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Ready to get moving?
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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
Personal Trainer 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 $595 Buy Now | Most Popular Sale Plus$945 $661.50 Buy Now | Best Value Sale Advantage$1,175 $822.50 Buy Now |
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100% Online
Sale
Basic
$850 $595
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.
-
x
You have two options for your ACE Personal Trainer Exam:
- ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) – included with all study programs is a 100% online, open-book exam. This is a non-accredited certificate program.
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) – choose from an in-person proctored exam at a location near you, or an online exam through a Live Remote Proctor.
Learn more about Live Remote Proctor here.
ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam
(Non-proctored)x
Included with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Personal Training Certificate.
See AlsoCaitlin Clark and Indiana Fever edge Angel Reese and Chicago Sky for first home win, 71-70Caitlin Clark and Indiana Fever edge Angel Reese and Chicago Sky for first home win, 71-70Your Medicare coverage choicesUpon completion you will earn:
- An ACE Personal Training Certificate
- Digital credentials to display online
- The designations of:
- ACE Personal Trainer
- ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
Exam details:
- 100% online, open-book exam
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 3 hours to complete
- Unlimited attempts to pass
- Take whenever you're ready, no expiration date
- Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
- Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass
ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam
(NCCA-accredited)x
Available for JUST $99.00 as an optional add-on with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification–the highest level of excellence.
Upon completion you will earn:
- An NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification
- Digital credentials to display online
- The designations of:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
- Profile information on the Find an ACE Pro web page directory
- Recognition on the U.S. Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS.org)
Exam details:
- In-person or online, live proctored exam
- 150 multiple choice questions
- 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete
- Retake available
- Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
- Requires a score of 500 or greater to pass
- Practice Tests (1)
x
Test your readiness to take the ACE Personal Trainer Exam. Number of tests vary based on your Study Program from one (1) to four (4). Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.
-
x
Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professional's 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 efficiently 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 Exercise Professional's 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 $661.50
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.
-
x
You have two options for your ACE Personal Trainer Exam:
- ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) – included with all study programs is a 100% online, open-book exam. This is a non-accredited certificate program.
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) – choose from an in-person proctored exam at a location near you, or an online exam through a Live Remote Proctor.
Learn more about Live Remote Proctor here.
ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam
(Non-proctored)x
Included with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Personal Training Certificate.
Upon completion you will earn:
- An ACE Personal Training Certificate
- Digital credentials to display online
- The designations of:
- ACE Personal Trainer
- ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
Exam details:
- 100% online, open-book exam
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 3 hours to complete
- Unlimited attempts to pass
- Take whenever you're ready, no expiration date
- Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
- Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass
ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam
(NCCA-accredited)x
Available for JUST $99.00 as an optional add-on with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification–the highest level of excellence.
Upon completion you will earn:
- An NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification
- Digital credentials to display online
- The designations of:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
- Profile information on the Find an ACE Pro web page directory
- Recognition on the U.S. Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS.org)
Exam details:
- In-person or online, live proctored exam
- 150 multiple choice questions
- 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete
- Retake available
- Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
- Requires a score of 500 or greater to pass
- Practice Tests (2)
x
Test your readiness to take the ACE Personal Trainer Exam. Number of tests vary based on your Study Program from one (1) to four (4). Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.
-
x
Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professional's 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 efficiently 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 Exercise Professional's 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
This is a supplemental course designed to support your understanding of the anatomy and physiology concepts that serve as foundational knowledge for your career.
The course is divided into convenient modules, so you can study more efficiently and effectively. It includes video lectures that will clarify more complex topics and learning activities that will help you practice these concepts in real time. A quiz is also included to help you test your knowledge.
Best Value
Sale
Advantage
$1,175 $822.50
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.
-
x
You have two options for your ACE Personal Trainer Exam:
- ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) – included with all study programs is a 100% online, open-book exam. This is a non-accredited certificate program.
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) – choose from an in-person proctored exam at a location near you, or an online exam through a Live Remote Proctor.
Learn more about Live Remote Proctor here.
ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam
(Non-proctored)x
Included with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Personal Training Certificate.
Upon completion you will earn:
- An ACE Personal Training Certificate
- Digital credentials to display online
- The designations of:
- ACE Personal Trainer
- ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
Exam details:
- 100% online, open-book exam
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 3 hours to complete
- Unlimited attempts to pass
- Take whenever you're ready, no expiration date
- Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
- Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass
ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam
(NCCA-accredited)x
Available for JUST $99.00 as an optional add-on with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification–the highest level of excellence.
Upon completion you will earn:
- An NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification
- Digital credentials to display online
- The designations of:
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
- ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
- Profile information on the Find an ACE Pro web page directory
- Recognition on the U.S. Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS.org)
Exam details:
- In-person or online, live proctored exam
- 150 multiple choice questions
- 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete
- Retake available
- Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
- Requires a score of 500 or greater to pass
- Practice Tests (4)
x
Test your readiness to take the ACE Personal Trainer Exam. Number of tests vary based on your Study Program from one (1) to four (4). Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.
-
x
Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professional's 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 efficiently 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 Exercise Professional's 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
This is a supplemental course designed to support your understanding of the anatomy and physiology concepts that serve as foundational knowledge for your career.
The course is divided into convenient modules, so you can study more efficiently and effectively. It includes video lectures that will clarify more complex topics and learning activities that will help you practice these concepts in real time. A quiz is also included to help you test your knowledge.
*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 $595 Buy Now | Most Popular Sale Plus$945 $661.50 Buy Now | Best Value Sale Advantage$1,175 $822.50 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 the ACE Mover Method, our 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®) and ACE Mover Method
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. Program design begins with client collaboration, with the ACE Mover Method playing a crucial role. By employing effective behavior-change coaching tools, the ABC Approach enables ACE Pros to empower their clients as active participants in achieving lasting lifestyle changes.
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.
Want a FREE sneak peek
of the ACE Personal Trainer
Study Program?
See the learning 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 exam?
That depends on the type of exam you choose and your pace of study. Most people study for 3-6 months.
For the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored), it's 100% online and open-book. Because of this, you may be inclined to take the exam sooner. You have 3 hours to complete this exam and unlimited attempts until you pass with 70% or greater.
For the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited), you can choose either an in-person proctored exam or an online exam with a Live Remote Proctor. You can register and pay the proctoring fee for this exam through your My ACE Account. You have 1 hour and 50 minutes to complete this exam with a score of 500 or greater to earn the mark of certification.
Make sure to check with your employer or future employer and choose the type of credential that meets their requirements.
Are there any prerequisites before I purchase a study program?
While there are no prerequisites to purchasing a study program, before you can take the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have 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 See our approved CPR/AED certification training here
If you plan to take the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) 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 See our approved CPR/AED certification training here
- Have completed high school diploma or the equivalent
- Pay the proctoring fee (not included in the study program price)
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) which includes practice tests, video demonstrations and lectures, and exam preparation tips.
With the Plus Study Program, you'll have access to Live Q&A Webinars where you can get your questions answered 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! Below are some steps you can take if you need to retake either exam type.
ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored)
- Reflect on your exam performance, focusing on areas where you felt unprepared.
- Utilize all study materials, including videos and exercises, to boost confidence for the exam. We offer diverse formats to cater to different learning styles, so make the most of all resources.
- Make the most of your practice tests by leveraging the specific feedback provided for incorrect answers, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where to direct your focus during your studies.
- Evaluate what worked well in your initial study approach and identify areas for improvement.
- Develop a comprehensive plan for your exam retake. Writing down your plan can enhance accountability.
- Participate in a Live Q&A Webinar lead by an ACE Study Coach or a Facilitated Study Group to address your specific questions.
ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited)
- When scheduling your retake, allow approximately one week of review time for every ten points you are below the passing score. For example, if your score is 480 out of 800 (20 points below the passing score of 500), aim for about two weeks of review before your next exam.
- Reflect on your exam performance, focusing on areas where you felt unprepared.
- Review your exam score report and compare your performance in each domain to the Exam Content Outline. Identify areas that need improvement.
- Use all available study materials, such as videos and exercises, to boost your confidence for the exam. We offer various formats to accommodate different learning styles.
- Make the most of your practice tests by leveraging the specific feedback provided for incorrect answers, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where to direct your focus during your studies.
- Evaluate what worked well in your initial study approach and what changes you might make.
- Develop a detailed plan for everything you need to do before retaking the exam. Writing down your plan can help you stay accountable.
- Participate in a Live Q&A Webinar lead by an ACE Study Coach or a Facilitated Study Group to address your specific questions.
What happens after I have passed the exam?
CELEBRATE! You've now joined the highly respected ranks of 90,000+ ACE Pros and are now ready to change lives as a Personal Trainer.
After passing the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) you will have attained the level of competence necessary to earn:
- An ACE Personal Training Certificate of Completion
- A digital badge to display online
- The designations of ACE Personal Trainer and ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
- Access the ACE Job Board for the best opportunities
After passing the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) you will hold the most recognized certification in the industry and have meet the level of competence necessary to earn:
- An NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification—the highest standard of excellence
- A digital badge to display online
- The designations of ACE Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Pro
- Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
- Access the ACE Job Board for the best opportunities
As an ACE Pro, you will gain exclusive access to industry-best tools and resources to support and guide you throughout your career. Learn more about why it's great to be an ACE Pro here.
Do I have to take the exam again to renew my credential?
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 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
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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.
