I thought it might be useful for the Australian fitpros here to start compiling a list of programs that are good for acquiring CEC's (or equivalent) to maintain/improve our fitness licences. I'll start with a link to Fitness Australia's list of accredited courses, then the programs/courses I have completed in my time which I know give CEC's, as well as some courses I'm personally interested in. If anyone can offer any other courses that they've done to get their CEC's with a brief critique (even just giving it a star rating out of 5 for perceived quality), it could certainly help this thread grow.
FITNESS AUSTRALIA APPROVED PROGRAMS
Rating: *****
Of course I have to give THIS 5 stars for letting us all know exactly what's on offer, by whom, with links and contact details for each provider.
( will link you to a page on the Fitness Australia website explaining CEC's)
DIPLOMA OF FITNESS
CEC: 18
Rating: *****
If you've become a personal trainer and think you have a pretty good idea abot fitness, this course will make you realise that you're actually an idiot within the first two weeks...or at least it made me realise my own idiocy pretty darn quick. Of course, there is a downside - you won't want to be working and studying Diploma at the same time if you can avoid it.
AQUA INSTRUCTION
CEC: 7
Rating: ***
While it won't help much if all you want to do is make people lift dumbbells, it certainly adds an extra dimension to your training options. As a lot of gyms have pools and aqua classes (offering about $40+ per hour) and are often understaffed for aqua instructors, this will greatly increase your job prospects.
CHILDREN TRAINER
CEC: 7
Rating: N/A
I won't rate this one since I was required to do it to complete my Diploma; it's not something I wanted to do and is still not something I enjoy. Personally, I have very little interest in training young children, which is the primary focus of the course. The only benefit in it for myself is that I can legally train people under 18.
PILATES PRINCIPLES
CEC: 15
Rating: ****
I haven't completed this course yet (I've got a few weeks remaining), but it's been rather enjoyable. For fitness professionals not doing Diploma, I would definitely call this a must. Notably, it is not pure Pilates as it was originally designed nearly a century ago, which was intended for dancers and is physically impossible to perform for the rest of us. But it does teach you about proper core activation (which most PT's don't know how to instruct) and control of movement.
ASCA Level 1 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
CEC: 15
Rating: N/A
I have not done this course, but hope to within the next 12 months. While I already have specialisations in Strength and Conditioning, it's a subject that I love learning and would absolutely love to get an accredited qualification for. This one's available in all States.
LEVEL 1 POWER LIFTING COACH
CEC: 14
Rating: N/A
Another one I have not participated in, but am eager to do.
PUNCHFIT TRAINER
CEC: 6
Rating: N/A
It seems everyone I went to TAFE with who actually passed Cert IV went on to get this ASAP. Not sure on the quality of the course, but they all seem to love using what they learnt from it with clients, and clients love "accidentally" hitting them in the face.
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That's what I've found so far. Feel free to recommend more courses to add to the list.
FITNESS AUSTRALIA APPROVED PROGRAMS
Rating: *****
Of course I have to give THIS 5 stars for letting us all know exactly what's on offer, by whom, with links and contact details for each provider.
( will link you to a page on the Fitness Australia website explaining CEC's)
DIPLOMA OF FITNESS
CEC: 18
Rating: *****
If you've become a personal trainer and think you have a pretty good idea abot fitness, this course will make you realise that you're actually an idiot within the first two weeks...or at least it made me realise my own idiocy pretty darn quick. Of course, there is a downside - you won't want to be working and studying Diploma at the same time if you can avoid it.
AQUA INSTRUCTION
CEC: 7
Rating: ***
While it won't help much if all you want to do is make people lift dumbbells, it certainly adds an extra dimension to your training options. As a lot of gyms have pools and aqua classes (offering about $40+ per hour) and are often understaffed for aqua instructors, this will greatly increase your job prospects.
CHILDREN TRAINER
CEC: 7
Rating: N/A
I won't rate this one since I was required to do it to complete my Diploma; it's not something I wanted to do and is still not something I enjoy. Personally, I have very little interest in training young children, which is the primary focus of the course. The only benefit in it for myself is that I can legally train people under 18.
PILATES PRINCIPLES
CEC: 15
Rating: ****
I haven't completed this course yet (I've got a few weeks remaining), but it's been rather enjoyable. For fitness professionals not doing Diploma, I would definitely call this a must. Notably, it is not pure Pilates as it was originally designed nearly a century ago, which was intended for dancers and is physically impossible to perform for the rest of us. But it does teach you about proper core activation (which most PT's don't know how to instruct) and control of movement.
ASCA Level 1 STRENGTH & CONDITIONING COACH
CEC: 15
Rating: N/A
I have not done this course, but hope to within the next 12 months. While I already have specialisations in Strength and Conditioning, it's a subject that I love learning and would absolutely love to get an accredited qualification for. This one's available in all States.
LEVEL 1 POWER LIFTING COACH
CEC: 14
Rating: N/A
Another one I have not participated in, but am eager to do.
PUNCHFIT TRAINER
CEC: 6
Rating: N/A
It seems everyone I went to TAFE with who actually passed Cert IV went on to get this ASAP. Not sure on the quality of the course, but they all seem to love using what they learnt from it with clients, and clients love "accidentally" hitting them in the face.
<><><>
That's what I've found so far. Feel free to recommend more courses to add to the list.