To work as a personal trainer in Arizona you need:
- To be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
- A current CPR/AED* certification
- A recognized personal trainer certification
- Liability insurance
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While these are not all 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 Arizona.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in Arizona is 18 (in most circumstances).
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Arizona
Personal trainers in Arizona typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification. Most trainer certification programs also require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual facility, you may 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 Arizona
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 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 common personal trainer certifications in Arizona include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Arizona also has a community college program that offers Certificates of Completion (CCL) in Personal Training. These certificates are designed to prepare students for the NASM, ACSM, and other certified personal trainer exams while providing additional educational resources.
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Arizona Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Arizona.
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 Arizona
If you employ at least one full or part-time employee, Arizona requires you to carry workers compensation insurance*
Average cost Arizona personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $17.89/month
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! You can get a free quote here.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Arizona
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Arizona?
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 Arizona?
Personal trainer pay in Arizona averages $27.88 per hour. The highest paying cities include:
- Gilbert: $29.59 per hour
- Tempe: $28.87 per hour
- Phoenix: $27.88 per hour
From Indeed
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in Arizona 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, and others like:
- MVMT Fitness Club, Scottsdale
- Fitness 48, Phoenix
- Discover Strength, Gilbert
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
It typically takes between 3 to 6 months to complete most CPT programs. It depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying.
Some certifying organizations take as little as one month or as long as eight months.
