To work as a personal trainer in Colorado 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 and the general minimums required by most fitness facilities and studios.
Equipping yourself with a nationally recognized certification and liability insurance showcases your professionalism and trustworthiness to both individual clients and gyms in Colorado.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
To become a personal trainer in Colorado, you must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Colorado
Personal trainers in Colorado typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification. Most personal trainer certification programs also require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual 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. Some classes will also combine adult and child CPR and/or first aid material into one.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or a mix of both. However, most trainer certification agencies require a hands-on practical evaluation via an in-person or hybrid 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 Colorado
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 popular personal trainer certifications in Colorado are:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
- National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
Collegiate degrees 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.
With Colorado’s reputation as one of the fittest states in the nation and prevalence of outdoor activities, further specialization may help you stand out in the local job market.
Colorado Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, the individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Colorado.
Some larger gyms may provide liability coverage if you’re a W2 employee. However, the company might still require you to have your own 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.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Colorado
Colorado has the highest concentration of exercise trainer and group fitness instructor jobs in the U.S. as of May 2023*
Personal trainer pay in Colorado averages $29.92 per hour, with some of the best areas for trainers listed as: Boulder ($39.19/hour), Denver ($31.67/hour), and Aurora ($30.80/hour)**
Average cost Colorado personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $20.03/month
If you employ anyone else, you may be required to provide workers compensation insurance***
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Source: Indeed
***Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! You can get a free quote here.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Colorado
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Colorado?
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 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:
- Fierce45, Denver
- Duality Fitness, Denver
- Mountains’ Edge Fitness, Boulder
What Skills Are Needed to Become a Successful Personal Trainer?
To excel as a personal trainer you should strive to be:
- Ethical
- Empathetic
- Adaptable
- Personable
- Motivational
- Reliable
And have excellent communication and time management skills.
