How do I become a personal trainer
Get qualified to work as a personal trainer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Personal Trainer.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time gym instructor generally earns $1,615 per week ($83,980 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
As of May 2020, there were 8,412 personal trainers in Australia. In terms of overall gym instructors, there were 37,800 as of May 2019, with that number expected to grow to 43,900 by May 2024.
Source: Ibis World and The Labour Market Information Portal - 2019 Occupational Projections
Courses.com.au Team
To become a personal trainer, you usually must complete a Certificate IV in Fitness. This course of study can take 9-12 months to complete depending on if you study full time or part time and whether you choose to study in-person, online or via blended study. You will also often need to complete a practical placement, as well as earn first-aid and CPR certificates.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
How to get your first job in the fitness industry
29th January 2025
How to start a career as a Personal Assistant
2nd December 2021All personal trainer courses
- CUAWHS413 Incorporate anatomy principles into skill development
- Graduate Certificate in Sport and Exercise Science
- HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
- Master of Sport and Exercise Science
- SIS30315 & SIS40215 Dual Certificate III in Fitness & Certificate IV in Fitness
- SIS30321 & SIS40221 & 10967NAT Triple Certificate III in Fitness & Certificate IV in Fitness & Diploma of Nutrition
- SIS30321 & SIS40221 & BSB50120 Triple Certificate III in Fitness & Certificate IV in Fitness & Diploma of Business
- SIS30321 & SIS40221 Dual Certificate III in Fitness & Certificate IV in Fitness
- SIS40115 Certificate IV in Sport and Recreation
- SIS40215 & 10967NAT Dual Certificate IV in Fitness & Diploma of Nutrition
- SIS40215 & BSB50120 Dual Certificate IV in Fitness & Diploma of Business
- SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness
- SIS40215 Certificate IV in Fitness & Entry Requirements
- SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness
- SIS50215 Diploma of Fitness
Personal Trainer careers
Personal trainers conduct private sessions with clients to help them achieve fitness goals. These sessions can include everything from walking clients through a routine in the gym to meeting them in a park or other outdoor area for an outdoor exercise program. You'll create PT training plans based on clients' goals, best interests and ability.
As a personal sports trainer, you'll devise suitable workout programs, know how to deliver these programs safely, answer clients' health and safety questions and also be comfortable with interacting with people on a regular basis. Depending on your circumstances, your schedule can be flexible in terms of timings and location.
