Does a Cert 3 in Fitness Expire?

Whether you’re thinking about starting your studies, you’re in the thick of it or you’ve recently finished, a certain question has likely crossed your mind…

Does my cert 3 in fitness expire? And, if so, what do I need to do about it?

The good news is, like any recognised qualification, your cert 3 in fitness won’t expire but there are certain things you will need to renew. For example, insurance, memberships, licences and more.

Don’t worry, though. In this article, we’ll cover which fitness certifications don’t expire and which ones you’ll have to renew regularly.

First, let’s find out which certifications don’t expire.

Which fitness certifications don’t expire

Thankfully, you won’t have to re-study your cert 3 in fitness every year to be a qualified fitness professional. And the same goes for other nationally recognised qualifications.

Here are some key qualifications that you won’t have to re-take:

Cert 3 in fitness

The cert 3 in fitness is the starting point for most health and fitness careers. It’s the first step you’ll need to take if you want a career in fitness.

You’ll learn foundational knowledge such as:

• Providing health screening and fitness orientations
• Healthy eating information
• How to instruct fitness programs
• Customer service
• Anatomy and physiology principles

This certification prepares you to become a Group Exercise or Gym Instructor and provides a foundation for further study.

Cert 4 in fitness

The cert 4 in fitness is the next step up from your basic qualification. Once you complete this qualification you become a bonafide personal trainer and can begin to make a big impact on your clients’ health and fitness.

Some key skills that you’ll learn in this certificate include:

• How to promote functional movement
• Recognising the dangers of providing nutrition advice
• Sustainable work practices
• How to plan your business
• The correct ways to motivate your clients

Once you’re a qualified personal trainer you’ll be able to instruct clients in a range of activities and create personalised routines for them. You can also further your study through professional certificates or formal study.

Diploma of fitness

A diploma in fitness allows you access to more advanced roles within the fitness industry. With this qualification, you’ll gain the knowledge to become an advanced personal trainer, a PT or gym manager or take on other advanced roles.

This qualification covers a range of topics including:

• Professional development
• Managing your fitness business
• Developing a team and managing staff
• Advanced personal training techniques
• Growing your fitness business

At completion, you’ll be able to design complex exercise programs, work with allied health professionals and put your entrepreneurial skills to good use.

What you’ll need to regularly renew as a personal trainer

Now that you know what qualifications stand the test of time, it’s time to make a plan for what you’ll need to renew. Some of these regular renewals include professional memberships, licences/permits, insurance and some certifications.

Professional memberships

While not a necessity to become a personal trainer or fitness professional, these memberships do provide their own benefits. Professional memberships are a way to demonstrate your knowledge, gain access to exclusive training and connect with mentors, peers and clients.

Fitness Australia

Fitness Australia (FA) is a non-profit organisation that has the goal of helping Australians become more active. They provide fitness professionals with education, cutting-edge research and other relevant information.

FA also advocate to different stakeholders including the media and government to improve the credibility of the industry.

Registration with Fitness Australia can be done for either 12 or 24 months and will cost you $275.00 for the 2-year option. You also have to meet their continuing education requirements to be eligible.

Physical Activity Australia

Physical Activity Australia (PAA) has been around for a few decades and is the original professional fitness registration body in Australia.

While they’ve had a few name changes throughout the years, their goal has always been the same—to promote physical activity and active living.

Registering with PAA showcases your industry knowledge while providing you exclusive access to additional education and training. As an added bonus, you’ll be able to forge connections with mentors and clients alike.

PAA comes in slightly cheaper than Fitness Australia at $199 for 2 years. And you’ll also need to provide evidence of your continued education, First Aid and CPR qualifications.

Licences/permits

To conduct business as a PT in Australia, there are a few licences and permits that you may need. These vary by state so it may not apply to you, however, the following are generally what you need to conduct business.

Note: If you want to check which licences, permits and regulations apply to you, check out the Australian Business Licence and Information Service.

Register a business name

You’ll need to register a business name if you want to trade under a business name other than:

• Your individual name (for sole traders)
• A registered company name
• All individual names of a partnership

To obtain a business name licence you’ll need to have an Australian Business Number (ABN) or be in the process of applying for one. You can get the licence for either one or three years at a cost of $37.00 or $88.00 respectively.

Use of public spaces

You may need to get a permit or licence to operate in public spaces, for example, at the beach, park or local footy field. Since this depends on the local council, requirements and costs will vary depending on where you train your clients.

Insurance

Insurance is a necessary investment whether you’re a personal trainer or not, however, as a business owner, it’s absolutely crucial. Without insurance, you could end up with a large lawsuit or be out of work with no income thanks to a freak accident.

Here are some insurance policies that may be helpful:

• Public liability insurance: If you own a gym, this policy protects you against any accidents on the premises. You’re also covered against property damage in other places such as public facilities or your client’s home.
• Professional indemnity: Protects you against injury claims that happen as a result of your advice, for example, nutrition or exercise instructions.
• Property insurance: While public liability covers other peoples’ property, property insurance covers your own. For example, your gym and equipment.

Certifications

While most personal training certifications don’t expire, there are three crucial ones that do.

CPR

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and is a necessary skill to have as a health professional. Your CPR certification is usually valid for 12 months, so you’ll have to renew it every year at a cost of $50 - $100.

First aid

First aid training is all about having the skills to potentially save a life. When people are pushing themselves during exercise you never know what could happen, that’s why it’s a necessary certification for PTs.

Your first aid training is generally valid for three years and you can find courses that cost between $100 - $150 (inclusive of CPR.)

Working with children/vulnerable people

Each state has a different certification, so make sure to get the right one for the area you operate within. All you have to do is apply online and your state authorities will run a background check to ensure you’re fit to work with children or other vulnerable people.

Still need a cert 3 in fitness?

If you aren’t qualified yet or are looking to take your education to the next level, check out our Clean Health Master Personal Trainer (CHMPT) program. This program gives you all the skills to become a standout personal trainer, covering the basics like your cert 3 and 4 in fitness, nutrition and strength coaching as well.

Give us a call today to schedule your free consult!