Yes, this course is undergoing accreditation with the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). It is a registered qualification with the SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) (Qual ID: 118689) including an additional Group Fitness Instructor qualification (Bootcamp Specialisation). It has a total of 180 credits.

A qualified learner will be able to:

• Test and assess individual/group for fitness programmes.

• Design and plan fitness programmes

• Coordinate and instruct exercise sessions/classes.

The Occupational Certificate: Fitness Instructor realignment processes replaces the National Certificate in Fitness, NQF Level 5 (which will no longer be offered as of 2030), matching the occupational duties required by a qualification of this nature.

It is internationally portable with the International Confederation of Registers for Exercise Professionals (ICREPS)

Upon completion you would need to register with REPSSA, this then ensures your qualification will be accepted in the following countries:

- UK, UAE, Australia, Canada, USA, India, Iran, Ireland, New Zealand, Poland, Spain, Turkey, South Africa

Countries still undergoing review by ICREPS:

- China, Malta, Qatar, Tunisia, Greece, Germany, Egypt, Saudi Arabia

You can read more about REPSSA here

You can read more about ICREPS here

Experience learning like never before with our specially curated online platform: 'The Locker Room.' Designed to foster an engaging virtual environment with gamification and story-telling. It redefines traditional notions of a 'boring online learning platform.'

Our mission is to deliver top-tier content through scientifically proven methods, alleviating the weight of a heavy study load and making learning a seamless, enjoyable journey.

We provide weekly webinars that offer guided support on key concepts throughout each study block. Additionally, we hold three learner check-ins (LCIs) per week, designed to provide ongoing support and foster a sense of community in the online learning environment. These LCIs are especially valuable in maintaining motivation and reducing dropout rates.

The course covers the following components:

• Knowledge Component: Covers the theoretical understanding and concepts needed to perform occupational tasks effectively.

• Practical Component: Focuses on the development of hands-on skills through structured, simulated or real-world practice.

• Workplace Component: Involves applying knowledge and skills in a real work environment to gain experience and demonstrate competence in authentic settings.

Yes, you will need to purchase the "Essentials of Personal Training" textbook from Human Kinetics. It is not included in the course fee. This can be done through us upon registration.

You have the option of the more budget friendly ebook or hardcopy version. The price does fluctuate based on rand-dollar exchange.

This is a fantastic book which lays down your foundations in Personal Training. You will refer to it for years to follow.

All your learner guides for the various modules are available online in a soft copy format.

Not Just Educators but Practitioners who have excelled in the field:

Crafted by seasoned experts holding Master's Degrees in the field of Exercise Science, our course offers a unique blend of theoretical expertise and real-world practicality. We bring a wealth of experience, having successfully launched and managed thriving businesses even in the face of adversity, such as navigating through the challenges of COVID lockdowns and economic downturns. Our proficiency spans diverse domains including physique contest preparation, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, high-level sports competition and entrepreneurship. We're not just educators; we're practitioners who've excelled in the field.

Course Organization:

Our course is thoughtfully designed to revolve around four key pillars:

1) Seamless Learning Experience: We've streamlined the learning process, making it hassle-free by delivering all course materials through 'The Locker Room,' our vibrant online learning platform. It is an immersive learning experience combining 3D animations, story-telling and practically, relevant assessments.

2) Mastery in Motion: Our focus on precision ensures that you not only learn but excel, with perfect alignment and execution being the guiding principles.

3) Empowering Future Entrepreneurs: We instill a strong entrepreneurial spirit by infusing the curriculum with practical, stimulating applications, setting you on the path to create your own opportunities upon graduation.

4) Dedicated Mentorship and Support: You're never left to navigate this journey alone. Our meticulously structured learning platform, coupled with unwavering step-by-step guidance throughout the course, guarantees your motivation remains steadfast from start to finish.

Care:

At the core of our business lies a profound sense of care – for our learners, our dedicated staff, and our valued stakeholders. This unwavering commitment is the bedrock of our exceptional service delivery. We pledge to consistently go above and beyond, harnessing our full capabilities to ensure that our service always reflects the depth of our care and dedication. This is emulated by the inclusion of our Learner Check-In's where we touch-base with our learners three times per week.

Passion:

At our core, our developers and founder share an unwavering passion for your success within the fitness industry. We are driven by the desire to help you unearth your purpose, embrace your uniqueness, discover your passions, and carve out your niche in the world of fitness. Mentorship is the heartbeat of our approach, and we genuinely love what we do.

You have 12 months in which to complete the course divided into 4 learning blocks.

Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

• NQF Level 3 qualification (Grade 11).

We also need a valid ID or Passport for the accrediting body.

Resources Required:

• A laptop/PC

• A stable internet connection & sufficient data*

• Smart Phone with working camera

• Web Browser

• Textbook (to be purchased separately)

• Exercise Testing Equipment** (to be purchased separately)

• Email Address

• Google drive access

The Locker Room can be accessed via your phone/tablet. This does offer flexibility in your learning when "on the go". However for your assignments you WILL require a PC/Laptop with Word Processing Software (i.e. MS Word) and Spreadsheet Software (i.e. MS Excel). A smart phone/tablet on it's own will not suffice.

*Recommended Internet Speeds: we suggest a minimum internet speed of 5 – 10Mbps.

**Exercise Testing Equipment:

- stethoscope

- sphygmomanometer (BP Cuff)

- measuring tape

- body fat calipers (plastic)

Our course is offered virtually therefore you can attend from ANYWHERE.

You will be examined in various ways including:

- Formative Assessments

- Summative Assessments

- Practical Tasks

The assessments have been created so they are relevant to what you will be doing once you graduate as a Personal Trainer. These assessments are aligned with the outcomes set by SAQA. Our developers ensured the tasks were all encompassing, fun and interesting.

Once you have completed all the assessments as well as your notional hours you will have an electronic Portfolio of Evidence (POE). Your statement of results will be sent to the QCTO. The QCTO will then review your statement of results and allocate you to an Assessment Quality Partner (AQP) who will perform the final assessment referred to as the ‘Trade Test’.

Only upon completion of this a qualification will be issued by QCTO.

If your goal is to become a Personal Trainer (one-on-one as well as group fitness/exercise instruction) or open a business in the Fitness Industry then this course is for you.

A Higher Certificate is is great for academic progression — but not built for immediate entry into the gym floor or industry.

An Occupational Certificate is not just a course but a CAREER PATHWAY!

The QCTO Occupational Certificate is ideal for anyone ready to work, train clients, or start their own fitness business — immediately.

The fitness industry is evolving — and so should your qualifications. The legacy qualifications offered through CATHSSETA served their purpose for many years, but the new QCTO Occupational Certificate has been designed to better meet the needs of modern fitness professionals and employers.

Here’s why the new QCTO Occupational Certificate: Fitness Instructor / Personal Trainer is superior and future-focused:

Legacy CATHSSETA Qualification (Phasing Out)

• Qualification: National Certificate: Fitness

• NQF Level: 5

• Credits: ~120

• Focus: Mostly theory-based with limited structured practical components

• Gaps:
  

  • Outdated structure

  • Limited practical relevance

  • Minimal business/entrepreneurship training

  • Weak job-readiness support

⚠️ These qualifications are being de-registered and will no longer be available for new learners once fully phased out. Employers are already shifting preference to the new QCTO standard.

The New QCTO Occupational Certificate: Fitness Professional

• NQF Level: 4

• Credits: 180

• Structure:

  • Knowledge Component (classroom/theory)

  • Practical Skills Component (gym-based training)

  • Workplace Experience Component (real-world application)

• Built-In Modules Include:

  • Client screening and program design

  • Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics

  • Communication and client relationship management

  • Entrepreneurship and business skills

  • Health & safety in a gym setting

• Exit Assessment: External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

What’s Coming Next?

The QCTO has already announced that higher-level Occupational Certificates (NQF Level 5 and 6) are in development, allowing fitness professionals to build a full career path — from entry-level trainer to specialist and fitness entrepreneur or manager.

🔑 Your Competitive Edge Starts Here

If you're serious about building a career in the fitness industry — not just getting a certificate — the QCTO Occupational Certificate is the qualification that will get you job-ready, respected, and relevant in today's market.

🎯 More practical experience. 💼 More business and entrepreneurial skills. 📈 More value for your investment.