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
ACE Fitness

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!

Person training a client in a gym

Choose your credential
pathway to becoming a Personal Trainer or
Group Fitness Instructor

Start your journey with an ACE Study Program—your pathway to obtaining a certificate that demonstrates your knowledge and readiness to begin pursuing personal training. Go even further by earning an NCCA-accredited Certification, recognized by top gyms and health clubs as the highest credential in the field.

Compare Pathways

ACE Study Programs equip you with the foundational knowledge and practical skills to help clients thrive.

Education for Impact

Gain the knowledge to design and deliver personalized exercise programs.

Dynamic Learning Experience

Put your skills into action through a multimodal learning approach.

Study Support Anytime

Receive on-demand study support to help you prepare for your exam.

Career Growth Resources

Unlock access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support guidance and tools.

Credential pathways

Launch your path with an ACE Certificate or pursue an NCAA-accredited Certification.

ACE Accredited

ACE Certificate

Ideal for those exploring personal training or group fitness as a potential career; this is a great path to get you on your way to working in health & fitness, allowing for future growth.

  • The designation of ACE Personal Trainer or ACE Group Fitness Instructor
  • Profile information on the Find an ACE Pro web page directory
Validation ACE-backed
Exam format Online, open-book
Accepted by employers Limited
Included with ACE Study Programs
Number of questions 100 (multiple choice)
Retake options Unlimited attempts at no additional cost
Passing grade Requires a score of 70% or greater
CPR/AED Required
Cost Included with all Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor Study Programs
NCCA Accredited

NCCA-accredited Certification

Ideal for those ready to make personal training or group fitness their profession, this is a great path to a next-level career with top facilities and higher earning potential.

  • The designation of ACE Certified Personal Trainer or ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
  • Profile information on the Find an ACE Pro web page directory
  • Recognition on the U.S. Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS.org)
Validation NCCA-accredited
Exam format Online or In-person, closed-book, live proctor
Accepted by employers Widely recognized as industry standard
Included with ACE Study Programs
Personal Trainer (registration fee applies)
Group Fitness
Number of questions 150 (multiple choice)
Retake options Available for a fee
Passing grade Requires a score of 500 or greater
CPR/AED Required
Cost Included with all Group Fitness Instructor Study Programs

Registration fee of $99 with all Personal Trainer Study Programs ($499 if purchased without a Study Program)

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

The credential choice is up to you

Most choose to start with the ACE Certificate and level up to the NCCA-accredited Certification when ready.

Become A Personal Trainer Become a Group Fitness Instructor

ACE Certificate - Employers Info

Check with potential employers before choosing this pathway.

NCCA-accredited Certification - Retake Info

If you do not pass on your first attempt, you can retake the exam for a fee as soon as 4 days from the first attempt; however, we recommend that you schedule the retake exam based on a realistic timeframe and on how close or far away you were from the passing point.

NCCA-accredited Certification - Exam Purchase Info

With the purchase of an ACE Study Program, the NCCA-accredited Exam is always available for purchase at the discounted rate, at any time. This offer never expires.

($499 if purchased without a Study Program)