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How to become a Certified
Group Fitness Instructor

3 steps to your future career.

The surge in group fitness popularity, captivating over 22.1 million participants each year, has opened up exciting career paths in the fitness industry. The demand for skilled and versatile group fitness instructors is on the rise, paralleling the expanding array of group fitness modalities available to teach.

If you are looking to launch a career leading groups of people toward better health through high-energy fitness experiences, group fitness instruction is for you! Here are three steps that will lead you to a flexible career as an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

Choose a Study Program

Not all are created equal. Don't be fooled. It's important that you do your research and find the study program that works for you. ACE Study Programs blend evidence-based exercise science with the ACE signature behavior change philosophy, The Mover Method, which will set you apart as a compassionate group fitness instructor who empowers clients to take the lead in their own journey.

As an ACE Pro you are widely respected as being the most qualified professional to coach clients. You hold the most recognized credential in the industry that can lead to the most sought-after opportunities. And with industry-best ongoing support and guidance from ACE throughout your career, you will have access to the exclusive tools and resources you need to thrive as a health and fitness pro.

ACE offers three group fitness instructor study programs for you to choose from, each providing you with the relevant skills to design and deliver dynamic, inclusive and memorable classes across the countless variations and opportunities that group fitness has to offer. If you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can skip to step three.

Start Learning

Once you've chosen your study program, it's time to start learning! Offering a variety of ways to learn, the Group Fitness Instructor Study Program is like no other. You have complete control of when, how and where you learn evidence-based fundamentals of group fitness instruction.

Centered around ACE University, our intuitive learning platform, the content is delivered through comprehensible text, charts, graphics and videos, as well as online activities, practice tests and on-demand study support. With the ACE Study Dashboard, you will have quick access to all of your study tools and be guided by progress indicators, smart notifications and alerts, calendars, and reminders. Designed for all learning styles, the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Study Program is flexible and self-paced, taking most just 3-6 months to complete.

Pass the exam and start your dream job

When it comes to the exam, ACE offers two exam options. The ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate. This is a 100% online, open-book exam, and a non-accredited certificate program. It consists of 100 multiple choice questions and includes unlimited attempts to pass with a score of 70% or greater. Prior to taking the exam, you must meet these prerequisites.

The ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam (NCCA-accredited) assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)—the highest level of excellence. With this exam, you can choose from an in-person proctored exam or an online exam through a Live Remote Proctor. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions and requires a score of 500 or greater to earn the mark of certification. Prior to taking the exam, you must meet these prerequisites. After passing your exam, you will earn a respected credential, setting you on a compelling new career path, impacting the lives of many!

Please note that purchasing ACE Study Material is not required in order to register for or pass the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam (NCCA-accredited). If you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can register here.

Becoming an ACE Group Fitness Instructor is just the start!

ACE offers more courses than ever to build your ongoing career skills and open doors to the MANY IN-DEMAND group fitness modalities available to teach, including:

  • 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 a FREE sneak peek!

See the 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

Get ongoing support and guidance throughout your career

As an ACE Pro, you will get access to exclusive tools and resources to assure you thrive at every stage of your career, including:

  • ACE® Pro Compass
  • ACE Job Board
  • Special industry discounts
  • Top-rated education opportunities
  • And more!
Learn More Here

Build in-demand skills and earn CECs

With ACE, you can maintain your credential and create the career you want with hundreds of courses, webinars, Specialist Programs and more. And with CEC Power Pass you can access unlimited learning, for maximum impact.

See What's Possible

Ready to get started?

Become an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor
and join a community of 90,000+ ACE Certified Pros!

View Study Programs

Group Fitness Instructor Requirements

Exam Prerequisites

You have two options for your ACE Group Fitness Instructor Exam:

ACE Group Fitness Instruction Certificate Exam (Non-proctored)

This is an open-book exam and a non-accredited certificate program. To be eligible, you must:

ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam (NCCA-accredited)

This is an in-person or online, proctored exam and a NCCA-accredited Certification Program. To be eligible, 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).

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