This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals with well-developed skills and knowledge required to deliver recreational services. Using discretion and judgement, they work with some independence and under limited supervision using clearly defined plans, policies and procedures to guide work activities.
Specialisations are available for customer service officers, recreation officers, pool lifeguards and swim teachers but are not mandatory to achieve this qualification.
This qualification provides a pathway to work for any type of sport, aquatic or recreation organisation including commercial, not-for-profit, community and government organisations.
The skills in this qualification must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State or Territory legislation, Australian standards and industry codes of practice.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do a traineeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
18 months - Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Maintain activity equipment | Core |
| Maintain sport, fitness and recreation industry knowledge | Core |
| Participate in WHS hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control processes | Core |
| Participate in workplace health and safety | Core |
| Provide quality service | Core |
| Respond to emergency situations | Core |
| Apply basic principles and practices of infection prevention and control | Elective |
| Apply critical thinking skills in a team environment | Elective |
| Assist participants with disability during aquatic activities | Elective |
| Assist with customer difficulties | Elective |
| Book athlete travel and accommodation | Elective |
| Conduct sport coaching sessions with foundation level participants | Elective |
| Conduct visual inspection of park facilities | Elective |
| Continuously improve officiating skills and knowledge | Elective |
| Deliver recreation sessions | Elective |
| Develop and maintain stakeholder relationships | Elective |
| Facilitate groups | Elective |
| Facilitate inclusion for people with disability | Elective |
| Maintain business resources | Elective |
| Maintain clean facilities | Elective |
| Maintain ethical and professional standards when using social media and online platforms | Elective |
| Minimise environmental impact | Elective |
| Monitor and maintain inflatable aquatic equipment | Elective |
| Operate basic machinery and equipment | Elective |
| Operate self-contained breathing apparatus in aquatic facility emergencies | Elective |
| Organise personal work priorities | Elective |
| Organise workplace information | Elective |
| Participate in conditioning for sport | Elective |
| Perform complex water rescues | Elective |
| Perform open water rescues | Elective |
| Perform water rescues | Elective |
| Plan swimming lessons | Elective |
| Process financial transactions | Elective |
| Produce visual merchandise displays | Elective |
| Promote development of infants and toddlers in an aquatic environment | Elective |
| Provide Advanced First Aid | Elective |
| Provide advanced resuscitation and oxygen therapy | Elective |
| Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation | Elective |
| Provide event production support | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide general grounds care | Elective |
| Provide oxygen resuscitation and therapy in an aquatic environment | Elective |
| Respond to interpersonal conflict | Elective |
| Select and use technology for sport, fitness and recreation work | Elective |
| Sell to the retail customer | Elective |
| Supervise patron safety in aquatic locations | Elective |
| Teach swimming strokes | Elective |
| Teach water familiarisation, buoyancy and mobility skills | Elective |
| Teach water safety and survival skills | Elective |
| Test pool water quality | Elective |
| Use business software applications | Elective |
| Use hygienic practices for food safety | Elective |
| Use social media and online tools | Elective |
| Work with diverse people | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Sports Centre Manager
ANZSCO 149113
Sports Centre Managers manage sports centres.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Recreation Officer
ANZSCO 272612
Recreation Officers plan, organise and coordinate recreation facilities and programs through organisations such as local governments, schools, church bodies and youth organisations.
Recommended education level:
Bachelor degree or higher -
Community Worker
ANZSCO 411711
Develop and implement plans to improve life in the local community.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Gallery and Museum Guide
ANZSCO 451411
Gallery or Museum Guides answer inquiries and direct and guide visitors in galleries or museums.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Tour Guide
ANZSCO 451412
Tour Guides escort visitors on sightseeing, educational and other tours, and describe and explain points of interest.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Tourist Information Officer
ANZSCO 451611
Tourist Information Officers provide travel and accommodation information to tourists. They may work in call centres.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Fitness Instructor
ANZSCO 452111
Work with clients to improve their physical fitness and wellbeing.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Bungy Jump Master
ANZSCO 452211
Bungy Jump Masters direct, supervise and control bungy jumping activities for individuals.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Fishing Guide
ANZSCO 452212
Fishing Guides plan, organise and provide guided fishing trips for individuals or groups.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Hunting Guide
ANZSCO 452213
Hunting Guides plan, organise and provide guided hunting trips for individuals or groups.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Mountain and Glacier Guide
ANZSCO 452214
Mountain or Glacier Guides plan, organise and provide guided trips for individuals or groups on mountains or glaciers.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Outdoor Adventure Instructor
ANZSCO 452215
Outdoor Adventure Instructors provide adventure-based experiential education in outdoor adventure and bushcraft.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Trekking Guide
ANZSCO 452216
Trekking Guides plan, organise and provide guided bushwalking and trekking trips for individuals or groups.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Whitewater Rafting Guide
ANZSCO 452217
Whitewater Rafting Guides plan, organise and provide guided rafting and kayaking trips for individuals or groups on whitewater rivers.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Outdoor Adventure Guide
ANZSCO 452299
Other Outdoor Adventure Guides includes jobs like Caving Guide, Cycle Touring Guide, Horse Trekking Guide, Sea Kayaking Guide, and Skydiving Instructor.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Scuba, Snorkelling and Dive instructor
ANZSCO 452311
Scuba, Snorkelling and Dive instructors train and instruct recreational or commercial open water divers in diving techniques, safety and the correct use of diving equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Gymnastics Coach and Instructor
ANZSCO 452312
Gymnastics Coaches or Instructors coach gymnastics.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Horse Riding Coach and Instructor
ANZSCO 452313
Horse Riding Coaches or Instructors coach horse riding.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Snowsport Instructor
ANZSCO 452314
Snowsport Instructors coach snow skiing, snowboarding or other snowsports.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Swimming Coach and Instructor
ANZSCO 452315
Swimming Coaches or Instructors coach, train and instruct participants in swimming by analysing their performances and developing their abilities.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Tennis Coach
ANZSCO 452316
Tennis Coaches coach, train and instruct participants in tennis by analysing their performances and developing their abilities.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Other Sports Coach and Instructor
ANZSCO 452317
Other Sports Coaches or Instructors coach, train and instruct sportspeople by analysing their performances and developing their abilities. Specialisations include basketball coach, cricket coach, football coach, sports trainer, and windsurfing instructor.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Dog and Horse Racing Official
ANZSCO 452318
Dog or Horse Racing Officials coordinate and direct horse or dog racing activities, and liaise with other officials to interpret and enforce racing rules and regulations.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Sports Development Officer
ANZSCO 452321
Sports Development Officers promote sports and skills development, and oversee the participation of young people and other special groups in sport.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Sports Umpire
ANZSCO 452322
Sports Umpires officiate at sporting events, such as netball, hockey, football, basketball, cricket, boxing and wrestling matches, by interpreting and enforcing match rules.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Sports Official
ANZSCO 452323
Other Sports Officials coordinate and direct sporting activities, and liaise with other officials to interpret and enforce sporting rules and regulations.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Footballer (Soccer, Rugby and AFL)
ANZSCO 452411
Footballers (Soccer, Rugby and AFL) play football professionally in competitions.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Golfer
ANZSCO 452412
Golfers play golf professionally in tournaments, or as a resident professional, and organise golf-related activities.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Jockey
ANZSCO 452413
Jockeys ride horses in competitive races, race trials, and for exercise.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Lifeguard
ANZSCO 452414
Lifeguards look after the safety of people at beaches or swimming pools, through accident prevention and rescue, and educating the public on water safety.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Sportsperson
ANZSCO 452499
Other Sportspersons includes jobs like Athlete, Cricketer, Cyclist, Racing Driver, Surfer, and Tennis Player.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Ampd Academy (RTO code 31946)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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AUSTRALIAN TRAINING COMPANY (RTO code 5673)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Binnacle Training (RTO code 31319)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Swim Coaches & Teachers Australia (RTO code 20948)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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TAE Plus (RTO code 22394)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING (RTO code 31892)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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AQUATIC SAFETY TRAINING ACADEMY (RTO code 90666)
Contact this provider
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Australian Institute of Education and Training (RTO code 121314)
Contact this provider
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Australian Institute of Personal Trainers Pty Ltd (RTO code 32363)
Contact this provider
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BELGRAVIA ACADEMY (RTO code 45497)
Contact this provider
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Caloundra State High School (RTO code 30058)
Contact this provider
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CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY (RTO code 0373)
Contact this provider
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Fit Education (RTO code 32155)
Contact this provider
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GOLD COAST INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PTY. LTD. (RTO code 45028)
Contact this provider
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IVET Institute (RTO code 40548)
Contact this provider
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Maryborough State High School (RTO code 30078)
Contact this provider
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NSW Department of Education (RTO code 90333)
Contact this provider
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Parade College (RTO code 40750)
Contact this provider
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Royal Life Saving Society Queensland Inc (RTO code 5431)
Contact this provider
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Savile Learning (RTO code 45452)
Contact this provider
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SOUTHERN EDUCATION PTY. LTD. (RTO code 41402)
Contact this provider
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The College of Health and Fitness (RTO code 30798)
Contact this provider
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The Ipswich State High School (RTO code 30069)
Contact this provider
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THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY WESTERN AUSTRALIA INC (RTO code 0854)
Contact this provider
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WISE Training Services (RTO code 6653)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.