Personal Trainer Certification

Cedric Bryant, PhD, Chief Science Officer for the American Council on Exercise® introduces you to the ACE Personal Trainer Certification.

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Study Wizard

Answer a few questions online and our Study Wizard will recommend the study materials that are best for you to successfully prepare for the Personal Trainer Certification Exam.

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Colleges & Universities

Looking for a college, university or vocational school that offers courses that prepare students for earning an ACE certification? Discover which institutions offer the ACE curriculum and host exams.

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Exam Preparation Blog

Get study tips and gain insight, motivation and confidence from staff here at ACE and learn from others currently studying for the ACE certification exam.

• But what if I'm not ready?
• Food labels and you
• Desired Body Weight: How to get there from here
• The Weighty Subject of Body Composition

View All Exam Prep Blog Posts »

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Becoming an ACE-Certified Personal Trainer

The ACE Personal Trainer Certification is continually evaluated and updated to ensure that it includes the most current research in exercise science and keeps today's fitness professionals ahead of the competition. Upon successful completion of the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam, you will have demonstrated your knowledge of:

• Risk factor screening
• Fitness assessment
• Nutrition
• Exercise science
• Exercise programming and progressions
• Instructional and spotting techniques
• Lifestyle modification
• Professional scope of practice

 

Am I Eligible to Be an ACE-certified Personal Trainer?

To take the Personal Trainer Certification Exam:

• You must be at least 18 years of age.
• You must hold a current adult CPR and AED certificate.
  • You may sit for the live pencil and paper exam without proof of CPR and AED; however, you will not receive your results until you provide current CPR and AED information.
  • You must have a current CPR and AED certificate when registering for the computer-based exam that does not expire prior to the exam date.
  • CPR and AED certificates must include a live skills check component. Online only certificates, without a live skills check, are not accepted.
  • ACE exam candidates outside of the United States and Canada are required to hold only a current CPR certificate due to differing international laws regarding AED usage.

 

Professional Benefits

Holding a Personal Trainer Certification from the world's largest nonprofit fitness certification organization has its perks. From the credibility you receive with this NCCA-accredited credential to exclusive discounts on products like liability insurance you’ll enjoy a wide variety of professional benefits.

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I’m Ready! Where Do I Start?

We’ll help guide you along these steps to become an ACE-certified Personal Trainer.

1. Buy your study materials.
2. Study for the exam.
3. Register for the exam.
4. Take the exam.

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Additional Resources

A Day in the Life

There is much more to being an ACE-certified Personal Trainer than studying for and passing a comprehensive exam. Read what a day is like for a real-life Personal Trainer.

 

Career Salary

More than 2,800 people answered our 2005 Salary Survey, providing an intriguing glimpse into the fitness industry.

 

Success Stories

These tales of triumph and dedication will motivate and encourage you on your personal journey to a successful career in the fitness industry!

 

ACE Code of Ethics

ACE-certified professionals are guided by the American Council on Exercise's principles of professional conduct, the Code of Ethics.