Interested in sharing your passion for fitness with others in the Ocean State? A career in personal training may be for you!
To work as a personal trainer in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island, they are the established industry standards.
By equipping yourself with a nationally recognized certification and liability insurance, you’ll increase your professionalism and trustworthiness — and appeal to individual clients and gyms in Rhode Island.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
The minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in Rhode Island is 18 (in most cases).
Most personal trainer certification programs require you to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED (General Education Development) certificate to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Rhode Island
Personal trainers in Rhode Island typically need 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 take the final exam.*
Depending on individual gyms ‘ policies, you may also need to have child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials. These are often combined with and/or 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 hybrid settings. However, the trainer certification agencies typically 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.
Personal Trainer Certifications in Rhode Island
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 common personal trainer certifications in South Carolina include:
- 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. However, if you want to pursue advanced or specialized positions (such as director or administrator roles), you may need additional education, such as a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or other certifications.
Rhode Island Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Similar to most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Rhode Island.
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.
If you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor, you will need your own personal trainer liability insurance to protect you from expensive claims stemming from — real or perceived — client accidents, injuries, and other damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Rhode Island
Personal trainer pay in Rhode Island averages $32.63 per hour, with some of the best-paying areas listed as: Providence ($30 to $39 per hour) and Woonsocket ($39.65/hour)*
Average cost Rhode Island personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.41/month
If you hire any employees or become a member of a limited liability company (LLC), Rhode Island requires you to obtain workers compensation insurance
*Source: Indeed
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Rhode Island
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Rhode Island?
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.
Are There Continuing Education Requirements for Personal Trainers?
Yes. You must complete a number of continuing education credits determined by your certifying organization, typically every two years (with only a few exceptions).
Continuing education courses can span various topics, including ethics, business skills, specializations, and more.
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:
- VP Fitness, Providence
- Method Fitness, East Greenwich and Providence
- 212 Health & Performance, Rumford
Resources for Personal Trainers in Rhode Island
- Free Fitness Liability Waiver
- Personal Trainer Client Management Software
- What Should I Charge as a Personal Trainer?
- How to Build a Personal Trainer Business Plan
- How to Build Your Own Personal Trainer Website
- Why Personal Trainers Need Insurance
- Personal Trainer Certification Reviews: Curious about which personal trainer certifications are best for you? Check out our in-depth reviews of some of the most popular CPT programs.
