This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to screen clients for participation in exercise programs and to provide general advice about programs and services suitable to clients.

It requires the ability to utilise industry standard pre-exercise screening systems, questionnaires and guidelines to collect and evaluate health information, and to determine suitable levels of exercise intensity for clients. This includes determining risk factors and providing referrals to medical or allied health professionals for guidance.

Screening may occur prior to clients beginning an exercise program, before changes to programs and when their health status changes. Outcomes are used by fitness instructors to plan client programs. Skills for planning are covered in complementary units.

This unit applies to group fitness instructors, gym instructors and personal trainers. It can also apply to other fitness facility staff members who screen clients and provide service information prior to clients participating in exercise activities. They practise in settings such as fitness facilities, gyms, leisure and community centres, client workplaces and homes, and outdoor locations, depending on their job role.

The skills in this unit 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 unit at the time of publication.