To work as a personal trainer in Ohio, you need:
- To be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or equivalent
- A current CPR/AED* certification
- A recognized personal trainer certification
- Liability insurance
*Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) / Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
While Ohio does not legally mandate all these credentials, they are the established industry standards and the typical minimum requirements to enter 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 be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Ohio. This is mostly because you will need a high school diploma or GED to qualify for the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Ohio
Personal trainers in Ohio 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. However, most 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 Ohio
The majority of fitness centers prefer to hire personal trainers with certifications from an NCCA-accredited program. Most recognized certified personal trainer programs do 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 Ohio 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 Ohio’s job market.
Ohio Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Ohio.
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.
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 Ohio
Personal trainer pay in Ohio averages $26 per hour, with the top hiring cities listed as: Columbus ($24/hour), Cincinnati ($28.86/hour), and Cleveland ($26.54/hour)*
Average cost Ohio personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.77/month
Ohio requires employers that hire at least one employee to provide workers compensation, regardless of full- or part-time status**
*Source: ZipRecruiter
**Ohio mandates that all workers’ compensation coverage must be acquired through the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Ohio
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Ohio?
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 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:
- T&J No Limit Fitness, Columbus
- The Spot Athletics, Grandview and others
- Ascend Fitness and Spa, Cleveland
- Trilogy Fitness Systems, Cincinnati
