Career guide

Fitness Instructor

Social

Leads training sessions and advises clients on exercise, in a gym or independently. Early mornings, evenings and weekends are normal.

School subjects

Grade 12 is preferred; Mathematical Literacy is accepted; Life Sciences and Physical Education help.

How you qualify

A National Certificate in Fitness (NQF 5) through a CATHSSETA-accredited provider, plus current first aid and CPR. Registration with a professional body such as REPSSA is expected by many employers. Note that giving detailed diet advice crosses into Dietetics, which is HPCSA-regulated - stay within your scope. Entry requirements differ by provider - confirm directly with the institution.

Where to study

CATHSSETA-accredited fitness academies; REPSSA registration expected by many employers

Before you decide. Entry requirements change every year and differ between institutions. We do not publish admission point scores here, because a number that is right for one university in one year is wrong for another. Confirm the requirements directly with the institution before your subject selection form is signed. In KwaZulu-Natal, applications go through the Central Applications Office (cao.ac.za).

Last verified: 2026-08

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