ACE Certified
Health Coach

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 purchase the study program, in order to sit for the ACE Health Coach certification you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have completed high school diploma (or the equivalent).
• Hold a current CPR and AED certification with a live skills check*
• Present a current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID)

*CPR and AED certificates are both required in the U.S. and Canada. Candidates outside the U.S. and Canada are only required to hold a current CPR certificate due to differing international laws regarding AED use by non-medical professionals. Candidates taking an ACE exam must complete a CPR/AED course that includes a live skills check prior to registration.

While there are no requirements for purchase, to sit for the exam and become an ACE Certified Health Coach, you must meet eligibility requirements, which include being at least 18 years old, completion of high school diploma (or the equivalent), having a current CPR/AED certification, and a current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID).

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, digital, and audiobook version of the textbook (Plus & Advantage)

With all Study Programs, you'll have access to ACE University (our core learning platform), practice test(s), digital ACE Health Coach Study Companion and Live Q&A Webinars.

With the Plus Study Program, you'll have access to two practice tests and to a digital and hardcopy version of the Health Coach Study Companion.

And with the Advantage Study Program you have access to three practice tests, a digital and hardcopy version of the Health Coach Study Companion and access to the Health Coach Live Class.

ACE provides a variety of study resources to suit different learning styles. These include digital and printed textbooks, video lectures, practice tests and quizzes, podcasts, and live ACE Study Coach led study webinars. Review the available study packages to find the one that best fits your needs.

The ACE Health Coach Certifcation Exam covers topics such as behavior change theories, coaching strategies, nutrition principles, physical activity guidelines, and professional responsibilities. The exam focuses on equipping candidates with the knowledge to support clients in achieving sustainable health and lifestyle improvements.

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 or Facilitated Study Group to get your specific questions answered.

Certified health coaches can work in various settings, including corporate wellness programs, fitness centers, healthcare organizations, and private practice. Opportunities include roles such as wellness consultant, lifestyle coach, and health educator, with the flexibility to work with individual clients or groups.

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.

If you would like to sit for the NBHWC exam, please contact us and we will explain the options available in order to complete the educational requirements. Please call an ACE Expert at (888) 519-9842.

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

A health coach focuses on guiding clients toward achieving overall wellness goals by addressing behavior change, nutrition, and lifestyle habits. A personal trainer specializes in creating and implementing exercise programs to improve physical fitness. Both roles complement each other but target different aspects of health and wellness.