On July 1, 2022, a new Exam Content Outline for the ACE Health Coach Certification exam will go live. Keep reading for more information about updates to the ACE Health Coach Exam Content Outline and to help you successfully prepare for the exam.

Why has the exam content outline changed?

The ACE Health Coach Certification exam content outline has been updated to reflect the current job role of a Health Coach. The health coaching industry has evolved since the previous exam content outline was created five years ago. ACE reviews and revises the exam content outline for the ACE Health Coach Certification every five years to ensure content reflects current requirements to enter the job role of a Health Coach. An overview of the process ACE uses to update ACE Certifications is included at the beginning of the exam content outline.

If you would like to view the new Health Coach Exam Content Outline prior to its launch on July 1st, you can do so here: HC ECO Interim PDF.pdf

How has the exam content outline changed?

The domain names and the percentage of exam questions within each domain has changed, as seen in the table below. One noticeable change is the addition of a fifth domain in the new exam content outline. This fifth domain covers content that was formerly covered in domain 4. In addition, you will see that domains 2-3 in the old exam content outline have been expanded into domains 2-4 in the new exam content outline to better parse out the importance of conducting and interpreting assessments, developing multi-dimensional client-centered plans, and implementing and adjusting those plans. Domain 1 in the new exam content outline covers content similar to what was formerly covered in domain 1 of the old exam content outline.

Additionally, the associated task, knowledge, and skill statements for each domain have been updated to reflect the current role of an ACE Certified Health Coach.

When will the exam change to reflect the new exam content outline?

The exam will change to reflect the new exam content outline on July 1, 2022.

New questions are rotated into ACE certification exams on a regular basis each year keeping ACE exams up to date with changes in the industry. This is something ACE does with all four of our certification programs.

Can I still use my copy of The Professional's Guide to Health and Wellness Coaching to study for my exam?

Yes, you can still use ACE’s textbook The Professional's Guide to Health and Wellness Coaching and associated online study programs to adequately prepare for the ACE Health Coach Certification exam.

In summary, you can still prepare for and have success on the ACE Health Coach Certification exam using The Professional's Guide to Health and Wellness Coaching and associated study materials.

You should continue with your current study plan and once you feel prepared for the exam and a career as a Health Coach, log into your My ACE account to register for your examination.

If you purchased study materials that included an exam voucher, you will want to make sure that you redeem it by the expiration date to register for an exam. You can choose an exam date beyond your exam voucher’s expiration date. You will need to be pre-approved to sit for the ACE Health Coach Certification exam and have current CPR/AED information in your My ACE account in order to register for the examination.

Additional questions about the exam or how to best prepare? 

Please visit ACE Answers where you can find answers to commonly asked study questions, review exam prep blogs, sign up for free webinars and virtual study groups, and watch helpful videos and recorded lectures.

You can also connect with ACE Study Coaches and other exam candidates by visiting the ACE Answers Facebook page where you can ask, and get answers to, questions from your peers.