
Earn the most recognized
certification that opens doors
From indoor strength training to outdoor dance-based workouts to online mind-body classes, your ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification gives you the versatility to keep your career–and your community–moving and shaking.
Here are just a few of the MANY IN-DEMAND CLASSES you can teach:
- Dance Fitness
- Strength Training
- Cardio Training
- Yoga
- Spinning/Cycling
- Aerobics
- HIIT
- Kickboxing
- Sports Performance
- Pilates
- Martial Arts
- Boot Camp
- Tai Chi
- Barre
- Aquatic Exercise
- Qigong
Get paid to do what you love!

UP TO $62/hr
according to Glassdoor.com
19%
Expected increase in Group Fitness Instructor Employment between 2021-2031
U.S. Department of LaborYour path to a rewarding career
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1
Choose your Study Program
Select a program that fits your needs and get started right away
Compare Programs -
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Start your online learning
With self-paced learning and on-demand support, you can be teaching group classes in as few as 3-6 months
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Pass your Certification Exam
The multiple-choice exam can be conveniently taken online, or at a testing center near you
View PrerequisitesIf you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can register here


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.
Choose your Study Program
90,000+ ACE Certified Pros. 96% satisfaction rate.
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ACE University
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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.
- NEW! Online study dashboard
- Video lectures & demonstrations
- Learning activities
- Chapter quizzes
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- ACE Certification Exam
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Practice Tests (3)
x
Prepare for the exam with confidence! Advantage includes 1 timed and 2 untimed ACE Practice Tests.
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ACE Group Fitness Instructor Handbook
DigitalHard Copy
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ACE Answers (Advantage)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! Offering Group Fitness Classes in Diverse Settings
x
Stay in step with an evolving industry by mastering the finer points of leading classes outdoors or online. In this course, you'll learn how to keep your class participants safe and engaged no matter where you're training them.
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NEW ADDITION! Exercise Science 101
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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)
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ACE University
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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.
- NEW! Online study dashboard
- Video lectures & demonstrations
- Learning activities
- Chapter quizzes
-
- ACE Certification Exam
-
Practice Tests (2)
x
Prepare for the exam with confidence! Plus includes 2 untimed ACE Practice Tests.
-
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Handbook
DigitalHard Copy
-
ACE Answers (Plus)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! Offering Group Fitness Classes in Diverse Settings
x
Stay in step with an evolving industry by mastering the finer points of leading classes outdoors or online. In this course, you'll learn how to keep your class participants safe and engaged no matter where you're training them.
-
- Free Standard Shipping (USA only)
-
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.
- NEW! Online study dashboard
- Video lectures & demonstrations
- Learning activities
- Chapter quizzes
-
- ACE Certification Exam
-
Practice Test (1)
x
Basic includes 1 untimed ACE Practice Test, so you can prepare for the exam with confidence!
-
ACE Group Fitness Instructor Handbook
Digital
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ACE Answers (Basic)x
Enhance your learning and be confident in your readiness to take the ACE Certification Exam with on - demand study support from ACE Answers. ACE Answers Basic includes:
- Answers to common study questions
- Video demonstrations and lectures
- Exam preparation articles
- Facebook study groups
- ACE Exercise Library
- Tools & calculators
- Career forms
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*Digital eBooks compatible with desktops (Mac & PC), tablets and smartphones (iOS & Android) only. Cannot be printed.
What you'll learn
The UPDATED ACE Group Fitness Instructor Study Program equips you with the latest instructional techniques, coaching skills and leadership strategies that are necessary to deliver effective and enjoyable class experiences. From exercise programming and motivation techniques to music selection, you will be confident and qualified to lead unforgettable classes, every time.
The program blends evidence-based fundamentals of group fitness with ACE's signature behavior change philosophy, which will set you apart as a compassionate group fitness instructor who empowers class participants to take the lead in their own journey.
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 skills 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
As an ACE Certified Pro, you can build the career you want with access to exclusive groups, networks and tools, like the ACE Talks podcast.


Moving stories from ACE Pros
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
Certified Group Fitness
Instructors
are in high demand!
5,600,000
Estimated number of classes
taught by ACE Certified
Group Fitness Instructors in 2021

Our commitment to your success extends beyond certification
ACE is with you throughout your career and promises to provide you with ongoing support, guidance, tools and resources to ensure you always have exactly what you need to thrive as a health and fitness pro.
Learn More About ACE Career Support