Whether you’re trail running in Theodore Roosevelt National Park or coaching clients through indoor winter workouts, North Dakota offers a fitness community with tons of potential. If you’re ready to turn your passion into a career, becoming a personal trainer in the Peace Garden State might be the perfect fit.
To work as a personal trainer in North Dakota, 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. Ensure you offer these key qualifications to boost your chances with local gyms and studios.
Age Requirements for North Dakota Personal Trainers
You must be at least 18 years old to become a personal trainer in North Dakota. This is primarily because certifying exams require you to have a high school diploma or GED to qualify.
Learn the CPR and AED Certification Requirements in North Dakota
Personal trainers in North Dakota 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
If you want to stand out in the job market, consider earning a higher degree in fields like kinesiology or exercise science. They’re not required for most entry-level positions but set you up for more specialized or leadership roles — higher earning potential!
Earning additional certificates through continuing education also gives you an edge and enhances your professional credibility.
Some higher education programs in North Dakota include:
Explore Personal Trainer Certifications in North Dakota
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 North Dakota are offered by :
- 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 North Dakota Personal Trainer Liability Insurance
In North Dakota, you’re responsible for carrying your own liability insurance.
Some larger gyms may cover your work under their insurance 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 need personal trainer liability insurance designed to protect you from expensive claims involving accidents, injuries, property damage, and even perceived professional mistakes.
You’ve learned how to become a personal trainer in North Dakota — now it’s time to make your mark in the fitness industry!
Fast Facts About Personal Training in North Dakota
- If you have any full- or part-time employees, you are required to carry workers compensation insurance in North Dakota*
- In North Dakota, only 30.9% of adults met the federal physical activity guidelines in a 30-day period in 2023 — that’s an excellent opportunity to help clients improve their overall health!
- Average cost North Dakota personal trainers pay with Insurance Canopy: $15.66/month
*Insurance Canopy offers workers’ compensation insurance as a separate coverage! Get a free quote.
FAQs About Personal Trainer Certification in North Dakota
How Much Does It Cost to Become a Personal Trainer in North Dakota?
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 North Dakota?
Personal trainer pay in North Dakota averages $31.04 per hour. Some of the best areas for personal trainers include:
- Grand Forks: $30.46 per hour
- Grafton: $30.11 per hour
- Valley City: $29.84 per hour
From ZipRecruiter
Where Can I Find Personal Trainer Jobs in North Dakota?
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:
- Verge Fitness, Bismarck
- The Sweat Co., Bismarck
- Ironworks Gym, Grand Forks
- ASK Fitness, Minot
- The Pitt, House of Gainz, Williston
Resources for Personal Trainers in North Dakota
Check out these resources to learn how to grow your personal training businesses at every step, why you need insurance, and more valuable insights.
Personal Trainer Certification Reviews
Explore our in-depth reviews on the most popular CPT certifications below.
- 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)
