Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching

Qualification: 11396NAT - Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching

Delivery: 100% Online

Duration: Self-paced (Maximum of 12 months)

Recognition: Nationally Recognised (Australia-wide)

Career Outcome: Nutrition Coach

Outcome: Upon completion, students will be qualified to work as nutrition coaches, offering their services online or in-person, and tailoring nutritional strategies to support a variety of client goals such as weight loss, muscle gain, and performance enhancement.

The 11396NAT Certificate IV in Nutrition is a nationally recognised qualification.
The Certificate is delivered by Education Team RTO #45428

What is the Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching?

The Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to create and implement personalised nutrition plans for individuals with varying health and fitness goals.

The course covers fundamental nutritional science, including macronutrients, micronutrients, and energy balance, as well as coaching techniques to support clients in making sustainable dietary changes.

With a focus on both in-person and online consulting, graduates will develop competencies in nutrition planning, meal preparation guidance, and behavioural change strategies. The course also covers topics such as retail sales, client management, and strategies for establishing an online business through investigating business opportunities and
marketing new ventures.

Upon completion, students will be qualified to work as nutrition coaches, offering their services online or in-person, and tailoring nutritional strategies to support a variety of client goals such as weight loss, muscle gain, and performance enhancement.

This qualification does not result in a graduate being qualified as a Nutritionist in accordance with the description of this occupation stated by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) ANZSCO code 251112 – Nutritionist, or the Skill Level alignment of this occupation code to the Australian Qualifications Framework.

What is the Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching?

The Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching gives you the tools to move beyond general dietary advice and into effective, personalised nutrition coaching — enabling you to work independently and confidently across a range of client scenarios.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Design and deliver tailored nutrition programs

  • Conduct client assessments and support behaviour change

  • Apply nutrition science for health, performance, and body composition goals

  • Adapt plans for different populations and needs

  • Provide practical, in-scope meal and supplement guidance

  • Build and manage a successful nutrition coaching business

Who Is the Certificate IV in Fitness For?

This course is ideal for:

  • Personal Trainers who want to expand their services into nutrition coaching

  • Health and Wellness Coaches seeking a nationally recognised qualification

  • Aspiring Nutrition Coaches wanting to work online or face-to-face with clients

  • Anyone passionate about nutrition and helping others improve their lifestyle

    Whether you’re starting fresh or already working in the fitness industry, this qualification will elevate your skills and open new career opportunities

11396NAT Certificate IV in Nutrition

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Career Outcomes with a

Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching

The Certificate IV in Nutrition Coaching opens up exciting opportunities to work as a qualified Nutrition Coach, providing evidence-based, practical nutrition advice within your professional scope.

You’ll be equipped to help clients achieve a wide range of goals — from weight management and muscle gain to improving general health, wellbeing, and performance.

  • In-Person Nutrition Coach - Work face-to-face with clients in gyms, studios, wellness clinics, or health centres. As an in-person Nutrition Coach, you’ll build strong client relationships through personalised consultations, goal setting, and ongoing support.

    You’ll be able to:

    • Conduct nutrition consultations and assessments

    • Create customised meal plans to match individual goals and preferences

    • Deliver practical education sessions to help clients make better food choices

    • Provide accountability and motivation through regular check-ins

    • Collaborate with personal trainers, dietitians, and other wellness professionals

  • Online Nutrition Coach – Offer your services remotely through video consultations, online programs, and digital coaching platforms. As an online Nutrition Coach, you can reach clients from anywhere in the world — creating a flexible, scalable business that fits your lifestyle.

    You'll be able to

  • Deliver one-on-one or group coaching sessions via Zoom or online apps

  • Design structured nutrition programs for specific goals like fat loss, muscle gain, or performance

  • Provide ongoing accountability through messaging, email, and online check-ins

  • Use digital tools and software to track client progress and share meal plans

  • Build a personal brand through social media and online marketing to attract new clients

11396NAT Certificate IV in Nutrition

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Units of Competency

HLTAAP001 - Recognise healthy body systems

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about the human body and to recognise and promote ways to maintain healthy functioning of the body.

This unit applies to any worker who needs to use and interpret information that includes references to client anatomy and physiology.

NAT11396002 - Apply nutrition fundamentals in nutrition coaching settings

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to equip practitioners with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to understand and apply key nutrition principles in various coaching settings.

It requires the ability to apply current dietary guidelines and evaluate the nutritional content of various foods. It also requires the ability to establish the relationship between nutrition and metabolic health, with a focus on preventing and managing metabolic disorders.

NAT11396001 - Conduct nutrition screening and initial client assessment

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by the nutrition coach to work within an agreed scope of practice with relation to their role vis a vis the roles of dietitians and medicalprofessionals. The graduate will use arrange of techniques to assess client health status,medical history and readiness for nutritional change.

The graduate will conduct pre-screening of nutrition clients, including gathering and recording client measurements and other baseline data.This unit applies to a nutrition coach working with clients to gather baseline data within privacy and data collection policies. At all times the graduate will be aware of the scope of their own role and

will refer clients to appropriate professional practitioners when needed.

NAT11396005 - Support nutritional behaviour change

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to design and develop tailored nutrition plans aimed at achieving specific client-based nutrition goals.

The graduate will work with clients to establish their current nutrition patterns and will use the information obtained to help clients plan ways of changing their current nutrition behaviours.

NAT11396003 - Plan for the specific nutritional requirements of women

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to address the unique nutritional needs of women throughout their life stages.

Graduates will tailor nutrition plans to the changing nutritional demands of these stages. They will understand the physiological changes that occur during these stages and how they influence nutrient needs, including macronutrient and micronutrient intake.

NAT11396004 - Create and develop meal plans tailored for specific body composition goals

The graduate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role.

There must be demonstrated evidence that the learner has completed the following mandatory assessment tasks:

Worked with two (2) different clients (or case studies), one with a weight loss body composition goal and one with a muscle gain body composition goal.

NAT11396006- Provide nutrition and supplementation strategies for health, performance, and weight management goals

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by the nutrition coach to develop strategies to help the client to achieve their health, performance and weight goals. The graduate nutrition coach will explain the role of supplementation in nutrition and performance and will educate clients about weight loss aids

and pharmaceuticals.

CHCCOM006- Establish and manage client relationships

This unit describes the skills and knowledge to establish and manage professional one-to-one relationships with clients in the context of providing an ongoing health service or intervention.

This unit applies to community services or health workers who have defined responsibilities to work independently with clients within broad but established guidelines.

SIRXSLS001- Sell to the retail customer

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to deliver quality customer service and sell to retail customers. It requires the ability to determine customer needs, match products and services to their needs, and facilitate a sale.

This unit applies to all retail sectors and business sizes from large format stores to small independents. It applies to retail personnel at all levels who play a role in engaging with customers with the purpose of selling.

SIRXCEG006 - Provide online customer service

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to interact with customers using online communication tools. It requires the ability to provide information to customers, handle customer difficulties, and provide customer service and support in an online environment.

It applies to individuals who interact with customers online in a diverse range of businesses with an online presence. They operate with some independence, under limited supervision and guidance from others, and within established organisational policies and procedures.

BSBESB301- Investigate business opportunities

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify a business opportunity and its key components. This requires undertaking research to determine the viability of the opportunity, with reference to the legislative frameworks affecting the business.

The unit applies to those establishing or operating a business providing self-employment, as well as those establishing a new venture as part of a larger organisation. The business opportunities may relate to products and/or services offered by the business.

Delivery Method

Overview
The course is delivered 100% online and completely self-paced, giving you the flexibility to study around your own schedule.

Theory
All theory components are completed through our interactive online learning platform. Content is delivered via video lectures, an online textbook, and audio books — so you can learn in the style that suits you best. You can log in anytime, from anywhere, to work through the material. Assessments include multiple-choice questions, case studies, and short-answer questions designed to test your knowledge and application.

Practical
There are no set practical hours required, but you will need to complete a set amount of ‘practical tasks’ with real life practice clients (these can be your friends / family members). These can be carried out in a gym or studio of your choice, or even in a home gym if you have the required equipment. This hands-on element ensures you gain the confidence and skills to work with real clients in real settings.

Entry Requirements

Education:

  • Students need to have completed year 12, or equivalent.

    Equivalency can be demonstrated by one of the following:

    • A qualification at Certificate IV level or higher, OR

    • years of relevant industry experience in a role that requires the

      use of written documentation and communication.

Minimum age:

  • Students will need to be at least 18 years of age or older at the date

    of enrolment.

11396NAT Certificate IV in Nutrition

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FAQs - About the Course

Can I work online?

Yes—this course prepares you to coach both in-person and virtually.

Is this the same as being a dietitian?

No—this is a coaching-level course. You’ll offer general advice and support, not

clinical treatment.

Can I recommend supplements?

Yes—within scope, you can recommend over-the-counter supplements, but not

prescribe for medical conditions.

Can I sell meal plans?

Yes—after assessment, you’ll be able to create general and personalised meal plans

aligned with client goals.

Do I need insurance?

Yes. On graduation, we recommend obtaining professional indemnity and public liability insurance.

11396NAT Certificate IV in Nutrition

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11396NAT Certificate IV in Nutrition

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