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: 

Occupational Certificate: Individual Fitness Instructor 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118690  Occupational Certificate: Individual Fitness Instructor 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-CATHSSETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Part-Qualification  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Sport 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  108  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0522/24  2022-02-03  2025-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-31   2029-12-31  

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 purpose of this part-qualification is to prepare a learner to function as an Individual Fitness Instructor. Individual Fitness Instructors design and implement a physical activity programme for individuals as well as screen, assess, monitor health related fitness programmes. Typical graduate attributes include among others leadership, discipline, compassion and dedication.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Test and assess individuals for fitness programmes.
  • Design and plan and instruct individual fitness programmes.

    Rationale:
    Individual Fitness has historically been viewed as an occupation that lacks professionalism and/or recognition despite the success individuals have achieved. This occupational qualification provides a formalisation for a growing entrepreneurial career opportunity in the fitness and exercise industry. Formalisation of qualifications stimulates industry growth through higher standards of education and accountability.

    The main benefit of a learners completing this occupational certificate is that the learner will have both social and economic opportunities. Learners will have the opportunity to develop a social standing as a specialist and/or professional within the sector by providing advice on exercise, fitness, and wellness through a variety of platforms such as individual based interventions and social media or online.

    Qualifying learners will be able to access job opportunities within the fitness environment. In addition, the learner will have access to further career opportunities within the fitness and associated industries. The sector allows for job growth within corporate business structures such as large wellness and fitness facilities; these job growth prospects range from junior to senior positions.

    The overall benefit of the economy is that the qualification provides an entrepreneurial and self-employment opportunities by allowing for independent individual training businesses. Through vertical and horizontal career growth opportunities, learners have access to career opportunities within variety of sport codes. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Learners will gain access to the part-qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited educational institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.
  • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.
  • RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
    Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this part-qualification is:
  • NQF Level 3 qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This part-qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules
  • 342301-000-00-01-KM-01, Workplace Fundamentals, Level 3, 10 Credits.
  • 342301-000-00-01-KM-02, Information Technology for Fitness Instructors, Level 3, 5 Credits.
  • 342301-000-00-01-KM-04, Anatomy, Physiology and Biomechanics, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 342301-000-00-01-KM-05, Fitness Programme Design, Level 4 ,5 Credits.
  • 342301-000-00-01-KM-06, Instruction Delivery, Level 4, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 34

    Practical Skill Modules
  • 342301-000-00-01-PM-02, Design and Plan Fitness Programmes Based on Client Needs and Goals, Level 5, 14 Credits.
  • 342301-000-00-01-PM-03, Monitor and Modify Plans to Client Needs, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 342301-000-00-01-PM-04, Lead and Instruct Exercises Programmes for Individuals, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 34

    Work Experience Modules
  • 342301-000-00-01-WM-01, Conduct Individual Fitness Assessment Procedures, Level 4, 20 Credits.
  • 342301-000-00-01-WM-02, Conduct Individual Fitness Testing Procedures, Level 4, 20 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 40 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Prepare, plan, and assess individuals for fitness programme based on individual needs and goals.
    2. Design and instruct an exercise programme to assist an individual to achieve his/her fitness needs and goals. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct Pre and post health assessments for individuals to determine the responsiveness to the programme.
  • Conduct testing for individuals programme fitness in accordance with the industry requirements and practice.
  • Carry out Client data collection using instruments that are consistent with industry standards and practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Design an exercise programme based on client needs and goals.
  • Conduct exercise sessions planned based on client needs and goals.
  • Continuously review the exercise programme to determine fitness progress by the client.
  • Undertake an exercise modification to improve performance towards agreed fitness goals.
  • Conduct individual exercise programme in accordance with industry practice and fitness requirements.
  • Discuss specific programmes based on scientific basis to demonstrate the planned impact on client goals and needs.
  • Discuss training principles for cardiovascular conditioning, strength training, and flexibility in relation to human anatomy and physiological systems.

    Integrated Assessment
    Integrated formative assessment:
    The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment together with work experience leads to entrance in the external integrated summative assessment.

    Integrated summative assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required for the issuing of this part-qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    The assessment will be conducted through written assessment and the evaluation of practical tasks at decentralised approved assessment sites by a panel of assessors evaluated by assessor(s) registered with the AQP. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    An international comparability exercise was undertaken to compare the Occupational Certificate: Individual Fitness Instructor with related qualifications from specific countries in terms of their scope, levels, and curriculum content. The purpose of this exercise is to compare the qualification against existing and comparable best practices internationally. The exercise was conducted with two countries, namely, Australia and New Zealand.

    Australia
    Australia has number of trades in the fitness space at different levels, and the one similar to Individual Fitness Instructor occupation is the Certificate IV in Fitness offered by the Fitness Institute of Australia. The certificate qualifies one to become a Personal Trainer. The completion of this course can also lead to a further study at a Diploma level. The course duration is dependent on study mode selected. A full-time study mode will have up to six (6) months to complete, and an online part time study mode you will have twelve (12) months to complete.

    The list below provides curriculum units to be completed, these units are common to the Fitness Instructor: Personal Trainer
  • Provide motivation for exercise behaviour.
  • Advanced Screening & Scope of Practice.
  • Personal Training Essentials.
  • Individual Personal Training.
  • Business Essentials for Personal Training.

    New Zealand:
    The New Zealand Institute of Health and Fitness has been providing New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) accredited fitness courses offered by a number of accredited training institutions. One of the qualifications is the National Certificate in Fitness (Level 4) comparable to the part qualification Individual Fitness Instructor, which qualifies one as a Health & Fitness Personal Trainer.

    The list below provides curriculum units to be completed, these units are common to the Individual Fitness Instructor:
  • Individual Fitness Instruction.
  • Personal Training.
  • Exercise Assessment and Prescription, and
  • Small Business Skills.

    Conclusion
    The South African qualification, Occupational Certificate Individual Fitness Instructor compares favourably well with the Australian and New Zealand qualifications in terms of content and scope. In all the said countries these qualifications recognise the importance of individual and group exercises. Although these qualifications are similar in and scope, the duration between them is different. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This part-qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Group Fitness Instructor, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • National Diploma Fitness: NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
  • None

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers
    Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

    The curriculum title and code are: Individual Fitness Instructor: 342301-000-00-01.

    Encompassed Trade:
    This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
    This is not a trade qualification.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
    Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).

    Parent Qualification:
  • Occupational Certificate: Fitness Instructor, NQF Level 4.

    Related Part-qualification
  • Occupational Qualification: Group Fitness Instructor, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.