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Lead memorable classes
as an ACE Certified
Group Fitness Instructor

Ready to get moving?

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Ready to get moving?

Compare Programs

Earn the most recognized
certification that opens doors

Here are just a few of the MANY IN-DEMAND CLASSES you can teach:

  • 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 paid to do what you love!

Up to

$85/hr

according to Glassdoor.com

14%

expected increase

in Group Fitness Instructor Employment between 2022-2032

U.S. Department of Labor

Your path to a rewarding career

1

Choose your
Study Program

Compare Programs
2

Start your
online learning

See How You'll Learn
3

Pass your
Certification Exam

View Prerequisites

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

90,000 ACE Certified Pros, 35 Million Lives Moved!

ACE Certifications are unmatched! I've been proudly certified as an ACE Group Fitness Instructor for over 8 years. The study program is extremely helpful to succeed in your learning and work with clients. I highly recommend ACE to anyone just getting started or looking to take their career to the next level!

Reena Vokoun

ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor

ACE is a highly reputable, accredited organization in group fitness, and I wanted the best certification around. I knew holding an ACE Certification would open important doors in my career. Getting certified with ACE is one of the best professional decisions I have ever made.

Catherine Raymond

ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor

ACE is the organization that everyone knows and respects and I wanted a certification that is both accredited and held in the highest regard. I can go anywhere and people in the industry know and respect my ACE Certification.

Michelle Basta Speers

ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Choose your Study Program

96% satisfaction rate!

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Most Popular
Sale

Basic

$449 $291.85

Sale

Plus

$599 $389.35

Best Value
Sale

Advantage

$749 $486.85

Feature      
ACE University
Online study dashboard      
Video lectures & demonstrations      
NEW! Learning Activities      
Chapter Quizzes      
Offering Group Fitness Classes in Diverse Settings      
NEW! ACE RRAMP Approach      
ACE Certification Exam
MORE! Practice Tests 1 3 4
NEW! ACE Group Fitness Instructor Textbook      
Digital
Hardcopy
NEW! Audiobook
ACE Answers Study Support      
Live Q&A Webinars
NEW! Section Quizzes
Exercise Science 101
Free Standard Shipping (USA Only)
Most Popular
Sale

Basic

$449 $291.85

What's Included
  • ACE University
    • x

      The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, chapter summaries, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and a special exam prep module.

    • Online study dashboard
    • Video lectures & demonstrations
    • NEW! Learning activities
    • Chapter quizzes
    • Offering Group Fitness Classes in Diverse Settings
    • NEW! ACE RRAMP Approach
  • ACE Certification Exam
  • Practice Test (1)
    x

    Test your readiness to take the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam. Number of tests vary and may be timed or untimed based on your Study Program. Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.

  • NEW! ACE Group Fitness Instructor Textbook
    x

    Updated with the latest research and packed with time-tested strategies, The Exercise Professional's Guide to Group Fitness Instruction delivers everything you'll need to create a dynamic class environment that is full of highly engaged participants–no matter the setting or type of class.

    Hardcopy versions of the textbook are included in the Plus & Advantage Study Programs. The Audiobook is included in the Advantage Study Program.

    Digital
Sale

Plus

$599 $389.35

What's Included
  • ACE University
    • x

      The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, chapter summaries, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and a special exam prep module.

    • Online study dashboard
    • Video lectures & demonstrations
    • NEW! Learning activities
    • Chapter quizzes
    • Offering Group Fitness Classes in Diverse Settings
    • NEW! ACE RRAMP Approach
  • ACE Certification Exam
  • Practice Tests (3)
    x

    Test your readiness to take the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam. Number of tests vary and may be timed or untimed based on your Study Program. Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.

  • NEW! ACE Group Fitness Instructor Textbook
    x

    Updated with the latest research and packed with time-tested strategies, The Exercise Professional's Guide to Group Fitness Instruction delivers everything you'll need to create a dynamic class environment that is full of highly engaged participants–no matter the setting or type of class.

    Hardcopy versions of the textbook are included in the Plus & Advantage Study Programs. The Audiobook is included in the Advantage Study Program.

    Digital
    Hard Copy
  • ACE Answers Study Support
    x

    Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. Includes access to ACE Answers Basic plus:

    Live Q&A Webinars where you can get your questions answered on a variety of topics by an ACE Study Coach. Plus, listen and learn while fellow participants ask questions during these engaging webinars.

    Live Q&A Webinars
  • Free Standard Shipping (USA only)
Best Value
Sale

Advantage

$749 $486.85

What's Included
  • ACE University
    • x

      The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, chapter summaries, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and a special exam prep module.

    • Online study dashboard
    • Video lectures & demonstrations
    • NEW! Learning activities
    • Chapter quizzes
    • Offering Group Fitness Classes in Diverse Settings
    • NEW! ACE RRAMP Approach
  • ACE Certification Exam
  • Practice Tests (4)
    x

    Test your readiness to take the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam. Number of tests vary and may be timed or untimed based on your Study Program. Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.

  • NEW! ACE Group Fitness Instructor Textbook
    x

    Updated with the latest research and packed with time-tested strategies, The Exercise Professional's Guide to Group Fitness Instruction delivers everything you'll need to create a dynamic class environment that is full of highly engaged participants–no matter the setting or type of class.

    Hardcopy versions of the textbook are included in the Plus & Advantage Study Programs. The Audiobook is included in the Advantage Study Program.

    Digital
    Hard Copy
    NEW! Audiobook
  • ACE Answers Study Support
    x

    Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers. Includes access to ACE Answers Basic plus:

    Live Q&A Webinars where you can get your questions answered on a variety of topics by an ACE Study Coach. Plus, listen and learn while fellow participants ask questions during these engaging webinars.

    Live Q&A Webinars
  • NEW! Section Quizzes
    x

    New quizzes help reinforce the course material from each section of the study program–so you can easily identify the topics you've already mastered and which to revisit before your exam.

  • Exercise Science 101
    x

    A supplemental course designed to support your understanding of the anatomy and physiology concepts that serve as foundational knowledge for your career.

  • Free Standard Shipping (USA only)

*Digital eBooks compatible with desktops (Mac & PC), tablets and smartphones (iOS & Android) only. Cannot be printed.

Accredited by the NCCA, the gold standard in health and fitness.

*Digital eBooks compatible with desktops (Mac & PC), tablets and smartphones (iOS & Android) only. Cannot be printed.

What you'll learn

The NEW & IMPROVED ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Study Program will prepare you to lead memorable classes across the countless variations and opportunities that group fitness has to offer. You will gain the skills to deliver dynamic classes that are inclusive and full of highly engaged participants.

Packed with exercise programming, motivation techniques, music selection, safety considerations and more, the program brings an application-based approach to training that will equip you with the latest instructional techniques, coaching skills and leadership strategies that are necessary to deliver effective and enjoyable classes. The program blends foundational, evidence-based knowledge of group fitness with the ACE behavior-change philosophy, which will set you apart as a compassionate and empowering group fitness instructor, allowing you to establish a long and rewarding career in the fitness industry.

Group Fitness Instructor Study Materials
Video Demonstrations
Video
Demonstrations
Learning Activities
Learning
Activities
Recorded Webinars
Recorded
Webinars
Chapter Quizzes
Chapter
Quizzes
Practice Tests
Practice
Tests
ACE Answers Study Support
ACE Answers
Study Support

Gain an understanding of the role and scope of a Group Fitness Instructor, exercise and behavior-change principles, and the foundations of movement and healthy eating.

Learn choreographic methods and the basic components of a group fitness class; key considerations regarding apparel, equipment, and music; program design, including structuring and sequencing movements and developing a class blueprint; and onsite procedures and responsibilities.

Learn about participation centered instruction, including participant learning styles and the teaching of multilevel classes; teaching techniques and styles, including cueing strategies and leadership considerations; the specific considerations stemming from teaching classes outdoors and online; and working with participants with health considerations ranging from cardiac conditions to low-back pain.

Gain an understanding of class participant safety including injuries and medical emergencies, as well as the legal and professional guidelines that all Group Fitness Instructors must consider.

The groundbreaking ACE RRAMP Approach empowers participants to improve health, fitness and overall quality of life by creating a climate that fosters success. An acronym for respect, recognition, alignment, mistakes and participant–you'll gain a practical tool to use before, during and after class sessions to recognize and serve everyone who shows up to participate, optimizing the group experience and maximizing adherence and motivation.

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

FAQs

That's up to you! Most people study for around 3-6 months, though many study for longer. One thing to keep in mind is that your exam voucher has a redemption period of 6-months. While you can choose an exam date that's outside of the 6-month redemption period, you'll have to register for the exam before your voucher expires. Most exam sites and online proctoring may post available dates approximately 60 days in advance.

While there are no prerequisites to purchasing a study program, keep in mind that before you can register for the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Exam, 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
  • Have completed high school or the equivalent

See our approved CPR/AED certification training here.

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

With all Study Programs, you'll have access to ACE University (our core learning platform) and practice test(s).

With the Plus Study Program, you'll have access to three practice tests and to Live Q&A Webinars.

And with the Advantage Study Program you have access to four practice tests, Live Q&A Webinars, Section Quizzes and Exercise Science 101.

Learn More

While most people do pass the exam on their first time, it's perfectly okay if you don't! Here are some steps you can take if you need to retake your certification exam:

  1. Determine if you have a retake voucher, which you can find in your MyACE Account. If you don't have one, you can purchase an additional exam at a discounted retake fee via MyACE or by contacting one of our ACE Advisors. This price is valid for one year after your initial test date.
  2. When choosing a date to retake the exam, we recommend giving yourself about one week of review time for every ten points you are away from a passing score. So if your score is 480 out of a possible 800, for example, (meaning you're 20 points away from the minimum passing score of 500), allow about two weeks of review before your next exam.
  3. Reflect on your performance and consider any exam topics you felt underprepared to tackle.
  4. Review your exam score report and compare your domain performance to the Exam Content Outline. Review each domain and determine what areas need improvement.
  5. Use all your study materials, including videos and exercises, to help build confidence for the exam. Because no two people learn alike, we've provided study material in many different formats, so be sure to use all the resources available to you!
  6. Consider what went well during your initial studies and what you might do differently.
  7. Create a game plan for everything you want to do before you retake the exam. Writing down your plan may help create accountability.
  8. Join the ACE Study Coaches for a live Q&A Webinar to get your specific questions answered.

After becoming an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor, you'll have a strong foundational understanding of how to lead, instruct, and design classes across a wide range of modalities. Many ACE Certified Pros also choose to continue their education by taking additional courses that focus on just one modality, such as Indoor Cycling, Yoga, or Pilates, just to name a few.

CELEBRATE! You've now joined the highly respected ranks of 90,000+ ACE Certified Pros and hold the most recognized certification in the industry. Plus, we'll be providing support and guidance throughout your career, so you'll have access to the exclusive tools and resources you need to thrive as a health and fitness pro. Learn more about why it's great to be ACE Certified 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 the CEC Power Pass.

Have questions?

Our ACE Advisors are ready to help you move forward.

ACE is with you every step of the way

Learn online at your own pace

Gain the knowledge to get certified in as few as 3-6 months with our flexible Study Programs.

Build in-demand skills

Learn the latest exercise science and behavior change methods that people everywhere are seeking.

Put your knowledge into action

Gain practical experience through interactive learning activities and real-world application.

Get on-demand study support

Succeed with the help of ACE Answers, Study Coaches, and live Q&A.

Access lifelong career resources

Get access to exclusive groups, networks and tools, like ACE® Pro Compass, ACE Pro Connect App and the ACE Job Board.

Get the recognition
you deserve

Learn More

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.

Topic Title Goes Here

The core of your study program where you will receive step-by-step guidance from start to finish, moving from learning to applying. With an intuitive learning platform, compatible on any device, learning is at your fingertips. ACE U helps you plan, manage and track your course syllabus and offers engaging videos, chapter summaries, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and a special exam prep module.

Good for 6 months from the purchase date of your study program, our digital exam vouchers allow you to easily register for an exam at no additional cost. To redeem, simply follow the instructions in your My ACE Account. Upon passing the exam, you will earn the most respected group fitness instructor credential that will set you on a rewarding career path.

Note: You will not receive a voucher in the mail or email. Exam vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Test your readiness to take the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam. Number of tests vary and may be timed or untimed based on your Study Program. Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.

Updated with the latest research and packed with time-tested strategies, The Exercise Professional's Guide to Group Fitness Instruction delivers everything you'll need to create a dynamic class environment that is full of highly engaged participants–no matter the setting or type of class.

Hardcopy versions of the textbook are included in the Plus & Advantage Study Programs. The Audiobook is included in the Advantage Study Program.

Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on-demand study support from ACE Answers.

Live Q&A Webinars allow you to get your questions answered on a variety of topics by an ACE Study Coach. Plus, listen and learn while fellow participants ask questions during these engaging webinars.

New quizzes help reinforce the course material from each section of the study program–so you can easily identify the topics you've already mastered and which to revisit before your exam.

A supplemental course designed to support your understanding of the anatomy and physiology concepts that serve as foundational knowledge for your career.

The groundbreaking ACE RRAMP Approach empowers participants to improve health, fitness and overall quality of life by creating a climate that fosters success. An acronym for respect, recognition, alignment, mistakes and participant–you'll gain a practical tool to use before, during and after class sessions to recognize and serve everyone who shows up to participate, optimizing the group experience and maximizing adherence and motivation.

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.

Our Collective Impact

When you choose ACE, you help fund research and initiatives to help educate and empower communities and organizations to get more people moving.

Decades of research show that weekly physical activity improves health, prevents diseases, and enhances well-being. For over 35 years, ACE has translated this evidence into practical measures that encourage physical activity.

Through partnerships with community organizations, we expand access to essential activities, promoting vibrant, healthy lifestyles for all. Our rigorous research and global insights promote community well-being. Alongside health advocates, we advocate for policies that promote healthier lifestyles globally.

Transparency is core to our values. That's why we publish our annual Impact Report–to showcase achievements, outline commitments, and reflect on lessons learned. It demonstrates the positive outcomes made possible by the support from ACE Pros like you!

Explore More About Our Impact

Get certified online with Live Remote Proctoring

Take your exam from the comfort of your home! We are pleased to offer you the option to take your ACE Certification Exam through a Live Remote Proctor.