It’s no surprise that Wisconsin has a reputation as a football state, with its dedicated Green Bay Packers fans and original Big Ten school. It’s also one of the most “outdoorsy” Midwest states, with over 30 ski resorts and 800 miles of shoreline between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan.
Empower your fellow Cheeseheads to stay fit enough to climb the stairs at Lambeau in the winter by becoming a personal trainer in Wisconsin.
To work as a personal trainer in Wisconsin, 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. Meet these minimums, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful fitness career.
Age Requirements for Wisconsin Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Wisconsin. This is primarily because being 18 with a high school diploma or GED is a prerequisite for taking the certifying exams.
Learn the CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Wisconsin
Personal trainers in Wisconsin typically need to have an adult CPR/AED certification to work in most fitness facilities. Plus, 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.
Additional Education
While you don’t need a degree to start your career as a personal trainer, additional education in fields like kinesiology and exercise science can help, especially if you want to pursue leadership or specialized roles.
Some higher education programs in Wisconsin include:
- Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Exercise Science, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Exam Preparation, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
- Fitness & Wellness Specialist Technical Diploma, Wisconsin Technical College System
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in Wisconsin
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 common personal trainer certifications in Wisconsin include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Get Wisconsin Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, you’re responsible for carrying your own liability insurance in Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin
If you have any employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance in Wisconsin*
Average cost Wisconsin personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.02/month
Wisconsin ranked 20th on the 2024 America’s Health Rankings report, and Madison ranked 5th out of 100 cities on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) 2024 Fitness Index – indicating that residents of the Badger State tend to invest in their health and fitness!
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Wisconsin
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Wisconsin?
It will likely cost between $400 and $1,000 (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 Is the Typical Personal Trainer Salary in Wisconsin?
Beyond applying to jobs online, leverage your network and talk to local studios, gyms, community centers, and other fitness facilities.
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in Wisconsin?
In addition to applying for jobs online, engage with your network and talk with hiring staff at local gyms, community centers, and other fitness studios.
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:
- Capital Fitness, Madison
- Spire Fitness, Milwaukee
- CoMotion, Milwaukee
- Eaum Yoga and Fitness, Eau Claire
Resources for Personal Trainers in Wisconsin
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)
