To work as a personal trainer in Maryland, 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 strict legal requirements in Maryland, they are the established industry standards.
By equipping yourself with a nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you’ll increase your professionalism, trustworthiness, and appeal to both individual clients and gyms in Maryland.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
To become a personal trainer in Maryland, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. You qualify to take the certifying exam if you meet these requirements.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Maryland
Personal trainers in Maryland typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. On top of that, personal trainer programs usually require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the studio, you may also need additional training, like child and infant CPR and/or first aid. These are usually offered by the same providers (like the American Red Cross) and are sometimes bundled within the same course as the adult CPR/AED classes.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or in a hybrid format. However, most trainer certification agencies require a hands-on 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 Maryland
Fitness centers typically prefer to hire personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited program. Most established 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 Maryland 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 you stand out in the competitive fitness job market.
Maryland Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are usually responsible for getting liability insurance in Maryland.
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 Maryland
Personal trainer pay in Maryland averages $32.95 per hour, with some of the best cities listed as: Bethesda ($39.24/hour), Rockville ($37.49/hour), and Columbia ($36.64/hour)*
Average cost Maryland personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $17.67/month
If you own your own facility or are looking to open your own gym, you will need to register with the Consumer Protection Division in the state of Maryland
If you employ anyone besides yourself, you may be required to get workers compensation insurance
*Source: Indeed
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Maryland
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Maryland?
You can expect personal training certification to cost between $400 and $1000 for the class itself, study materials, the final exam, and CPR/AED classes. Final costs will depend on the course provider and the discounts/promotions they offer.
How Long Does It Take To Become a Certified Personal Trainer?
Most programs take about three to six months to complete, but some are as short as one month or as long as eight months. This also depends on how much time you have to study.
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, spas, and others like:
- Park Fitness, Severna Park
- Merritt Clubs, Baltimore
- MVFIT, Baltimore
