Personal Trainer Requirements by State (2026)
Most states do not require licensure for personal trainers. The industry is self-regulated through NCCA-accredited certifying organizations like NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, and ACSM. Find your state below to see the requirements.
States That Require Licensure or Registration (2)
These jurisdictions have some form of state-level regulation for personal trainers.
States With No Licensure Requirement (49)
These states do not require state licensure for personal trainers. Most gyms and employers still require an NCCA-accredited certification (NASM, ACE, ISSA, NSCA, or ACSM).
Alabama
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Alaska
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Arizona
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Arkansas
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
California
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Colorado
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Connecticut
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Delaware
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Florida
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Georgia
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Hawaii
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Idaho
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Illinois
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Indiana
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Iowa
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Kansas
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Kentucky
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Maine
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Maryland
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Massachusetts
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Michigan
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Minnesota
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Mississippi
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Missouri
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Montana
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Nebraska
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Nevada
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
New Hampshire
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
New Jersey
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
New Mexico
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
New York
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
North Carolina
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
North Dakota
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Ohio
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Oklahoma
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Oregon
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Pennsylvania
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Rhode Island
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
South Carolina
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
South Dakota
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Tennessee
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Texas
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Utah
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Vermont
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Virginia
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Washington
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
West Virginia
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Wisconsin
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
Wyoming
No licenseNCCA certification accepted
What Is an NCCA-Accredited Certification?
The NCCA (National Commission for Certifying Agencies) accredits personal training certifications that meet national standards. An NCCA-accredited certification is the gold standard in the fitness industry. Major NCCA-accredited certifying organizations include NASM, ACE, NSCA, ACSM, and ISSA.
Even in states that do not require licensure, most gyms, health clubs, and insurance providers require trainers to hold an NCCA-accredited certification.
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