; simple, stress-free, and flexible.

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Real Trainers. Real Gyms. Real Experience.

Learn directly from industry professionals in real gym settings to build hands-on confidence.

Our mission

Largest network of industry partnerships

Backed by Australia’s largest fitness network, we connect you with leading employers, mentors, and fitness business owners.

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They have an excellent range of courses on offer, as well as superb customer service that made me feel welcomed and supported throughout my studies.

I spoke with Tamara, who was wonderful. She gave me all the information about the course and kept in touch right throughout the enrolment process.

Studying my theory online and at my pace allowed me to continue working full-time. The face-to-face component was amazing, working with an experienced instructor.

AIPT supported me from the moment I joined. Even through COVID times, they carried on and were always there for me if I needed anything.

Studying with AIPT allowed me to study while working 5 days a week and at university. It allowed flexibility while ensuring I received the best education possible .

How to enrol

Starting your journey with AIPT is straightforward, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Careers Advisors are here to guide you through the options, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your next steps. 

Chat with a Careers Advisor 

Choosing the right course is a big decision, and speaking with a real person can make all the difference. AIPT’s Careers Advisors can walk you through: 

  • Your study options and course requirements 

  • The best pathway for your goals 

  • Payment plans choices and upfront payment options 

  • What to expect when you begin your studies 

  • Any documents or preparation you may need 

They’ll make sure you’re set up for success from the very beginning. 

Ready to take the Next Step? 

Reach out to AIPT’s Careers Advisors for personalised guidance and support. They’ll help you navigate enrolment and make sure you’re starting your course with confidence.

You may also be interested in.

SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness + SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness

Complete Personal Training Course.

Our Complete Personal Training Course Package offers a Certificate III and IV in Fitness, enabling you to work as a qualified Personal Trainer.

SIS30321/SIS40221/10967NAT

Complete Personal Training & Nutrition Course.

Get qualified to promote healthy living through fitness and nutrition with this combined course.

SIS30321/SIS40221/BSB50120

Complete Personal Training & Business Course.

Start your very own personal training business with the Complete Personal Training & Business Course which equips you with the Certificate III and IV in Fitness as well as the Diploma of Business.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Fast-Track Personal Training Course provided by AIPT is probably the fastest PT certification where one can become a professional up to 18 months. 

The course covers prerequisite units from the SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness, as well as the full SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness. Also, you will gain practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and mentorship to work as a nationally recognised Personal Trainer. 

This course is designed for aspiring fitness professionals, career changers, or anyone passionate about health and fitness who wants to fast-track their personal training career while gaining a full qualification. 

Key features include accelerated learning, flexible practical delivery options (Campus Club, 1-to-1 Mentor, Mentor of Your Choice), hands-on experience with real clients, structured online theory, and support from industry professionals throughout the course. 

Yes, the Fast-Track PT course is worth it. It lets you qualify sooner without cutting corners, offering the same nationally recognised certification, hands-on experience, and mentor support to help you start earning and building your fitness career faster.