Asset 19 angle-down-bold angle-left-bold angle-right-bold angle-up-bold Asset 10 certifications Asset 14 close-bold close Asset 8 Asset 12 menu Asset 18 Asset 17 Asset 6 Asset 16 Asset 9 Asset 15 Asset 11 Asset 13

Get answers to all your questions!

Things like:

How long is the program?
Is the program and exam online?
What makes ACE's program different?

Call (888) 825-3636 or Chat chat icon now!

How to become a Certified
Group Fitness Instructor

3 Steps to your future career.

The surge in group fitness popularity, captivating over 22.1 million participants each year, has opened up exciting career paths in the fitness industry. The demand for skilled and versatile group fitness instructors is on the rise, paralleling the expanding array of group fitness modalities available to teach.

If you are looking to launch a career leading groups of people toward better health through high-energy fitness experiences, group fitness instruction is for you! Here are three steps that will lead you to a flexible career as an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

Choose a Certification Study Program

Not all certifications are created equal. Don't be fooled! When researching certifications, always verify that the certification is accredited. ACE Certifications are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), renowned as the gold standard in health and fitness. Accreditation shows that you've met the highest standards and are qualified to work as a professional. This will give you the respect you deserve and allow you to stand out when you're ready to start training.

ACE offers three group fitness instructor study programs for you to choose from, each providing you with the relevant skills to design and deliver dynamic, inclusive and memorable classes across the countless variations and opportunities that group fitness has to offer. If you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can skip to step three.

If you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can register here.

Start Learning

Once you've chosen your study program, it's time to start learning! Offering a variety of ways to learn, the Group Fitness Instructor Study Program is like no other. You have complete control of when, how and where you learn evidence-based fundamentals of group fitness instruction.

Centered around ACE University, our intuitive learning platform, the content is delivered through comprehensible text, charts, graphics and videos, as well as online activities, practice tests and on-demand study support. With the ACE Study Dashboard, you will have quick access to all of your study tools and be guided by progress indicators, smart notifications and alerts, calendars and reminders. Designed for all learning styles, the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Study Program is flexible and self-paced, taking most just 3-6 months to complete.

Pass the exam and start your dream job

The ACE Certification Exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn a certification. Prior to taking the exam, you must meet certain prerequisites.

The exam can be conveniently taken online or at a testing center near you and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. A passing score of 500 or greater is required to earn the mark of certification.

After passing the exam, you will earn a respected credential, setting you on a compelling new career path, impacting the lives of many!

Please note that purchasing ACE Study Material is not required in order to register for or pass the exam.

Earning your ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification is just the start!

ACE offers more courses than ever to build your ongoing career skills and open doors to the MANY IN-DEMAND group fitness modalities available to teach, including:

  • Dance Fitness
  • Strength Training
  • Cardio Training
  • Yoga
  • Indoor Cycling
  • Aerobics
  • HIIT
  • Kickboxing
  • Sports Performance
  • Pilates
  • Martial Arts
  • Boot Camp
  • Tai Chi
  • Barre
  • Aquatic Exercise

Get a FREE sneak peek!

See the all-new learning experience in action
plus get a free chapter from the textbook.

Great news! Your FREE Sneak Peek is available.

Step 1:

Watch the Course Preview Video

Step 2:

Download the Chapter Preview

Get ongoing support and guidance throughout your career

As an ACE Certified Pro, you will get access to exclusive tools and resources to assure you thrive at every stage of your career, including:

  • ACE Pro Connect App
  • ACE® Pro Compass
  • ACE Job Board
  • Special industry discounts
  • Top-rated education opportunities
  • And more!
Learn More Here

Build in-demand skills and earn CECs

With ACE, you can maintain your certification and create the career you want with hundreds of courses, webinars, Specialist Programs and more. And with CEC Power Pass you can access unlimited learning, for maximum impact.

See What's Possible

Ready to get started?

Become an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
and join a community of 90,000+ ACE Certified Pros!

View Study Programs

Group Fitness Instructor Requirements

To be eligible for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Have completed high school (or the equivalent).
  • Hold a current CPR/AED certification with a live skills check.
  • Present a current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID).

Questions? Contact us at (888) 825-3636.