COMPLETE GUIDE
HOW TO BECOME A PERSONAL TRAINER
Everything you need to know about being a Personal Trainer in Australia
Australia’s leadingonline fitness education provider
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WHAT IS A PERSONAL TRAINER
A Personal Trainer is a qualified fitness professional who works with clients one-on-one or in small groups to help them achieve their health and fitness goals. Becoming a PT will lead to an incredibly fulfilling career in which no two days are the same.
Personal Trainers typically work with a wide range of demographics and design personalised training programs specific to clients’ needs. Sessions can take place at various points of the day, but usually in the mornings and evenings either before or after school, work, university, etc.
Naturally, one of the first questions people ask us when considering a career in fitness is “How much can I earn as a Personal Trainer?”
The answer to this question requires some explanation because it is dependent on your work situation – whether you’re employed full or part-time, whether you run your own business, or whether you work as a contractor renting space within a facility.
Regardless of your position, it’s exciting to know that working as a fitness professional provides an opportunity to earn a significant income throughout your career.
Typically, the longer you have been in the industry and the more experience you have under your belt, the more you can charge for your services.
It’s important to know how to value yourself as a Personal Trainer, and AFA Lecturer and long-time Personal Trainer Xavier Griffiths sums it up well in his short, clear explanation:
“Charge what you are worth, but be worth what you charge.”
How much could you get paid
Below is an example of projected earnings based on charging clients $60/hour. You’ll find projections based on the number of daily sessions you could run each week, as well as additional income when also including bootcamp sessions valued at $160/class.
Of course, these figures will be slightly more/less depending on the number of sessions you run and exactly what you charge.
| Daily Persoanl Training 1hr ($60/session) | Daily Income | Weekly Income | Monthly Income (4 weeks) | Annual Income (48 weeks) | Monthly Income Incl. 1 bootcamp / class per week | Monthly Income Incl. 2 bootcamp / class per week | Monthly Income Incl. 3 bootcamp / class per week |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 PT sessions | $120 | $600 | $2,400 | $28,800 | $36,480 | $44,160 | $51,840 |
| 3 PT sessions | $180 | $900 | $3,600 | $43,200 | $50,880 | $58,560 | $66,240 |
| 4 PT sessions | $240 | $1,200 | $4,800 | $57,600 | $65,280 | $72,960 | $80,640 |
| 5 PT sessions | $300 | $1,500 | $6,000 | $72,000 | $79,680 | $87,360 | $95,040 |
| 6 PT sessions | $360 | $1,800 | $7,200 | $86,400 | $94,080 | $101,760 | $109,440 |
| 7 PT sessions | $420 | $2,100 | $8,400 | $100,800 | $108,480 | $116,160 | $123,840 |
CAREER PATHWAYS
Stop thinking and start doing! Turn your dream into a reality and fulfill your ambition of working in the fitness industry. Make the best decision of your life that will help establish a successful future!
GYM/GROUP EXERCISE INSTRUCTOR
Certificate III in Fitness
Gain entry into the fitness industry with this course that allows you to take Group Fitness sessions and assist members on the gym floor.
FAST TRACK PT
Certificate IV in Fitness
Fast track your career as a Personal Trainer with this streamlined course, including the Certificate IV in Fitness + Fitness Fundamentals.
PERSONAL TRAINER
Certificate III & IV in Fitness
Gain the full qualifications and open up a wide range of professional opportunities across the fitness industry.
Join over 30,000 AFA Graduates who have created successful PT careers!
- FREEDOM TO BE YOUR VERY OWN BOSS
- FLEXIBLE STUDY AND PAYMENT OPTIONS
- NATIONALLY-ACCREDITED QUALIFICATION
- WIDE RANGE OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- GREAT EARNINGS AND SALARY POTENTIAL
HEAR FROM SOME OF OUR GRADUATES
If you’re after some more info on what our fitness courses are really like, check out our Student Testimonials below to get an insight into their experiences with us.
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STUDENT TESTIMONIAL – MIRIAM MAZILLE
Miriam achieved the successful completion of her Cert III through online studies with AFA at the beginning of the year. She has already secured a position as a Gym Instructor at F45 Altona, actively working in the industry.
See below advice from Miriam about her pathway from student to fitness professional:
Initially, I had contacted various different places that offered Certificate III and IV in fitness. AFA was the only fitness training facility that contacted me back via phone call. I had a conversation with the AFA team, who provided me with extensive information about their courses, leading me to enrol.
Don’t wait and start today! I had always thought about completing the Certificate III in Fitness followed by the Cert IV. However, I had always put it in the too-hard basket. I’m so happy I took that step to start.
Support throughout the course was always available. Student support were so incredible. They offered reassurance at times when I didn’t believe in myself. I can’t thank Aaron, Tom and Eddie enough for the support I received throughout my online learning.
OUR COURSES
Stop thinking and start doing! Turn your dream into a reality and fulfil your ambition of working in the fitness industry. Make the best decision of your life that will help establish a successful future!
Fast Track PT Course
SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness + Fitness Fundamentals
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Personal Trainer Course
SIS30321 Certificate III in Fitness & SIS40221 Certificate IV in Fitness
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is face-to-face study better than online study?
This is a very common question. Choosing whether to study online or face-to-face is very much a personal choice and dependent on what suits you and your current other work, study and lifestyle commitments.
The innovation in online training and the time we have put into developing our online resources has meant it has become a fantastic way to study. Our online learning system is easy to use, interactive and highly engaging for our students. It includes webinars where you can talk to your tutors and other students regularly throughout the course, and you have access to our full-time Student Support staff who can assist you at any time with topics or assessments.
Therefore, the choice to complete your studies either face-to-face or online is really up to the individual, as both options are great ways to study.
How am I supported throughout my course?
Our Student Support team ensure you receive all the help you need to get you through your studies. Students studying online can simply send an email or pick up the phone to gain the support they need or request assistance. Throughout the online course, there are regular webinars which are like a live interactive tutorial. All of our Student Support staff are highly qualified and experienced fitness professionals.
The support to you does not just occur throughout your studies. We continue to offer support upon course completion with access to current career and job opportunities, advice on setting up your own business and regular Alumni Newsletters to keep you in the loop with what’s happening in the fitness industry well after you have completed your studies.
Students can also access their online course resources for an additional 12 months after they have completed their qualification.
Why should I enrol with AFA instead of another educational provider?
With over 30 years of experience delivering health and fitness courses, we are the leaders in fitness education and our levels of student support are second to none. Here are some more great reasons why students choose to study with us:
- Networking opportunities – We have extensive industry links with some of the largest national gym chains, as well as many smaller local fitness centres and PT studios. Take full advantage of the career and job opportunities that are promoted through our links. Visit the AFA job board and Sports People job board to see the huge number of fitness centres that advertise their jobs with us.
- Access to first-class presenters and support staff – You can be confident that when you contact us, you will be speaking to highly qualified and experienced fitness and education professionals.
- Our graduates recommend us – We have a very high rate of referrals from graduates within the industry and from gym and PT Managers. Why? Because they have studied with us and know we deliver first-class education. They know our level of support and quality course content is second to none.
What are the job opportunities and prospects within the fitness industry?
There is a growing number of Australians joining Fitness Centres across the country, with many requiring the services of a Gym Instructor or Personal Trainer to achieve their fitness goals.
Employment opportunities are many and varied, including larger fitness centres, personal training studios, outdoor boot camp training, local government leisure centres, corporate fitness facilities, community health centres, hotels, resorts and more.
Currently, there is more demand for Personal Trainers than ever before. If you’ve ever thought of undertaking a fitness course, there has never been a better time to do so.
Over many years, we have set up relationships with key businesses and governing bodies to help you enter the fitness industry as easily as possible. We run regular careers information sessions, have strong partnerships with industry and well-established employment pathways in place to help make your transition from study to career an easy one.
What is the difference between qualification and registration?
Qualification is the formal training process that ends up in you gaining the competency of skills to work as a Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer. The Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate IV in Fitness are national qualifications within the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Registration is the industry-based recognition of the qualification. Students are able to register with FITREC, Physical Activity Australia or AUSactive. This registration is the accepted industry requirement for employment and typically includes ongoing education requirements. Registration bodies also help you with setting up your required insurance coverage.
Are my qualifications recognised Internationally?
If you are planning on working overseas, the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPs) is a partnership between registration bodies from most of the major countries offering fitness industry services. AUSactive is part of this international partnership.
OUR PARTNER NETWORK
Stop thinking and start doing! Turn your dream into a reality and fulfil your ambition of working in the fitness industry. Make the best decision of your life that will help establish a successful future!
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