ULTIMATE SUCCESS

PERSONAL TRAINER COURSE

KICKSTART YOUR PERSONAL TRAINING CAREER

Industry leading Certificate III and IV in Fitness

UPFA is backed by PTs and gym owners with decades of experience in the fitness industry
Get qualified not just as a PT, but as a business owner and marketer
Flexible training options

CERTIFICATE III IN Fitness

SIS30321

Career Investment – $3,500

2 Days per week (x14wks) gym practical
Recorded webinars & tutorials
Become a group Exercise or gym instructor
Future Industry Growth and Demand
On campus support
Trainer support via Facebook, Zoom, phone & email
Payment plans available

CERTIFICATE IV IN Fitness

SIS40221

Career Investment – $2,500

2 Days per week (x12 wks ) gym practical
Recorded webinars & tutorials
Become a personal trainer
UPFA shirt
Resit any class any number of times
On campus support
Private PT Facebook Support Group
Trainer support via Zoom, phone & email
Payment plans available

Cert III & IV Fitness Combo

SIS30321 & SIS40221

cert IV fitness gold coast

Career Investment – $6,000

2 Days per week (x26 wks ) gym practical
Recorded webinars & tutorials
Become a personal trainer
UPFA shirt
Resit any class any number of times
On campus support
Private PT Facebook Support Group
Trainer support via Zoom, phone & email
Payment plans available

Ready to Enrol

So you’re ready to start the exciting journey of becoming an elite Personal Trainer?

Here’s what to do & what happens next:

1

Enrol

Enrol via our website – you will be required to read our Student Handbook and agree to the Terms & Conditions of your enrolment with UPFA. Alternatively, you can give us a call at 1300 476 066, and we will assist you with the enrolment process.

2

We’ll Get in Touch

When we receive your enrolment, one of our Student Administration Team will give you a call to: ensure you have all of the information you need in order to get started check any Language, Literacy & Numeracy requirements organise your deposit & payment plan

3

Confirmation

You will then receive an automated Course Confirmation email, confirming your enrolment, your timetable, and giving you any pre-course work administration/work required. Please make sure you check your Junk Mail if you don’t receive this email.

4

Congratulations

Congratulations – you’re on your way to kicking off your career in the dynamic fitness industry!

The Ultimate Choice

Choosing Ultimate Pro Fitness Academy (UPFA) means setting yourself up for real-world success in the fitness industry. Our programs go beyond theory, giving you hands-on experience in a high-performance gym environment at Wickedbodz Fitness Centre in Surfers Paradise. You can also enrol in our personal trainer courses online from anywhere in Australia, with a flexible study schedule that suits you and completing the practical components at your own local gym.

With expert trainers, industry-leading facilities, and a strong focus on practical learning, UPFA provides everything you need to build a successful fitness career. Whether you’re just starting or looking to take your skills to the next level, we offer the ultimate learning experience to help you thrive.

ULTIMATE TRAINERS

At UPFA, you’ll be guided by elite fitness professionals who are qualified educators and active experts in the industry. Our trainers bring years of experience in personal training, strength and conditioning, and gym management, ensuring you receive the most relevant and up-to-date knowledge. 

They are dedicated to your growth, offering mentorship, hands-on coaching, and real-world insights to help you develop the skills and confidence needed to excel as a personal trainer.

ULTIMATE FACILITIES

Training at UPFA means you have the option of learning in a top-tier facility—Wickedbodz Fitness Centre, one of the Gold Coast’s most respected gyms. Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Wickedbodz offers state-of-the-art equipment, functional training zones, and a supportive, high-energy environment. 

If you choose our online courses, you can source your own local gym to collaborate with for in-person access to real clients, professional gym setups, and interactive learning experiences. This will prepare you for a successful career in fitness.

ULTIMATE SUCCESS

Graduating from UPFA is more than just earning a certificate—it’s about launching a thriving fitness career. Our graduates leave with practical experience, industry connections, and the confidence to work in gyms, start their own businesses, or work one-on-one with their own clients. 

With our practical training approach, expert guidance, and strong industry reputation, UPFA sets you up for long-term success in the competitive world of fitness. When you train with us, you’re not just getting certified—you’re becoming part of an elite community of fitness professionals.

WHY THE FITNESS INDUSTRY NEEDS YOU!

Turn your love for health & fitness into an exciting rewarding career!

Future Growth

9.8%

SKILL LEVEL

LOWER

AVERAGE AGE

35

Personal Trainer courses: FAQs

What do I need to do to become a personal trainer?

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Becoming a personal trainer typically involves completing a nationally recognised qualification in fitness, such as a Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321) followed by a Certificate IV in Fitness (SIS40221). The Certificate III allows you to work as a gym instructor or group fitness coach, while the Certificate IV qualifies you to also work as a fully certified personal trainer who can train clients one-on-one. Both of these nationally accredited PT courses need to be completed to become a certified Personal Trainer. Ultimate Pro Fitness Academy even offers these courses on personal training as a combo.

 

Beyond these personal training courses, successful personal trainers also develop strong communication skills, a solid understanding of exercise science, and the ability to motivate clients. Many trainers also choose to gain additional certifications in specialised areas such as strength training, rehabilitation, or sports performance to enhance their expertise and career prospects.

Practical experience is also crucial. Hands-on training in a real gym environment, internships, or shadowing experienced trainers can provide invaluable insights into client management, workout programming, and the business side of personal training. Ultimate Pro Fitness Academy provides an industry-leading personal fitness trainer course that can be completed as a combo of on-campus and online study or as fully online. The course is specifically designed to enhance your employment prospects and provide you with a high-quality learning experience.

 

If you are looking for a fully online or a combo online/in-gym personal trainer course, UPFA Gold Coast is an excellent choice with reputable and highly experienced instructors. Get yourself ready for a successful and rewarding career in Personal Training! Training courses with UPFA get you ready for the real world.

Is personal training a good career choice?

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Personal training can be a highly rewarding career, both personally and financially. It allows you to help people achieve their health and fitness goals while building a career that aligns with your passion for fitness. The industry offers flexibility, as trainers can work in gyms, start their own business, or even specialise in areas such as strength coaching, rehabilitation, or online training.

 

Demand for personal trainers continues to grow as more people recognise the importance of health and fitness. However, success in this field can depend on building strong client relationships, continuously learning, and marketing yourself effectively.

 

Many trainers expand their career by offering nutrition advice (further study may be necessary), online coaching, or group training to increase their income streams. Completing a personal training course is the best way to get started – from group fitness instructor to having your own personal training business – you never know where your Cert III & IV in Fitness will lead.

What does a personal trainer do on a daily basis?

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A personal trainer’s day is varied and dynamic, focusing on helping clients achieve their health and fitness goals through structured, safe and effective exercise programs. Their daily tasks typically include a mix of individual fitness client sessions, group exercise sessions, client assessments, and maintaining professional standards within the fitness industry.

 

One of the key responsibilities is to instruct personalised exercise programs tailored to each client’s needs. This involves designing and delivering gym-based exercise programs that align with the client’s fitness level, goals, and any pre-existing health conditions. Before starting, trainers must complete pre-exercise screening to ensure the client is ready for physical activity and identify any risks or necessary modifications.

 

Throughout the day, trainers conduct personalised exercise sessions, working one-on-one with clients to improve strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness. They also may lead group exercise sessions, which can include circuit training, boot camps, or small group personal training. These sessions require motivation, clear instruction, and the ability to adapt exercises for different fitness levels.

 

Beyond training sessions, personal trainers regularly complete client fitness assessments to track progress and make necessary adjustments to programs. These assessments may include body composition analysis, strength and endurance testing, and flexibility measurements. Keeping detailed records of clients’ progress helps ensure continuous improvement and their overall satisfaction.

 

A crucial part of the role is to maintain professional practice, which involves staying updated with industry trends, refining coaching techniques, and ensuring compliance with fitness regulations and safety guidelines. Trainers also spend time managing their business, scheduling sessions, and engaging with clients through follow-ups and encouragement throughout the week.

 

Ultimately, a personal trainer’s daily routine revolves around supporting and guiding clients through structured exercise programs, ensuring they stay motivated, progress toward their goals, and develop long-term healthy habits.

Should I study personal training online or in person?

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Both online and in-person PT courses have their advantages. Online courses offer flexibility, allowing you to study at your own pace from anywhere. This can be beneficial for those with busy schedules or those who prefer self-directed learning. 

In-person training provides hands-on experience, access to professional gym equipment, and immediate feedback from experienced trainers. It allows you to practice with actual clients, refine your coaching skills, and gain confidence in a gym environment. Many successful trainers start with in-person education to build a strong foundation.


We offer our personal training courses as either fully online or a combo of online and in-person, right in the heart of Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast. This allows the flexibility to study in whichever way best suits your lifestyle – or location!

How long does it take to become a personal trainer?

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The time it takes to become a personal trainer depends on the course structure and your availability. A Certificate III in Fitness typically takes a few months to complete, while a Certificate IV in Fitness takes longer depending on whether you study full-time, part-time or self-paced.

For those completing both qualifications (Certificate III & IV), the total time can range from 6 to 24 months, depending on study mode and commitment. Some in-person programs allow students to qualify faster, whereas online self-paced courses can be completed at an individual’s own schedule, allowing study to fit in with their current lifestyle.

At Ultimate Pro Fitness Academy we offer on-campus study, right here on the Gold Coast, to assist students to become a qualified personal trainer. PT Training courses start at intervals throughout the year to ensure you have the opportunity to study alongside other students at the same level as you. 

We offer our fitness courses as a blend of face-to-face practical components, a 12-week, or 14-week kickstart on the theory, plus self-paced distance learning for the remainder of the theory. We also offer the option for courses to be studied fully online, with practical components completed in your nominated gym with the supervision of a mentor. In total, you will have up to 12 months to complete all components of your PT training course. If completing the combo PT instructor course (Cert III & IV), you will have 24 months to complete all components, as well as a total of 26 weeks in the gym face-to-face, if choosing the on campus study mode.

What are the job opportunities for personal trainers?

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Our courses for personal trainers provide a variety of career paths upon successful completion. Many of our new trainers start by working in commercial gyms, offering personal training services to gym members. Others open their own training studios, work as mobile personal trainers, or train clients online.

Some trainers specialise in areas such as sports performance, rehabilitation, group training, corporate wellness, or strength and conditioning. There are also opportunities in fitness education, where experienced trainers can become instructors for certification courses. Personal training has so much potential to open up into a wide range of career opportunities.

For those interested in entrepreneurship, personal training can lead to launching a fitness business, creating online coaching programs, developing fitness apps, or becoming a fitness influencer. The key to success is developing a strong client base, continuously learning, and adapting to industry trends.

What makes a successful personal trainer?

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A successful personal trainer possesses more than just technical knowledge of exercise and fitness. The best trainers are:

  • Passionate about fitness: Clients are drawn to trainers who genuinely love what they do.
  • Excellent communicators: The ability to explain exercises clearly, motivate clients, and build rapport is crucial.
  • Knowledgeable and certified: Staying up to date with industry trends, attending workshops, and gaining additional qualifications enhances credibility.
  • Business-minded: Many personal trainers are self-employed, so understanding marketing, sales and client retention strategies is essential.
  • Adaptable: Every client has different goals, fitness levels and motivations. Great trainers tailor programs to each individual clients’ fitness goals.

Ultimately, personal training is about helping others achieve their goals while building a sustainable career. Trainers who are dedicated, knowledgeable, and customer-focused often find long-term success in the industry. 

Learn more about becoming a personal trainer.