Math on the ACE Exam

Wait a minute, there’s math on the exam? And I’m not allowed to bring a calculator?

With the ACE exams, candidates are not allowed to bring a calculator into the exam.  This is true for both the paper and pencil exams, as well as the computer based exams. Many people spend a lot of time worrying about this –‘I haven’t taken math since high school’ or ‘I can’t even count my change without a calculator. How am I supposed to figure out percent fat?’

 You are not expected to memorize long, complicated formulas such as the Jackson Pollock Skinfold formula or the body density formula for this exam.  In ‘real world’ practice you would most likely utilize a computer program or calculator to determine that answer. However, you do need to be able to perform basic math and algebra, and work with percentages. This includes knowing how to determine heart rate and body mass index. Knowing the formula for VO2 (Vo2 = Q x A-Vo2 diff) and being able to plug in the correct numbers, looking at a food label and calculating percent calories from fat or carbohydrates are all examples of the types of formulas you might encounter on the personal trainer exam.

So what if you haven’t thought about math for years? Haven’t practiced long division since grade school? You can always consider the ACE Fitness Math online course. It’s a good refresher of the basics. We also have a sheet of Helpful Formulas you can utilize (but remember - it isn't a list of all formulas you might encounter).

Other questions? You can contact an Education Consultant at 1-888-825-3636 x782.