Does Washington State require a State license to work as a personal trainer?
I do not know of any state that requires a Personal Trainer to have specific license for fitness instruction. But many state require any business to be registered. Some require a Tax License or Tax ID. I recommend that you talk to a tax accountant. These people always seem to know the laws for licensing as well as sales tax and business tax and income tax. I do not do my own taxes as I would rather give that responsibility to a professional.
This is an unregulated industry which means no state/government issue license is required to be a fitness professional/personal trainer….unfortunately. In WA state just as in any other state anyone who can afford to pay for a certification can get certified (or not) and start charging people money for his/her services.
Hi Joseph,
As far as I know, no state requires a license to work as a personal trainer. It’s been a hot topic of debate for the last 30 plus years. However, to be sure, I would check your state’s licensing requirements website – actually I did just check it for you & the answer is no. Here’s the link to that:
http://www.dol.wa.gov/business/
Good luck Joseph!
Paul Thomas
www.homeworkoutguy.com