To work as a personal trainer in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut does not strictly mandate these requirements, they are the established industry standards and the minimum expectations to work in the fitness industry.
By earning a nationally recognized certification and purchasing liability insurance, you show clients and partners that you are professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
You need to You need to be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Connecticut. This is mostly because you will need to have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Connecticut
Personal trainers in Connecticut typically need to have an 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 Connecticut
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 Connecticut are:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
Bachelor’s degrees and higher 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.
You can also pursue additional certificates and niches to help yourself stand out in Connecticut’ job market.
Connecticut Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Connecticut.
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 Connecticut
- Connecticut has one of the top five highest-paying states for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the U.S. as of May 2023*
- Personal trainer pay in Connecticut averages $30.65 per hour, with some of the highest paying areas listed as: Norwalk ($33.47/hour), Stamford ($30.90/hour), and Greenwich ($30.56/hour)**
- Average cost Connecticut personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.98/month
- Connecticut requires employers that hire any employees to provide workers compensation.***
*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 Connecticut
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Connecticut?
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?
It can take anywhere from one to eight months, depending on how much time you have to study each day. Most programs range from 3 to 6 months.
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:
- Senior centers
- Community centers
- Retirement communities
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, resorts and spas, and others like:
- Big Sky Fitness, Multiple
- Energy Health and Fitness, Torrington
- Sculpt Fitness, Farmington
