To work as a personal trainer in Georgia, 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 all strictly legal requirements, they are the industry standards. With the right certifications and reliable coverage, you can boost your credibility and showcase your professionalism to your clients and partners.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
To become a personal trainer in Georgia, you must be 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Georgia
Typically, personal trainers in Georgia 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 health and fitness facility, you may need child and infant CPR and/or first aid training in addition to the standard adult CPR certification. These are usually offered by the same providers (like The American Red Cross) as the adult CPR class. Some courses will also combine both child and adult curriculums into one.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or a combination of the two. However, the majority of trainer certification agencies require a hands-on practical evaluation that can only be done in an in-person or hybrid 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 Georgia
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 Georgia are:
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Georgia Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, the individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Georgia.
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 insurance.
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 Georgia
Personal trainer pay in Georgia averages $30.19 per hour, with some of the best paying cities listed as: Alpharetta ($33.17/hour), Atlanta ($32.84/hour), and Roswell ($32.88/hour)**
Average cost Georgia personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $17.58/month
If you employ three or more other people, full- or part-time, you are required to get workers compensation insurance in Georgia
*Source: Indeed
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Georgia
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Georgia?
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.
Do I Need a Degree in Fitness or Exercise Science To Become a Personal Trainer?
No. A college degree is not required to become a personal trainer. However, a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, and similar fields can increase your credibility and provide additional opportunities to work in more advanced or specialized fields.
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, and others like:
- The Refinery, Atlanta
- Elevate Fitness Studio, Alpharetta
- Blaze Fitness, Marietta
- The Hidden Gym, Atlanta
