A career in sport offers a range of opportunities. You might want to work as a personal trainer or gym instructor or specialise your skills as a sports coach or rehabilitation specialist. You could be employed as an outdoor activity instructor, a swimming instructor or a sport and recreation officer. Whichever pathway you choose, a course of study can give you the knowledge and skills to succeed. If you’re not sure which qualification would be best for you, here are some of the most popular choices for further study in sport:

Certificate II in Sport and Recreation

A Certificate II in Sport and Recreation is a great way to get started in a career in sport. You might be employed at a fitness centre, sporting grounds or recreation centre in roles such as pool lifeguard, sport and recreation officer, sports coach, swimming instructor or gym receptionist. This course will give you the skills to plan and carry out sport and recreation sessions and you’ll be able to specialise in an area of interest such as administration, grounds, recreation, retail, coaching or events.

Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation

The Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation will prepare you for a range of positions in the outdoor sport industry. This course will give you the skills to take groups of participants for various outdoor recreational activities. You might be employed in roles such as hiking guide, outdoor adventure guide, outdoor recreation officer or tour coordinator.

Certificate III in Sport and Recreation

A Certificate III in Sport and Recreation will give you the skills to carry out a range of duties at a fitness centre, sporting ground, leisure and aquatic centre or community recreation centre. You might be involved with maintaining grounds and playing surfaces, providing customer service or offering administrative assistance. This course could lead to roles such as gym receptionist, pool lifeguard, sport and recreation officer, sports coach or swimming instructor.

Certificate III in Fitness

The Certificate III in Fitness is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a gym instructor or group fitness instructor. This course will develop skills such as conducting fitness screenings and carrying out pre-exercise health questionnaires. You’ll learn to maintain fitness equipment and provide exercise instruction to a broad range of clients.

Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership

If you’re interested in leading group outdoor activities such as bushwalking, abseiling or kayaking, a Certificate III in Outdoor Leadership may be an excellent choice of study for you. This course covers topics such as coordinating a group activity, interpreting weather and environmental conditions, operating communications equipment and managing group safety. You might take on roles like hiking guide, outdoor adventure guide, outdoor recreation officer or tour coordinator.

Certificate IV in Fitness

A Certificate IV in Fitness can lead to a rewarding career in this booming industry. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills to work as a personal trainer or fitness instructor. The Certificate IV in Fitness covers a range of topics including motivating and instructing fitness clients, preparing nutrition and fitness programs for clients and collaborating with medical and allied health professionals in a fitness context.

Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership

The Certificate IV in Outdoor Leadership is a great course if you’re hoping to work in a senior role as an outdoor activity instructor or outdoor recreation leader. You’ll learn to plan outdoor activity sessions and identify safety risks. The course also covers communication systems and equipment, interpreting weather and environmental conditions and coordinating emergency responses.

Certificate IV in Yoga Therapy Teaching

A Certificate IV in Yoga Therapy Teaching is an ideal qualification if you’re planning to take on a career as a yoga instructor. This course explores the history and fundamentals of yoga practice such as anatomy, breath work, meditation and nutrition. The Certificate IV in Yoga Therapy Teaching also covers topics including essential first aid and business skills.

Diploma of Outdoor Leadership

If you want to further your career in outdoor recreation, a Diploma of Outdoor Leadership may be a great choice for you. This course will develop skills in your chosen recreational activity as well as cover topics including activity planning, risk management, legal compliance, weather and environment interpretation and customer service. You might work as an outdoor activity instructor or an outdoor recreation leader.

Written by Jodie Magrath
Jodie Magrath
Jodie is a freelance writer with a background in communication and journalism. She’s spent almost 20 years working in roles such as Special Projects Writer and Publications Officer.