If you’re passionate about helping others reach their health and fitness goals, pursuing a career as a personal trainer in the Evergreen State is an excellent career choice.
To work as a personal trainer in Washington, you need:
- To be at least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED
- A current CPR/AED* certification
- A recognized personal trainer certification
- Liability insurance
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While Washington does not legally mandate these, they are the established industry standards and the typical minimum requirements for starting a business in the fitness industry.
By equipping yourself with nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you increase your trustworthiness and appeal to individual clients and gyms in Washington.
Understand the Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in Washington is 18, in most cases.
The majority of personal trainer certification programs require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) certificate to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Washington
Personal trainers in Washington typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. Plus, personal trainer certification programs usually require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on individual gyms ‘ policies, you may also need to have child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials. These are often combined with and/or provided by the same organizations as the standard adult CPR class, like The American Red Cross.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or hybrid settings. However, the trainer certification agencies typically require a hands-on evaluation via an in-person or blended 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 Washington
Most fitness centers prefer hiring personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited training program. Many recognized certified personal trainer (CPT) programs offer 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 Washington include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
College degrees are not required for most entry-level personal trainer jobs. However, higher degrees in related fields like exercise science or kinesiology can help give you an edge in the industry or better qualify you for advanced management, directory, or specialty positions.
You can also pursue additional certificates and niches through continuing education to help you stand out in Washington’s job market.
Washington Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like most states, as a trainer, you are typically responsible for obtaining liability insurance in Washington.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their liability policy, if you’ve been hired as an actual W2 employee. However, the company could still want you to have your own liability policy regardless of the facility itself’s coverage.
If you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor, you will need your own personal trainer liability insurance to protect you from expensive claims stemming from — real or perceived — client accidents, injuries, and other damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Washington
Personal trainer pay in Washington averages $31 per hour, with some of the top-paying areas reported as: Bellevue ($35/hour), Seattle ($34.40/hour), and Tacoma ($33.46/hour)*
The average cost Washington personal trainers pay for a policy with Insurance Canopy: $17.43/month
Washington State requires employers that hire at least one employee to provide workers compensation, regardless of full- or part-time status**
*Source: Indeed
**Washington mandates that all workers compensation coverage must be acquired through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Washington
How Much Does It Cost To Become a Personal Trainer in Washington?
It will likely cost between $400 and $1000 (depending on the course) for the course itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
Anywhere between one and eight months, depending on how much time you have to study each day. Most programs range from 3 to 6 months.
How Can I Gain Experience as a Personal Trainer?
- Offer to sub for classes at local gyms
- Volunteer to lead groups at community health and fitness events, expos, and festivals
- Ask if you can shadow other established trainers
- Log some hours behind the desk or on the floor at fitness centers
- Conduct individual or group exercise sessions with friends and family
How Do I Find a Job/Where Can I Work After Getting Certified?
In addition to applying for jobs online, engage with your network and talk with hiring staff at local gyms, community centers, and other fitness studios.
Chain or big box gyms:
Local and/or municipal locations:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, spas, and others, such as:
- Northwest Training, Seattle
- The Coalition-Fitness Community Gym, Spokane
- Kutting Edge Fitness, Redmond
Resources For Personal Trainers in Washington
Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC)
- National Aerobics and Fitness Trainers Association (NAFTA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
