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Why do I need a certification?

If you’re interested in becoming a personal trainer, group fitness instructor or health coach, it’s critical that you first get certified. Earning a certification in tandem with a degree demonstrates your commitment to the health and fitness industry, increasing career advancement, professional growth, clientele reach and earning potential. A certification confirms that you are competent and qualified in a job role similar to other professions such as nursing, athletic training, or pharmacy.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation of certification programs is focused on the quality, validity and reliability of the program, its competency-based assessments, and its ability to differentiate individuals who are qualified to practice in a given profession from those who are not qualified.

Earning an accredited certification provides verification that you have met the criteria to work as a qualified professional.

Download our Why Get Certified brochure to learn more about the importance of certification.


Stand out with an ACE Certification

Earning an ACE Certification will not only deepen your knowledge and expertise in health and fitness, you’ll also be widely respected as being the most qualified professional to coach clients. You’ll hold the most recognized certification in the industry that can lead to the most sought-after opportunities.

From the moment you become ACE Certified, you'll gain access to ongoing support, resources, tools and discounts to help you navigate your career. From exclusive networks to career-building content, you'll have the following resources at your fingertips, to help you thrive as an ACE Certified Pro.

  • ACE Pro Connect App
  • ACE Talks Podcast
  • ACE® Pro Compass
  • ACE Job Board
  • Digital Credentials
  • Profile in the USREPS national registry
  • Free monthly, digital fitness publication
  • Discounted liability insurance
  • Discounts and special offers on clothing, equipment, memberships and more
  • Voice in Washington and state capitals

Download our Why Choose ACE brochure to learn more about the benefits of earning your certification with ACE.


Find the right health and fitness career for you

The knowledge and skills gained from our course materials, combined with the recognition and trust of an ACE Certification, will qualify you to pursue entrepreneurship and many career opportunities in various settings, including gyms, health clubs, corporations, hospitals, community centers, universities, etc.

Just some of what you can do:

  • Virtual Coach/Online Trainer
  • Gym Owner
  • Athletic Coach
  • Director of Fitness
  • Outdoor Class Coach
  • Rec Center Group Exercise Coordinator
  • Youth Program Coach
  • Group Exercise Instructor (Yoga, Pilates, Cycling, Senior Fitness)
  • Virtual Wellness Coach
  • Nutrition Coach
  • Corporate Wellness Coach
  • Behavioral Health Case Manager

Download our Fitness Careers brochure to learn more about job opportunities available to you.


Get to know ACE

With 90,000+ ACE Certified Professionals, ACE offers the most recognized certification in the industry. Our course materials are accessible, convenient and designed with students like you in mind so you can receive the most current, highest quality education on your terms.

90,000+ ACE Certified Pros

Join the largest certifier in health & fitness for over 35 years.

NCCA Accreditation

Stand out to employers with the most trusted credential.

Global Mission

Make an impact with a leading non-profit that advocates for you.

96% Satisfaction Rate

Be part of a family that supports you throughout your career.

Download our Why Get Certified brochure to learn more about the importance of certification.

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Download our Why Choose ACE brochure to learn more about the benefits of earning your certification with ACE.

Download >

Questions?

Email national.accounts@ACEfitness.org
or call 888.519.9841 Option 7

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.