To become an ACE Personal Trainer, you must pass one of two exams:

Before you can take the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) you must:

• Be at least 16 years of age
• Have a current adult CPR and AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check.* CPR/AED courses without skills check not accepted.
• *AED only required in USA and Canada (See our approved CPR/AED certification training)

If you plan to take the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a current adult CPR and AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check.* CPR/AED courses without skills check not accepted.
• *AED only required in USA and Canada (See our approved CPR/AED certification training)
• Have completed high school diploma or the equivalent
• Pay the proctoring fee (not included in the study program price)

Depending on which Study Program you choose, based on how you like to learn, you'll have the option of learning through:

1. A digital textbook (Basic)
2. A hardcopy and digital version of the textbook (Plus)
3. A hardcopy, digital and audiobook version of the textbook (Advantage)

With all Personal Trainer Certification Programs, you'll have access to ACE University (our core learning platform) which includes practice tests, video demonstrations and lectures, and exam preparation tips.

With the Plus Personal Trainer Certification Program, you'll have access to Live Q&A Webinars where you can get your questions answered by an ACE Study Coach.

And with the Advantage Personal Trainer Certification Program you have access to both Live Q&A Webinars and our popular Facilitated Study Groups where you will gain a deeper understanding of the concepts vital to your exam and career through peer group discussions led by an ACE Study Coach.

The time required to complete the ACE Personal Trainer Certification program varies based on the exam type you choose, individual study habits and schedules; however, most candidates finish the program within three to six months.

For the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored), it's 100% online and open-book. Because of this, you may be inclined to take the exam sooner. You have 3 hours to complete this exam and unlimited attempts until you pass with 70% or greater.

For the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited), you can choose either an in-person proctored exam or an online exam with a Live Remote Proctor. You can register and pay the proctoring fee for this exam through your My ACE Account. You have 3 hours to complete this exam with a score of 500 or greater to earn the mark of certification.

Make sure to check with your employer or future employer and choose the type of credential that meets their requirements.

While most people do pass the exam on their first time, it's perfectly okay if you don't! Below are some steps you can take if you need to retake either exam type.

ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored)

1. Reflect on your exam performance, focusing on areas where you felt unprepared.
2. Utilize all study materials, including videos and exercises, to boost confidence for the exam. We offer diverse formats to cater to different learning styles, so make the most of all resources.
3. Make the most of your practice tests by leveraging the specific feedback provided for incorrect answers, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where to direct your focus during your studies.
4. Evaluate what worked well in your initial study approach and identify areas for improvement.
5. Develop a comprehensive plan for your exam retake. Writing down your plan can enhance accountability.
6. Participate in a Live Q&A Webinar lead by an ACE Study Coach or a Facilitated Study Group to address your specific questions.

ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited)

1. When scheduling your retake, allow approximately one week of review time for every ten points you are below the passing score. For example, if your score is 480 out of 800 (20 points below the passing score of 500), aim for about two weeks of review before your next exam.
2. Reflect on your exam performance, focusing on areas where you felt unprepared.
3. Review your exam score report and compare your performance in each domain to the Exam Content Outline. Identify areas that need improvement.
4. Use all available study materials, such as videos and exercises, to boost your confidence for the exam. We offer various formats to accommodate different learning styles.
5. Make the most of your practice tests by leveraging the specific feedback provided for incorrect answers, allowing you to pinpoint exactly where to direct your focus during your studies.
6. Evaluate what worked well in your initial study approach and what changes you might make.
7. Develop a detailed plan for everything you need to do before retaking the exam. Writing down your plan can help you stay accountable.
8. Participate in a Live Q&A Webinar lead by an ACE Study Coach or a Facilitated Study Group to address your specific questions.

CELEBRATE! You've now joined the highly respected ranks of 90,000+ ACE Pros and are now ready to change lives as a Personal Trainer.

After passing the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) you will have attained the level of competence necessary to earn:

• An ACE Personal Training Certificate of Completion
• A digital badge to display online
• The designations of ACE Personal Trainer and ACE Pro
• Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
• Access the ACE Job Board for the best opportunities

After passing the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) you will hold the most recognized certification in the industry and have meet the level of competence necessary to earn:

• An NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification—the highest standard of excellence
• A digital badge to display online
• The designations of ACE Certified Personal Trainer and ACE Pro
• Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
• Access the ACE Job Board for the best opportunities

As an ACE Pro, you will gain exclusive access to industry-best tools and resources to support and guide you throughout your career. Learn more about why it's great to be an ACE Pro here.

No, provided you stay current on your continuing education credits (CECs) and renew on time. That means completing 20 hours of ACE-Approved CECs (2.0 CECs) during your two-year certification renewal cycles, or about 10 hours (1.0 CECs) per year. However, if you don't complete your 2.0 CECs and your certification expires, you will have to retake the exam. To avoid that scenario, check out our continuing education catalog and consider signing up for CEC Power Pass.

Yes, the ACE Personal Trainer Certification is recognized worldwide. Please check with your employer to ensure you meet their requirements.