To work as a personal trainer in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania does not legally mandate all of these credentials, they are the established industry standards and the minimum expectations to work in 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 Pennsylvania. This is mostly because you need to have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Pennsylvania
Personal trainers in Pennsylvania typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. On top of that, personal trainer certification programs usually require you to have 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. 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 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 Pennsylvania
Many gyms, studios, and other 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania’s job market.
Pennsylvania Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, the individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Pennsylvania.
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.
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 Pennsylvania
Personal trainer pay in Pennsylvania averages $28.43 per hour, with some of the best areas listed as: Pittsburgh ($29.41/hour), King of Prussia ($29.20/hour), and Philadelphia ($27.23/hour)*
Average cost Pennsylvania personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.75/month
Pennsylvania requires employers that hire any employees, including part-time or seasonal employees, to provide workers compensation.
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! You can get a free quote here.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Pennsylvania
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Pennsylvania?
You can expect personal training certification to cost between $400 and $1000 (depending on the program) 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:
- Vision + Fitness, Philidelphia
- EveryBody Movement & Wellness, Philadelphia
- X Shadyside, Pittsburgh
- Triple P Fitness, Harrisburg
