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How to become a
Certified Personal Trainer

3 Steps to your future career.

Personal training is one of the most rewarding professions you can have. You get to improve people's lives while getting paid to do what you love. ACE Personal Trainers often tell us their interest began with a powerful drive to help others and how enjoyable it is to spend their days in fitness facilities, and not behind a desk.

If you are looking to work with clients one-on-one, developing exercise programs to help people achieve their fitness goals, personal training is for you! Here are three steps that will lead you to a flexible career as an ACE Personal Trainer.

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 personal trainer 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 personal trainer study programs for you to choose from, each providing you with the relevant skills to design and apply unique exercise programs based on your clients' goals, abilities and needs. If you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can skip to step three.

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

Start Learning

Once you've chosen your study program, it's time to start learning! Offering a variety of ways to learn, the ACE Personal Trainer Study Program is like no other. You have complete control of when, how and where you learn evidence-based fundamentals of personal training.

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 Personal Trainer Study Program is flexible and self-paced, taking most just 3-6 months to complete.

Curious what our study programs are like? See how you'll learn here.

Pass the exam and start your dream job

When it comes to the exam, ACE offers two exam options. Included with all study programs, the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Personal Training 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.

Available as an optional add-on with all study programs, the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) assesses if you meet the level of competence necessary to earn an ACE Personal Trainer 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 Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited). If you have a background in health and fitness and are prepared to take the exam, you can register here.

Want 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

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 Connect App
  • 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 certification 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 Personal Trainer
and join a community of 90,000+ ACE Certified Pros!

View Study Programs

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).

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