If you’re passionate about helping others reach their health and fitness goals, pursuing a career as a personal trainer in the Beaver State could be the career path for you!
To work as a personal trainer in Oregon, 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 official legal requirements, they are the accepted industry standards. Equipping yourself with these credentials increases your trustworthiness and appeal to clients and gyms in Oregon.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
You need to be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Oregon. This is mostly because you need to have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for the certifying exam.
Learn the CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Oregon
Personal trainers in Oregon typically need an adult CPR/AED certification. Most programs also require you to have this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on individual gyms’ policies, you may also need child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials. These are often provided by the same organizations as the standard adult CPR class, like The American Red Cross.
CPR training is typically offered online, in a classroom, or in hybrid settings. However, the trainer certification agencies usually require a hands-on evaluation via an in-person or blended 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.
Additional Education
College degrees are not required for most entry-level personal trainer jobs. However, higher degrees in related fields like exercise science or kinesiology can give you an edge in the industry or better qualify you for advanced management, directory, or specialty positions.
Pursuing additional certificates and niches through continuing education can also help you stand out in the health and fitness job market.
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in Oregon
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 Washington 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.
Get Oregon Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Oregon.
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 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 Oregon
If you have any full- or part-time employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance in Oregon*
Average cost Oregon personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.21/month
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote here.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Oregon
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Oregon?
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.
What Are the Typical Salaries for Personal Trainers in Oregon?
Personal trainer pay in Oregon averages $28.34 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include:
- Portland: $33.47 per hour
- Newport: $30.44 per hour
- Salem: $29.97 per hour
From ZipRecruiter
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:
- Vive Fitness, Portland
- Ashland Strength Studio, Ashland
- West Coast Strength, Portland/Clackamas
Resources for Personal Trainers in Oregon
Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
- 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)
