To work as a personal trainer in Texas, 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 these are not all official legal requirements, they are the accepted industry standards. By equipping yourself with these things, you’ll increase your trustworthiness and appeal to both individual clients and gyms in Texas.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
In most circumstances, the minimum age requirement to become a personal trainer in Texas is 18.
The majority of personal trainer certification programs also require you to have a high school diploma or GED to take the certifying exam.
CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Texas
Typically, personal trainers in Texas need to have an adult CPR/AED certification. Most personal trainer certification programs require you to have these credentials before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on the individual health and fitness facility, you may need additional training, like child and infant CPR and/or first aid. The same providers usually offer these as the standard adult CPR class, sometimes in the same course.
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 Texas
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 Texas are:
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Texas Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, the individual trainers are typically responsible for getting liability insurance in Texas.
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 insurance.
Suppose you’re self-employed or hired as an independent contractor. In that case, you’ll need your own personal trainer liability insurance to protect you from expensive claims involving accidents, injuries, and other actual or perceived damages.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Texas
- Texas has the second-highest employment level of exercise trainers and group fitness instructors in the U.S. as of May 2023*
- Personal trainer pay in Texas averages $27.27 per hour. Some of the most popular areas include: Dallas ($28.76/hour), Austin ($28.08/hour), and San Antonio ($26.08/hour)**
- Average cost Texas personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $18.77/month
- The top three cities in Texas with Insurance Canopy personal trainer policyholders: Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio
*Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
**Source: Indeed
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Texas
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Texas?
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.
Do I Need a Degree in Fitness or Exercise Science to Become a Personal Trainer?
No. A college degree is not required to become a personal trainer. However, a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, kinesiology, or similar can increase your credibility or provide additional opportunities to work in more advanced or specialized fields.
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in Texas 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:
- Community centers
- Senior centers
- Corporate wellness programs
Boutique studios, independent gyms, and others like:
- Squatch Fitness, Austin
- ALIO Fitness, San Antonio
- John Reed Fitness, Dallas
