Ready to get moving?
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Ready to get moving?
Compare Programs
Earn the most recognized
certification that opens doors
Get paid to do what you love!
$67,000
average annual income
with a range of $50K - $88K
according to Glassdoor.com
14%
Expected increase
in Personal Trainer Employment between 2022-2032
U.S. Department of Labor
Your path to a rewarding career
1
Choose your
Study Program
Compare Programs
2
Start your
online learning
See How You'll Learn
3
Pass your
Certification Exam
View Prerequisites
If you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can register here.
90,000 ACE Certified Pros, 35 Million Lives Moved!
Watch Allen's Story ACE has provided me with the opportunity to forge my own career path. It has led to the lifestyle of my dreams. Not only has it allowed me to help create life-changing results for my clients but also for myself, my family and my community.
Allen Blunt
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
ACE has transformed my life. I have found something that is more than a job and am able to help people in ways I could have never imagined. I am extremely proud, successful and happy in what I do.
Marisol Gramlich
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
ACE has been, and continues to be the best investment of my life. As a single mom and U.S. Army Veteran with a full-time job, I was able to raise a family while pursuing my certification and am now able to live my passion for helping others.
Catherine Morrison
ACE Certified Personal Trainer, U.S. Army Veteran
Choose your Study Program
96% satisfaction rate!
 Our Price Promise | 100% Online Sale Basic$850 $425 Buy Now | Most Popular Sale Plus$945 $472.50 Buy Now | Best Value Sale Advantage$1,175 $587.50 Buy Now |
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| ACE Certification Exam Available to take from home | |||||||||||||||||||
| Practice Tests | 1 | 2 | 4 | ||||||||||||||||
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| Exercise Science 101 | |||||||||||||||||||
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100% Online
Sale
Basic
$850 $425
Buy Now
What's Included
- ACE University
x
The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, ACE in Action demonstrations, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and your first practice test.
- ACE Certification Exam
Available to take from home
- Practice Tests (1)
x
Prepare for your ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam with ease by taking one (1) untimed practice test. The practice test has 50 multiple choice questions, which you can take as many times as you like. After the practice test, you'll know exactly what you need to spend more time reviewing by receiving a breakdown of your score based on categories covered on the exam. You'll be prepped and exam-ready!
-
x
Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook is the main resource of your study program. This new, all-in-one textbook delivers essential knowledge, case studies and ACE methodologies in an easy to understand way so you can prepare for your exam and use it as a resource as you begin to work with clients and move through your career.
Digital
-
ACE Personal Trainer Study Companion
x
As a supplement to the The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook, the Study Companion focuses on multiple levels of learning through a combination of questions and practical application activities. It will help you not only prepare for your exam with confidence, but also be a knowledgeable and effective personal trainer.
Digital
-
x
Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. ACE Answers Basic includes:
- Answers to common study questions
- Video demonstrations and lectures
- Exam preparation articles
- Facebook study groups
- ACE Exercise Library
- Tools & calculators
- Career forms
Most Popular
Sale
Plus
$945 $472.50
Buy Now
What's Included
- ACE University
x
The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, ACE in Action demonstrations, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and your first practice test.
- ACE Certification Exam
Available to take from home
- Practice Tests (2)
x
Feel fully prepared for your ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam with two (2) practice tests, including 1 untimed and 1 timed practice test that simulates exam day. Each test has 50 multiple choice questions, which you can take as many times as you like. After each practice test, you'll know exactly what you need to spend more time reviewing by receiving a breakdown of your score based on categories covered on the exam. You'll have everything you need to feel confident on exam day!
-
x
Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook is the main resource of your study program. This new, all-in-one textbook delivers essential knowledge, case studies and ACE methodologies in an easy to understand way so you can prepare for your exam and use it as a resource as you begin to work with clients and move through your career.
Digital
Hard Copy
-
ACE Personal Trainer Study Companion
x
As a supplement to the The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook, the Study Companion focuses on multiple levels of learning through a combination of questions and practical application activities. It will help you not only prepare for your exam with confidence, but also be a knowledgeable and effective personal trainer.
Digital
Hard Copy
-
x
Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. Includes access to ACE Answers Basic plus:
Live Q&A Webinars where you can get your questions answered on a variety of topics by an ACE Study Coach. Plus, listen and learn while fellow participants ask questions during these engaging webinars.
Live Q&A Webinars
- Free Standard Shipping (USA only)
- Exercise Science 101
x
A supplemental course designed to support your understanding of the anatomy and physiology concepts that serve as foundational knowledge for your career.
Best Value
Sale
Advantage
$1,175 $587.50
Buy Now
What's Included
- ACE University
x
The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, ACE in Action demonstrations, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and your first practice test.
- ACE Certification Exam
Available to take from home
- Practice Tests (4)
x
Get the ultimate exam prep for your ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam with four (4) practice tests, including 2 untimed and 2 timed practice tests that simulate exam day. Each test has 50 multiple choice questions, which you can take as many times as you like. After each practice test, you'll know exactly what you need to spend more time reviewing by receiving a breakdown of your score based on categories covered on the exam. With so much prep and practice at your fingertips, you'll be more than ready for the exam!
-
x
Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook is the main resource of your study program. This new, all-in-one textbook delivers essential knowledge, case studies and ACE methodologies in an easy to understand way so you can prepare for your exam and use it as a resource as you begin to work with clients and move through your career.
Digital
Hard Copy
Audiobook
-
ACE Personal Trainer Study Companion
x
As a supplement to the The Exercise Professionals Guide to Personal Training textbook, the Study Companion focuses on multiple levels of learning through a combination of questions and practical application activities. It will help you not only prepare for your exam with confidence, but also be a knowledgeable and effective personal trainer.
Digital
Hard Copy
-
x
Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. Includes access to ACE Answers Basic and Plus, as well as:
Facilitated Study Groups where you will stimulate critical thinking and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts vital to your exam and career through peer group discussions led by an ACE Study Coach.
Live Q&A Webinars
Facilitated Study Groups
- Free Expedited Shipping (USA only)
- Exercise Science 101
x
A supplemental course designed to support your understanding of the anatomy and physiology concepts that serve as foundational knowledge for your career.
*Digital eBooks compatible with desktops (Mac & PC), tablets and smartphones (iOS & Android) only. Cannot be printed.
Our Price Promise
Accredited by the NCCA, the gold standard in health and fitness.
|
Accredited by the NCCA, the gold standard in health and fitness. | 100% Online Sale Basic$850 $425 Buy Now | Most Popular Sale Plus$945 $472.50 Buy Now | Best Value Sale Advantage$1,175 $587.50 Buy Now |
*Digital eBooks compatible with desktops (Mac & PC), tablets and smartphones (iOS & Android) only. Cannot be printed.
What you'll learn
The ACE Personal Trainer Study Program gives you the relevant skills to design and apply unique exercise programs based on your clients' goals, abilities and needs.
The program blends evidence-based exercise science with ACE's signature behavior change philosophy, which will set you apart as a compassionate personal trainer who empowers clients to take the lead in their own journey.
The role and scope of practice of personal trainers
Gain understanding of the personal trainer's responsibilities and ethics as well as their role within the healthcare continuum and in allied healthcare-plus the various avenues of career development.
A client-centered approach to personal training
Discover the principles of behavior change, effective communication, goal setting and teaching techniques to create a credible and trusting client-personal trainer relationship that's vital to your client's success.
Assessments, programming and progressions
Create client programs that improve and maintain health, fitness, weight, body composition and metabolism. Learn about heart rate, blood pressure and circumference measurements, which can be used as a baseline for future progress-plus how to apply exercise progressions to help a variety of clients reach their goals.
ACE Integrated Fitness® Model (ACE IFT®)
Become an expert in the ACE IFT® Model, a systematic approach to designing and progressing through exercise programs based on the unique abilities, needs and goals of the client.
ACE Mover Method™
Explore the philosophy designed to empower clients to make behavioral changes toward improved fitness and overall health.
Program modifications for clients with special considerations
Gain understanding of the considerations for clients with various diseases, conditions, injuries or stages in life, including youth, women during pregnancy and older adults.
Get a FREE sneak peek!
See the all-new experience in action
plus get a FREE chapter from the textbook.
Great news! Your FREE Sneak Peek is available.
FAQs
How long will I have to study before I need to sit for the certification exam?
That's up to you! Most people study for around 3-6 months, though many study for longer. One thing to keep in mind is that your exam voucher has a redemption period of 6-months. While you can choose an exam date that's outside of the 6-month redemption period, you'll have to register for the exam before your voucher expires. Most exam sites and online proctoring may post available dates approximately 60 days in advance
Are there any prerequisites before I purchase a study program?
While there are no prerequisites to purchasing a study program, keep in mind that before you can register for the ACE Personal Trainer Exam, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a current adult CPR and AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check.* CPR/AED courses without skills check not accepted.
- *AED only required in USA and Canada
- Have completed high school or the equivalent
See our approved CPR/AED certification training here.
How does the Study Program work?
Depending on which Study Program you choose, based on how you like to learn, you'll have the option of learning through:
- A digital textbook (Basic)
- A hardcopy and digital version of the textbook (Plus)
- A hardcopy, digital and audiobook version of the textbook (Advantage)
With all Study Programs, you'll have access to ACE University (our core learning platform), practice tests, video demonstrations and lectures, exam preparation articles.
With the Plus Study Program, you'll have access to Live Q&A Webinars where you can get your questions by an ACE Study Coach.
And with the Advantage Study Program you have access to both Live Q&A Webinars and our popular Facilitated Study Groups where you will gain a deeper understanding of the concepts vital to your exam and career through peer group discussions led by an ACE Study Coach.
Learn More
What happens if I don't pass the exam on the first time?
While most people do pass the exam on their first time, it's perfectly okay if you don't! Here are some steps you can take if you need to retake your certification exam:
- Determine if you have a retake voucher, which you can find in your MyACE Account. If you don't have one, you can purchase an additional exam at a discounted retake fee via MyACE or by contacting one of our ACE Advisors. This price is valid for one year after your initial test date.
- When choosing a date to retake the exam, we recommend giving yourself about one week of review time for every ten points you are away from a passing score. So if your score is 480 out of a possible 800, for example, (meaning you're 20 points away from the minimum passing score of 500), allow about two weeks of review before your next exam.
- Reflect on your performance and consider any exam topics you felt underprepared to tackle.
- Review your exam score report and compare your domain performance to the Exam Content Outline. Review each domain and determine what areas need improvement.
- Use all your study materials, including videos and exercises, to help build confidence for the exam. Because no two people learn alike, we've provided study material in many different formats, so be sure to use all the resources available to you!
- Consider what went well during your initial studies and what you might do differently.
- Create a game plan for everything you want to do before you retake the exam. Writing down your plan may help create accountability.
- Join the ACE Study Coaches for a live Q&A Webinar or Facilitated Study Group to get your specific questions answered.
What happens after I'm ACE Certified?
CELEBRATE! You've now joined the highly respected ranks of 90,000+ ACE Certified Pros and hold the most recognized certification in the industry. Plus, we'll be providing support and guidance throughout your career, so you'll have access to the exclusive tools and resources you need to thrive as a health and fitness pro. Learn more about why it's great to be ACE Certified here.
Do I have to take the exam again to renew my certification?
No, provided you stay current on your continuing education credits (CECs) and renew on time. That means completing 20 hours of ACE-Approved CECs (2.0 CECs) during your two-year certification renewal cycles, or about 10 hours (1.0 CECs) per year. However, if you don't complete your 2.0 CECs and your certification expires, you will have to retake the exam. To avoid that scenario, check out our continuing education catalog and consider signing up for the CEC Power Pass.
Our ACE Advisors are ready to help you move forward.
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ACE is with you every step of the way
Learn online at your own pace
Gain the knowledge to get certified in as few as 3-6 months with our flexible Study Programs.
Build in-demand skills
Learn the latest exercise science and behavior change methods that people everywhere are seeking.
Put your knowledge into action
Gain practical experience with interactive learning activities and real-world application.
Get on-demand study support
Succeed with the help of ACE Answers, live Q&A and facilitated study groups.
Access lifelong career resources
Get access to exclusive groups, networks and tools, like ACE® Pro Compass, ACE Pro Connect App and the ACE Job Board.
Get the recognition
you deserve
Learn More
American Council on Exercise reserves the right to discontinue the sale or support of any product at any time, to remove, correct, or update content based on current industry standards, guidelines, or technological advances. Notification will be given to those who have purchased such products six months prior to expiration. No refund will be given for expiring products.
