To work as a personal trainer in South Carolina, 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. By equipping yourself with these credentials, you’ll increase your trustworthiness and appeal to clients and gyms in South Carolina.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
You need to be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in South Carolina. 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 South Carolina
Personal trainers in South Carolina typically need to have 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 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.
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 the health and fitness job market.
Personal Trainer Certifications in South Carolina
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.
South Carolina Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in South Carolina.
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.
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 South Carolina
- If you have four or more employees, South Carolina may require you to carry workers compensation insurance*
- If you’re looking to open your own gym, you may also need to register with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs
- Average cost South Carolina personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.50/month
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! You can get a free quote here.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in South Carolina
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in South Carolina?
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 South Carolina?
Personal trainer pay in South Carolina averages $26.90 per hour. Some of the highest-paying areas include:
- Mount Pleasant: $29 per hour
- Columbia: $28.84 per hour
- Charleston: $26.39 per hour
From Indeed
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:
- Blag Flag Fitness, Johns Island
- Brickhouse Gym, Columbia
- Sweat Republic, Myrtle Beach
