To work as a personal trainer in Massachusetts, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
- Have a current CPR/AED* certification
- Have a recognized personal trainer certification
- Have liability insurance
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While these are not all legally required in Massachusetts, they are the established industry standards. Most gyms, studios, and other fitness businesses require you to have these credentials.
By equipping yourself with nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you can show your clients and gym owners that you are professional and trustworthy.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
To become a personal trainer in Massachusetts and take the certifying exam, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Massachusetts
Personal trainers in Massachusetts usually need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. Most personal trainer certification programs also require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual studio, you may also need additional training, like child and infant CPR and/or first aid. Organizations like the American Red Cross usually offer both adult and infant CPR/AED courses. You may find classes that combine both adult and child CPR curriculums into one course.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or a combination of the two. The majority of trainer certification agencies, however, require a hands-on evaluation that can only be done in an in-person or hybrid course.
For further information about CPR/AED training and where to find a class, check out:
*The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) states that all personal trainer certifying bodies accredited by the NCCA must require CPR/AED certification.
Personal Trainer Certifications in Massachusetts
Most fitness centers prefer to hire personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited program. The majority of certified personal trainer programs have this accreditation.
Pro Tip: Some CPT programs have an open-book or remote exam option. These exams are typically not NCCA-accredited, and therefore may not be accepted at all fitness facilities.
Some of the most popular personal trainer certifications in Massachusetts are:
- National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
Bachelor’s degrees and higher are not required for most entry-level personal trainer jobs, but they can elevate your appeal and help you qualify for more advanced or specialized work.
You can also pursue additional certificates and niches to help you stand out in Massachusetts’s competitive job market.
Massachusetts Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Massachusetts.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their insurance if you’re a W2 employee. However, the company might still require you to have your own liability policy.
Suppose you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor. In that case, you’ll need your own personal trainer liability insurance to help protect you from expensive claims involving accidents, injuries, and other actual or perceived damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Massachusetts
Personal trainer pay in Massachusetts averages $31.12 per hour, with some of the highest-paying cities listed as: Cambridge ($47.45/hour), Boston ($36.27/hour), and Natick ($31.10/hour)*
Average cost Massachusetts personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $18.23/month
If you operate under a limited liability company (LLC) or a limited liability partnership (LLP) you are required to carry professional liability insurance in Massachusetts
If you employ anyone else, either full- or part-time, Massachusetts requires you to carry workers comp insurance (with very few exceptions)
*Source: Indeed
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Massachusetts
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Massachusetts?
You can expect personal training certification to cost between $400 and $1000 (depending on the course) for the class itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
Most personal trainer programs take 3 to 6 months to complete, depending on how much time you have to study. Some accelerated programs are as short as 1 month, while others can take up to 8.
How Do I Find a Job/Where Can I Work After Getting Certified?
Beyond applying to jobs online, leverage your network and talk to local studios, gyms, community centers, and other fitness facilities.
Chain or big box gyms:
Local and/or municipal locations:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, resorts and spas, and others like:
- Lynx Fitness Club, Boston
- Alchemy Yoga, Acton
- Fitness Together, Cambridge
- CrossFit New England, Natick
