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ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program
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ACE Certified
Personal Trainer

Study Program

See Customer Reviews (104)

Ready to turn your passion for fitness into a career?

The ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program gives aspiring trainers everything they need to succeed. With top-tier learning materials, smart technology, personalized support, and interactive experiences, you'll be fully prepared to earn your certification and confidently guide clients toward better health and fitness.

Starting at $49 today!
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Build the knowledge and skills to succeed

ACE self-paced, online study programs give you the foundational knowledge and practical skills to coach clients safely and effectively, setting you up for a rewarding and meaningful role in health and fitness.

Prepare confidently for certification

ACE Study Programs are designed to help you prepare for your exam through high-quality, evidence-based content, proven study methods, and dedicated support—so you can approach your exam with confidence.

Gain a competitive edge in health & fitness

Earning an ACE Credential sets you apart in an unregulated industry, opening the door for you to turn your passion into a profession, making a real impact on the lives of those in your community.

Choose your Personal Trainer Program

View Prerequisites

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

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

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

Career pathways

The ACE Personal Training pathway offers two credential options designed to support you at different stages of your career journey. The ACE Certificate is ideal for those exploring personal training as a potential profession, providing a strong foundation to begin working in health and fitness while leaving room for future growth. For those ready to fully commit to personal training as a career, the NCCA-accredited Certification represents a next-level credential that can open doors to top facilities and higher earning potential, helping you establish yourself as a trusted professional in the industry.

Explore Pathways

How it works

1. Choose your study program
2. Complete your coursework
3. Pass your ACE Exam
How You'll Learn
badge of ace personal trainer certification located on the ace fitness personal trainer certification webpage

Earn the most recognized personal trainer certification that opens doors.

Just some of what you can do:

  • Virtual Coach/Online Trainer
  • Athletic Coach
  • Fitness Director
  • Gym Owner/Self-Employed
  • Corrective Exercise & Injury Prevention Specialist

Countless places you can work:

  • Gym/Health Club
  • Fitness Studio
  • Healthcare/Outpatient Clinic
  • Community Center
  • University/Campus

Get paid to do what you love!

$76,000 average annual income

with a range of $59K - $98K

according to Glassdoor.com

12% expected increase

in Personal Trainer Employment between 2022-2034

U.S. Department of Labor

What you'll learn with the ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

The ACE Personal Trainer Study Program gives you the skills to design and apply personalized exercise programs based on your clients' goals, abilities, and needs. Through the ACE Integrated Fitness Training® (IFT®) Model, you'll learn a structured, science-driven framework for assessing clients and progressing them safely at every fitness level and stage of readiness. The program blends evidence-based exercise science with the ACE Mover Method™, our signature behavior-change philosophy, helping you stand out as a compassionate trainer who empowers clients to lead their own fitness journey.

Gain understanding of the personal trainer's responsibilities and ethics as well as their role within the healthcare continuum and in allied healthcare-plus the various avenues of career development.

Discover the principles of behavior change, effective communication, goal setting and teaching techniques to create a credible and trusting client-personal trainer relationship that's vital to your client's success.

Create client programs that improve and maintain health, fitness, weight, body composition and metabolism. Learn about heart rate, blood pressure and circumference measurements, which can be used as a baseline for future progress-plus how to apply exercise progressions to help a variety of clients reach their goals.

Become an expert in the ACE IFT® Model, a systematic approach to designing and progressing through exercise programs based on the unique abilities, needs and goals of the client. Program design begins with client collaboration, with the ACE Mover Method playing a crucial role. By employing effective behavior-change coaching tools, the ABC Approach enables ACE Pros to empower their clients as active participants in achieving lasting lifestyle changes.

Gain understanding of the considerations for clients with various diseases, conditions, injuries or stages in life, including youth, women during pregnancy and older adults.

Find out how to thrive on the business side of your personal training with legal guidelines and businesses considerations, such as legal forms, insurance, record keeping and risk management that protect clients, stakeholders and you.

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

"ACE has transformed my life. I have found something that is more than a job and am able to help people in ways I could have never imagined. I am extremely proud, successful and happy in what I do."
Marisol Gramlich ACE Certified Personal Trainer
"ACE has provided me with the opportunity to forge my own career path. It has led to the lifestyle of my dreams. Not only has it allowed me to help create life-changing results for my clients but also for myself, my family and my community."
Allen Blunt ACE Certified Personal Trainer
"ACE has been, and continues to be the best investment of my life. As a single mom with a full-time job, I was able to raise a family while pursuing my certification and am now able to live my passion for helping others."
Catherine Morrison ACE Certified Personal Trainer

More than a certification

As a nonprofit, ACE is driven by a mission to get people moving. This starts with empowering health and fitness pros through science-backed education that combines fitness instruction and behavior change strategies to create meaningful, long-term impact in their communities by leading people to reach their unique health and fitness goals.

96%

Satisfaction rate with the ACE Study Program

11.7M

Client sessions led
by ACE Pros
in the past year

110+

Countries where ACE Pros are improving global health

Your purchase helps to get people moving. Learn More

Get a FREE sneak peek of the ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

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

Click to Watch

Step 2:

Download the Chapter Preview

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ACE Personal Trainer Study Program FAQs

That depends on the type of exam you choose and your pace of study. Most people study for 3-6 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 there are no prerequisites to purchasing a study program, 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 here

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 here
  • Have completed high school diploma or the equivalent
  • Pay the proctoring fee (not included in the study program price)

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 Personal Trainer Certification 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 exam 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.

Learn More

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 Personal Trainer Certification 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 exam 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.

The cost of the ACE Personal Trainer Certification program varies based on the study package selected. Flexible options are available to suit different budgets and learning preferences, ranging from basic self-study to premium guided learning experiences. Select study programs have payment plans available. Review all options and select the one that works best for you. If you are an ACE Certified Pro, you are eligible for a discount. Please sign into your MyACE Account, add the study program you wish to purchase to your cart. The final price in cart is shown with the discount applied.

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.

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 Personal Trainer Certification 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 Personal Trainer Certification 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.

Reviews

Komalpreet (ACE Professional)

Rahul (ACE Professional)

Bret (ACE Professional)

Mariah (ACE Professional)

Nava (ACE Professional)

Frank (ACE Professional)

If you're going to ask people to trust you with their health and fitness, then you need the credentials from The American Council on Exercise (ACE) - the top-tier, highly respected, NCCA-accredited certification. The program is thorough, well-paced and designed.

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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.

Advantage

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Basic

$989 $494.50
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Title

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, ACE in Action demonstrations, helpful quizzes and learning activities, and your first practice test.

You have two options for your ACE Personal Trainer Exam:

  1. ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) – included with all study programs is a 100% online, open-book exam. This is a non-accredited certificate program.
  2. ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) – choose from an in-person proctored exam at a location near you, or an online exam through a Live Remote Proctor.

Learn more about Live Remote Proctor here.

Included with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Personal Training Certificate.

Upon completion you will earn:

  • An ACE Personal Training Certificate
  • Digital credentials to display online
  • The designations of:
    • ACE Personal Trainer
    • ACE Pro
  • Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support

Exam details:

  • 100% online, open-book exam
  • 100 multiple choice questions
  • 3 hours to complete
  • Unlimited attempts to pass
  • Take whenever you're ready, no expiration date
  • Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
  • Requires a score of 70% or greater to pass

Available for JUST $99.00 as an optional add-on with all Study Programs, this exam assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification–the highest level of excellence.

Upon completion you will earn:

  • An NCCA-accredited ACE Personal Trainer Certification
  • Digital credentials to display online
  • The designations of:
    • ACE Certified Personal Trainer
    • ACE Pro
  • Access to exclusive ACE Pro Career Support
  • Profile information on the Find an ACE Pro web page directory
  • Recognition on the U.S. Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPS.org)

Exam details:

  • In-person or online, live proctored exam
  • 150 multiple choice questions
  • 3 hours to complete
  • Retake available
  • Instant exam results and digital certificate delivery
  • Requires a score of 500 or greater to pass

Test your readiness to take the ACE Personal Trainer Exam. Number of tests vary based on your Study Program from one (1) to four (4). Each test is unique and can be taken as many times as you like.

Rooted in the latest evidence-based research in exercise science and deep integration of behavior change, The Exercise Professional's Guide to Personal Training textbook is the main resource of your study program. This new, all-in-one textbook delivers essential knowledge, case studies and ACE methodologies in an easy to understand way so you can efficiently prepare for your exam and use it as a resource as you begin to work with clients and move through your career.

As a supplement to The Exercise Professional's Guide to Personal Training textbook, the Study Companion focuses on multiple levels of learning through a combination of questions and practical application activities. It will help you not only prepare for your exam with confidence, but also be a knowledgeable and effective personal trainer.

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

All Study Programs include access to:

  • Answers to common study questions
  • Video demonstrations and lectures
  • Exam preparation articles
  • ACE Exercise Library
  • Tools & calculators
  • Career forms

Additional ACE Answers study support is available based on the Study Program you choose. See description within the grid for details.

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 and Plus, as well as:

Facilitated Study Groups where you will stimulate critical thinking and gain a deeper understanding of the concepts vital to your exam and career through peer group discussions led by an ACE Study Coach.

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.

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
  • ACE Exercise Library
  • Tools & calculators
  • Career forms

Live Q&A Webinars are 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.

Facilitated Study Groups will stimulate critical thinking and provide a deeper understanding of the concepts vital to your exam and career through peer group discussions led by an ACE Study Coach.

Enjoy free shipping with the Plus and Advantage Study Programs (only available in the U.S.)

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

The course is divided into convenient modules, so you can study more efficiently and effectively. It includes video lectures that will clarify more complex topics and learning activities that will help you practice these concepts in real time. A quiz is also included to help you test your knowledge.

A valuable supplement to your reading, you can learn by listening to your textbook anywhere and anytime.

Exam Prerequisites

You have two options for your ACE Personal Trainer Exam:

ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored)

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

  • Be at least 16 years old
  • Hold a current CPR/AED Certification with a Live Skills Check

ACE Certified Personal Trainer 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 diploma (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? Call (888) 825-3636 or Chat Now.

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 40 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.