Passionate about health and fitness and interested in helping others achieve their goals? A career as a personal trainer in the Garden State may be for you!
The work as a personal trainer in New Jersey, 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 New Jersey, they are the established industry standards. They also represent the typical minimums needed to get started in the fitness industry.
By equipping yourself with a nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you’ll increase your professionalism, trustworthiness, and appeal to individual clients and gyms in New Jersey.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in New Jersey (in most cases) is 18.
Most personal trainer certification programs require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to take the certification exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in New Jersey
Personal trainers in New Jersey typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. On top of that, personal trainer certification programs often require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual studio, you may also need additional training, like child and infant CPR and/or first aid. These are commonly offered by the same providers (like the American Red Cross) and are often bundled within the same course as the adult CPR/AED classes.
CPR training is generally offered online, in a classroom, or via a combination of the two. The majority of trainer certification agencies do 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, visit:
*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 New Jersey
Most fitness centers prefer hiring personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited training program. Many recognized certified personal trainer (CPT) programs offer 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 New Jersey include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Additional Education
While degrees are not typically required for most personal trainer jobs, higher education in fitness-related fields (like exercise science or physiology) can help you stand out from other trainers. Advanced degrees may also better qualify you for advanced management, directory, or specialty positions.
Since all personal trainer certification programs require some amount of continuing education, you can use these courses to help you develop a niche that’ll stand out in New Jersey’s fitness job market.
New Jersey Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like most states, individual trainers are responsible for obtaining liability insurance in New Jersey.
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 liability policy regardless of the facility itself’s coverage.
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 New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the highest-paying states for exercise trainers and group fitness instructors as of May 2023*
Personal trainer pay in New Jersey averages $30 per hour, with some of the highest paying areas listed as: North Bergen ($32.72/hour), Chatham ($32.20/hour), and Hoboken ($32.18/hour)**
Average cost New Jersey personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.43/month
New Jersey requires all employers to carry workers compensation insurance, even if you have only one part-time employee
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Source: ZipRecruiter
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in New Jersey
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in New Jersey?
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?
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 start conversations with local studios, gyms, community centers, and other fitness programs.
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:
- Signature Fitness, Belleville
- Evolution Fitness, Newark
- The Bar Method, Madison
- Hudson River Athletics, Hoboken
Resources for Personal Trainers in New Jersey
Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
Curious about which personal trainer certifications would work best for you? Check out our comprehensive reviews on some of the most popular CPT programs.
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
- Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Association for Fitness Certification (NAFC)
- National Aerobics and Fitness Trainers Association (NAFTA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
