Heart disease continues to be one of the leading causes of death in Virginia and across the U.S., and physical activity continues to be one of the best ways to prevent it! If you’re interested in a more active career or one where you help your community become more active, personal training could be for you!
To work as a personal trainer in Virginia, 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. Equipping yourself with these credentials increases your trustworthiness and appeal to clients and gyms in Virginia.
Age Requirements for Personal Trainers
You need to be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in Virginia. This is mostly because you need to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED to qualify for the certifying exam.
Learn CPR and AED Certification Requirements in Virginia
Personal trainers in Virginia typically need an adult CPR/AED certification. Most programs require this certification before you can take the final exam.*
Depending on individual gyms’ policies, you may also need child and infant CPR and/or first aid credentials. These are often provided by the same organizations as the standard adult CPR class, like The American Red Cross.
CPR training is offered online, in a classroom, or in hybrid settings. However, trainer certification agencies usually 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
College degrees are not required for most entry-level personal trainer jobs. However, higher education in fields like exercise science or kinesiology may help qualify you for advanced management, directory, or specialty positions.
You can also pursue additional certificates and niches through continuing education courses to help you stand out in Virginia’s health and fitness job market.
Some higher education programs in Virginia include:
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in Virginia
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 Virginia include:
- National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
To find the best course for you, check out our review of popular CPT programs.
Get Virginia Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
Like in most states, individual trainers are typically responsible for obtaining liability insurance in Virginia.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their insurance if you’re a W2 employee. However, the company often still requires 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 claims like these.
Fast Facts About Personal Training in Virginia
Personal trainer pay in Virginia averages $29.08 per hour. Some of the highest-paying areas include*:
Arlington: $33 per hour
Fairfax: $29.98 per hour
Richmond: $29 per hour
Average cost Virginia personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $16.02/month
- If you have three or more full or part-time employees, you may be required to carry workers compensation insurance**
*From ZipRecruiter
**Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as separate coverage! Get a free quote here.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in Virginia
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in Virginia?
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.
Where Can I Work After Getting Certified?
Beyond applying to jobs online, leverage your network and talk with 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:
- Brickhouse Health and Fitness, Roanoke
- Functional Fitness VA, Falls Church
- Awaken Inside, The Gym, Virginia Beach
- Method Fitness, Arlington
Resources for Personal Trainers in Virginia
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)
