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  • Is CPR Certification Necessary for Personal Trainers?

    As a personal trainer, you work with clients to help them achieve fit and healthy lifestyles. But the fact is: a half-million people experience cardiac arrest every year. While only a small percentage (1.9%) of those incidences happen during or after strenuous workouts*, knowing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) can help save a life if someone's breathing or heart stops. In fact, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when someone takes action.

    That's why both the NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) and AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America) have the following requirements before you take the Personal Trainer Exam. You must:

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    Can I Work as a Fitness Instructor without CPR Certification?

    Whether you're a fitness instructor who teaches yoga, indoor cycling, or any other type of group fitness class, exam entry requirements for NASM/AFAA certification are the same as those listed (above) for personal trainers.

    Note: Different facilities and employers may require certain certification, so make sure to confirm with them before signing up for a Red Cross certification course.

    Other Benefits of AED/CPR Training for Personal Trainers, Fitness Instructors

    Aside from the obvious benefits of having CPR and AED training as part of your job in the fitness industry, there's plenty of value beyond the gym. Perhaps you're a parent. Maybe you're a caregiver to elderly loved ones. You may even work full-time in another industry when you're not at the gym. Regardless of the scenario, your life-saving skills give you the confidence to act when emergencies occur. Plus, these skills look great on a resume, no matter where your career takes you.

    What if I Don’t Have a Lot of Extra Time to Take a CPR or AED Class?

    AED and CPR certification courses come in many different forms to fit diverse types of schedules, including:

    • In Person
    • Online
    • Blended – (In Person + Online)

    The NASM and AFAA have temporarily waived the in-person, hands-on skills assessment requirement and are now accepting fully online CPR/AED courses, making it even more convenient if you don't have a lot of flexibility in your schedule.

    Where Can I Get CPR and AED Training?

    As a recommended provider of the NASM/AFAA, American Red Cross can help you complete your CPR and AED training quickly and easily. Our classes let you choose from online only training, in-person training, or blended training—so they fit just about any schedule and learning style. Find your class and sign up today.

    Want to Take your Lifesaving Skills to the Next Level?

    Discover other courses designed to enhance your training, including: First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Swim Coach Safety, Lifeguard Training and more.

    For more than a century, the Red Cross has prepared people to respond to emergencies of all sizes, from the everyday to the large disaster. Join the millions we train every year and learn the skills that can save a life.

    *Sources:
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/research-alert-sports-related-sudden-cardiac-arrest-is-rare-in-older-adults
    https://support.nasm.org/are-there-any-prerequisites-for-the-nasm-certified-personal-trainer-ncca-exam
    https://www.afaa.com/