To work as a personal trainer in Maine, 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 Maine does not strictly mandate these requirements, they are the established industry standards and the minimum expectations to work in the fitness industry.
Earning a nationally recognized certification and purchasing liability insurance shows clients and partners that you are professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
You need to be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Maine. 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 Maine
Personal trainers in Maine typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. Most personal trainer certification programs require this certification before you can even take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual studio, you may also need additional training, like child and infant CPR and/or first aid. Providers like the American Red Cross usually offer these courses; sometimes, you can even bundle them into one class.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or a combination of the two. 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 Maine
Most 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 Maine 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.
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 the Maine job market.
Maine Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Maine.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their insurance 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 Maine
Personal trainer pay in Maine averages $28.58 per hour, with some of the best areas listed as: Camden ($29.35/hour), Auburn ($28.84/hour), and Brunswick ($28/hour)*
Average cost Maine personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.33/month
If you hire any employees, you may be required to provide workers compensation in Maine.**
*Source: ZipRecruiter
**Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! You can get a free quote here.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Maine
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Maine?
You can expect personal training certification to cost between $400 and $1000 (depending on the course) for the class itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
Anywhere between one and 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:
- Vigor Strength Studio, Westbrook
- Foley Fitness Center, Scarborough
- Black Bear Fitness, Old Town
