An American Council on Exercise student can expect an exciting and exhilarating future as a fitness expert. Fitness training is a literal "feel good" career with many options. The American Council on Exercise offers certifications in Personal Fitness training, advanced health and fitness, group fitness, lifestyle and weight management and peer fitness for firefighters.
Getting Started on Your Certification
Visit the ACE website to learn more about becoming a personal fitness trainer, what options are available to you upon passing the exam, and how to obtain insurance. At the site you may also purchase study materials. The ACE website provides several packages of study materials from which to choose, including a comprehensive home study package that includes text, DVDs, study guides and an online multiple choice test.
Other programs offered include live workshops, webinars and online courses. A DVD entitled "Exercise.etc," not directly associated with ACE, is recommended as a good study tool.
ACE Helps You Study
Along with the text and other study materials, ACE provides a weekly email coaching program that keeps you on track as you study. The email program is offered in three-month and five-month formats. An ACE chat forum may also be found at the ACE site.
It is highly recommended that you take a live personal trainer exam review course at least a month before taking the examination. Check the ACE website for exam dates in your area and sign up early; classes can fill up quickly. The examination may be taken in written or computerized format. The result of the written exam can take weeks but the computer exam results are instantaneous.
Take the Examination
Check in at your exam center to sit for the test. Every center has its own rules so check in advance to see if calculators or even pencil and paper are accepted. You can expect 150 multiple choice questions in these categories:
- Client Interview and Assessment
- Program Design and Implementation
- Program Progression
- Modification and Maintenance
- Professional Role and Responsibilities
- Foundational Knowledge (Applied Sciences).
There are also two written simulations that test you on program design. The multiple choice questions account for 75% of the score with the written simulations making up the remaining 25%. A score of 500 is needed for passing.
Certifications You Need Before the ACE Exam
Without current CPR and AED certifications you may sit for the ACE exam, but you will not receive your test results until you have successfully completed courses in those disciplines.
Practice What You Preach
There is no age barrier to becoming an ACE trainer, but you should be in very good physical condition, regardless of your age. You are not likely to get or keep clients if you are overweight, eat poorly and have bad posture! Studying for the ACE exam gives you a great opportunity to practice what you're learning and get in top shape at the same time.
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