SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Personal Training 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117956  Higher Certificate in Personal Training 
ORIGINATOR
Legacy Trifocus Fitness Academy cc 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-12-04  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Higher Certificate in Personal Training aims to prepare successful learners to operate effectively in the health and fitness environment. The purpose of the qualification is to develop the learners' knowledge, understanding and practical competence in the application of the theories, principles and practices as personal trainers in the fitness industry.

This career-oriented qualification will prepare qualifying learners to enter full- or part-time employment or self-employment opportunities in a wide range of careers relating to the personal training industry. Qualifying learners will be able to apply their learning in a range of work contexts such as a gym facility, in a home environment or in an office environment where physical fitness activities are arranged.

The qualification will equip learners to develop the following competence:
  • Apply the theories and principles of anatomy and physiology to exercise training;
  • Assess the fitness levels and wellness of a client;
  • Develop a fitness training programme for a client; and
  • Apply the requirements for professional fitness training to a small business.

    The qualification will provide learners access to further higher education learning opportunities on NQF Level 6 and above in areas related to physical fitness, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and related fields.

    Rationale:
    There is substantial growth in the establishment of new physical fitness institutions in South Africa, particularly in the last ten years. These establishments range from large franchise establishments to small privately-owned businesses that serve niche markets, such as bodybuilding.

    This trend has resulted in a growing need in established and newly created fitness enterprises for qualified individuals to provide sound, theoretically founded advice on improving physical wellbeing. This increased the need for personal trainers, fitness instructors and related practitioners who have received the appropriate training in qualifications that are registered on the National Qualifications Framework and are also recognised in the industry.

    The Registered Exercise Professionals of South Africa (REPSSA) is the professional body representing the personal fitness industry. It is recognised by SAQA and affiliated to the International Register of Exercise Professionals. Most of the larger franchise gyms require personal trainers to be registered with REPSSA as Personal Trainers and to meet the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements for these professionals.

    The Higher Certificate in Personal Training covers the "Competency and scope of practice" requirements specified by REPSSA for personal trainers (SAQA designation ID no. 344). Therefore, the qualification will enable qualifying learners to work towards meeting the other requirements for professional designation. Also, the qualification covers areas of the REPSSA requirements for the following SAQA-registered professional designations:
  • Exercise Specialist,
  • Sport Conditioning Coach,
  • Fitness Instructor,
  • Group Exercise Instructor, and
  • Sports Science Conditioning Specialist.

    The qualification will enable a large number of fitness professionals to obtain a qualification that is nationally and internationally recognised. It will also serve as a bridge from matric and other Level 4 qualifications into further studies in higher education.

    The qualification will cater for school leavers and other post-school learners who have an interest in pursuing careers in fields related to physical fitness and who are entering this field with or without prior work experience. It also includes youth and others already working in these fields who want to deepen their practical experience with academic studies.

    The qualification will enable qualifying learners to contribute actively to improving the overall health of South Africa's citizens through their advice and guidance on nutrition and physical exercise, thereby assisting to address many health risks in the country.

    The Department of Health confirms that "physical inactivity is widely recognised as a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. Engaging in physical activity and exercise is essential for excellent health and wellbeing of all communities". (Promoting healthy lifestyle - South Africa cares and is taking responsibility to promote healthy lifestyles, undated, p. 11) The Heart Foundation raised concern that, in South Africa, "over a quarter of men and almost half of women are physically inactive. The heart is a muscle and needs exercise to stay fit and healthy. The price of physical inactivity (not taking part in enough physical activity) is staggering!"

    In a statement released by the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa (19 October 2017), Professor Pamela Naidoo, CEO of the HSFSA, is quoted as confirming that obesity poses a major risk for the onset of many medical conditions. "Consequently, the HSFSA is determined to help multi-stakeholder initiatives to reduce obesity and drive advocacy towards this goal."

    Therefore, the qualification will enable learners to achieve personal and professional goals while helping to reduce health risks and improving the health of South Africans, thereby indirectly contributing to reducing medical costs. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied following the institution's RPL and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) Policy to promote access into the qualification for learners with appropriate work experience. Both processes will include the verification of the knowledge, understanding and skills that learners have acquired through formal and/or informal learning or work experience.

    Where learners have relevant work experience in fitness training, their experience will be formally assessed against the learning outcomes of relevant modules.

    Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirement for the Higher Certificate may apply for access based on their age or relevant work experience, subject to the rules prescribed by Higher Education South Africa (HESA).

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory module, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Anatomy and Physiology, 15 Credits.
  • Biomechanics, 12 Credits.
  • Nutrition, 12 Credits.
  • Fitness Testing and Screening, 15 Credits.
  • Fitness Goal Setting, 12 Credits.
  • Fitness Exercise Programme Development, 15 Credits.
  • Safety in Sport and Fitness, 12 Credits.
  • Operations of a Fitness Training Environment, 12 Credits.
  • Business Planning for a Small Fitness Enterprise, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply the theories and principles of anatomy and physiology to exercise training.
    2. Assess the fitness level and wellness of a client.
    3. Develop a fitness training programme for a client.
    4. Apply the requirements for professional fitness training to a small business. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply theories and principles of anatomy and physiology in the context of exercise training.
  • Describe and apply anatomical biomechanical theories principles to physical activity in an exercise environment.
  • Describe and apply Basal Metabolic Rate and other nutritional principles in developing a nutritional plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe and apply the methodologies of sport and exercise physiology in developing an exercise routine for a client.
  • Describe the principles of wellness concerning examples and incorporate into an exercise routine for a client.
  • Assess the fitness levels and body composition of a person against standards of physical fitness.
  • The data on fitness levels and body composition in an exercise routine developed for a person.
  • Apply motivational theories and principles in setting goals for improving fitness levels.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply the theories, principles and methodologies relating to physical fitness in developing an exercise programme for a client.
  • Describe the safety principles to be applied during physical exercise.
  • Describe common injuries experienced during fitness training regarding measures to avoid and/or correct them.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe the requirements and procedures for maintaining a safe and operational fitness environment and equipment regarding specified standards and legislative requirements.
  • The principles of professional and ethical conduct of a personal trainer concerning the interaction with clients and conduct in the workplace.
  • Describe entrepreneurial principles concerning key success factors for a fitness enterprise.
  • Develop a basic business plan for a small fitness enterprise.
  • Apply fundamental principles of financial management in a basic business plan for a small fitness enterprise.
  • Apply fundamental principles of marketing in a small business plan for a small fitness enterprise.
  • Demonstrate business communication skills in writing and discussions on issues relating to fitness training.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners will be assessed through formative and summative assessments designed to measure the learners' progress in mastering the learning content and their achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes and module outcomes of the qualification. Each module of the qualification will be assessed summatively, either through an examination or an individual written assignment in the form of a case study or a business plan.

    Formative assessments will be conducted continuously throughout the teaching-learning process, for example, through written knowledge tests, practical demonstrations of the use of equipment, exercise routines, oral presentations, fitness testing and screening. The assessment of the practical application of learning will be done in a fitness training environment, where the learner will be guided and monitored by an experienced mentor.

    Many of the assessments, e.g. the case study, business plan and the practical work-based learning, will be designed as integrated assessments. These will confirm whether the learner can demonstrate applied competence (i.e. demonstrating foundational, reflexive and practice competence in applying the learning from the modules in a fitness training context. These integrated assessments will require the learner to provide evidence of the integrated application of knowledge, understanding and skills. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Personal training courses are offered by numerous higher education institutions around the world. Some examples are briefly described below from the United Kingdom, Australia, India and China.

    United Kingdom:
    The National Occupational Standards (NOS) in the United Kingdom describes the knowledge, competencies and skills needed to perform specific job roles of fitness trainers. These are developed by Skills Active, and the Sector Skills Council for Active Leisure and Wellbeing.

    Premier Training International in the United Kingdom offers a Certificate in Fitness Training covering some of the modules in the Higher Certificate such as Anatomy and Physiology of the major body systems, professionalism, instruction and safety. The Certificate in Fitness Training covers Anatomy and Physiology, Nutrition, Planning and Delivering Safe Effective Gym Sessions, Health Lifestyle and Well-being, Health and Safety in the Gym, Common Medical Conditions, Encouraging Positive Behaviours in Clients, Customer Service and Professionalism and Business Acumen.

    Australia:
    The Australian College of Sport and Fitness offers a Certificate IV in Fitness covering most of the modules included in the Higher Certificate, i.e. Physiology, Exercise Science, Nutrition, Advanced Client Screening and Assessment Procedures, Planning and Developing Exercise Programmes for Clients, as well as a module on Marketing and Running a Small Business. Also, the Certificate covers special populations clients such as teenagers and children.

    India:
    The R8 Academy in Bangalore offers courses in fitness that are accredited by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The core ACE study material: ACE's Essentials of Exercise Science for Fitness Professionals covers foundational knowledge of exercise science that is needed to develop and deliver safe and effective exercise programmes. The contents include Human Anatomy, Exercise Physiology, the Fundamentals of Applied Kinesiology, Nutrition Basics and the Physiology of Training.

    China:
    The World Fitness Academy China offers the International Personal Training Course that has international accreditation from the World Fitness Federation. This Personal Training Course covers all the modules in the institution's qualification, organised under different topics. The course of the World Fitness Academy includes Referral Networks that is not covered in the institution's Higher Certificate in Personal Training.

    In conclusion, the comparison confirmed that, in general, the Higher Certificate in Personal Training offers similar modules to those generally offered in related international qualifications, and what the industry considers to be important on NQF Level 5. Modules in international qualifications that are not included in the institution's qualification are Special Populations, Referral Networks and Common Medical Conditions. Similar to the international examples, the institution's qualification combines theory with practical components that enable the learners to master the learning content and develop the ability to apply their learning in a fitness training environment. As in the South African qualification, the qualifications offered in the United Kingdom and India also cover business management for a small business. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Sport, Recreation and Fitness Management, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Sport Coaching and Exercise Sciences, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Exercise Science, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Sports and Exercise Technology, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Sport and Exercise, Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sport Recreation and Exercise Science, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Legacy Trifocus Fitness Academy cc 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.