Are you ready to help clients crush their fitness goals in sunny California? Whether you want to specialize in strength and conditioning in San Francisco or senior fitness in San Diego, you can start your career with the proper credentials in just a few months.
To work as a personal trainer in California, 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 there are no laws in California that mandate these things, they are the established industry standards and the typical minimum requirements to get started in the fitness industry.
By equipping yourself with nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you increase your trustworthiness and appeal to both individual clients and fitness centers in California.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in California is 18, in most cases.
Most personal trainer certification programs require you to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development certificate) to take the certification exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in California
Personal trainers in California generally need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in fitness facilities. On top of that, personal trainer certification programs often require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual fitness program, you may also need additional training, such as child and infant CPR and/or first aid. These are usually offered by the same providers (like the American Red Cross) and often bundled within the same course as the adult CPR/AED classes.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or a combination of the two. However, most trainer certification agencies require a hands-on practical evaluation that can only be done via an in-person or hybrid course.
To learn more about CPR/AED training and where to find a class, visit:
*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 California
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 California include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
Higher education is not typically required for most personal trainer jobs. More advanced or specialized positions, however, may prefer those with degrees in business, health, or exercise-related fields.
California has a large yet competitive job market. Developing your knowledge and establishing a niche for yourself via continuing education can also help you carve out your own space in that market.
California Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in California.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their liability policy 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 California
California has the highest employment level of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the U.S. as of May 2023*
California is in the top five highest-paying states for fitness trainers and group exercise instructors*
Personal trainer pay in California averages $32.59 per hour, with some of the top highest-paying cities listed as: San Diego ($28.08/hour), Sacramento ($32.32/hour), and San Jose ($33.08/hour)**
Average cost California personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $21.96/month
Top three cities in California with Insurance Canopy personal trainer policyholders: Los Angeles, San Diego, Oakland
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Source: Indeed and ZipRecruiter
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in California
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in California?
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 Do I Find a Job/Where Can I Work After Getting Certified?
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:
- Sanctuary Fitness, Pasadena
- Landform Fitness, San Diego
- InstaPhysique, Sacramento
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.
Resources for Personal Trainers in California
Check out the resources below to learn how to start your personal training business, the best fitness software, why you need insurance, and more.
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)
