To work as a personal trainer in Alabama 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 these are not official legal requirements, they are the accepted industry standards. By equipping yourself with these things, you’ll increase your trustworthiness and appeal to both individual clients and gyms in Alabama.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in Alabama is 18 (in most circumstances).
Most personal trainer certification programs state that you must be at least 18 years old to take their certifying exam as well. Many will also require you to have a high school diploma or to have passed the equivalent GED (General Education Development) test.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Alabama
Typically, personal trainers in Alabama need to have an adult CPR/AED certification. Also, most personal trainer certification programs require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual health and fitness facility, you may need to have child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials as well. These are usually offered by the same providers as the standard adult CPR class, like The American Red Cross. They’ll often have classes that cover all of the above at once, too.
CPR training is typically offered online, blended, or in classroom settings. However, the majority of trainer certification agencies require a hands-on practical evaluation via either an in-person or blended course.
For further information about CPR/AED training and where to find a class check out these helpful resources:
*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 Alabama
Many gyms, studios, and other fitness centers prefer to hire personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited program. Most recognized certified personal trainer (CPT) programs have this accreditation.
Pro Tip: Some CPT (certified personal trainer) 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.
The most popular personal trainer certifications in Alabama are American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
There are a dozen CPT organizations to choose from. To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Alabama Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is often the responsibility of the individual trainer in Alabama, as well as in other states.
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.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Alabama
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Alabama?
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.
What Are the Typical Salaries for Personal Trainers in Alabama?
Personal trainer pay in Alabama averages $23.78 per hour, with the highest paying cities listed as:
Montgomery: $29.84 per hour
Birmingham: $28.64 per hour
Huntsville: $25.61 per hour
From Indeed
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:
- Community centers
- Senior centers
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, and others like:
- FleetFitness, Huntsville
- Mission Fitness, Mobile
- Glow Yoga, Gulf Shores
- Rival Athletic Club, Sheffield
Can I Work as a Personal Trainer Part-Time While Pursuing Another Job?
Yes. A lot of personal trainers work part-time in fitness while also working a full-time “day job.” This usually means they work early mornings before the traditional 9–5 work day, and evenings after the traditional work day.
Resources for Personal Trainers in Alabama
- Free Fitness Liability Waiver
- Personal Trainer Client Management Software
- What Should I Charge as a Personal Trainer?
- How to Build a Personal Trainer Business Plan
- How to Build Your Own Personal Trainer Website
- Why Personal Trainers Need Insurance
- Personal Trainer Certification Reviews:
- Gym Density Alabama
