
Personal Trainer
Study Program

The top-rated certification study program
90,000+ ACE Certified Pros.
96% satisfaction rate.

Achieve the highest-quality education in Personal Training
The ACE Personal Trainer Study Program provides the most current, highest quality education available. You will learn the latest evidence-based exercise science fundamentals, principles of behavior change and client-centered methodologies you can apply from the start.

Master the material with the most advanced learning experience
The ACE Personal Trainer Study Program is delivered in a multimodal learning platform designed to fit your learning style and pace. With interactive digital learning, updated textbook, on-demand support and real-world application, you will be more than prepared to get certified and launch your career.

Earn the most trusted credential backed by the NCCA
Get the attention of potential employers with a certification from a program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard for certification program accreditation in fitness and health. Become part of a team of more than 90,000 ACE Certified Professionals committed to getting people moving.
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"ACE provided numerous resources for me to thrive. I am a visual learner so I really enjoyed the diagrams that went along with each chapter as well as the application scenarios. From the study outline timeline to the live help with ACE Study Coaches, ACE really has thought through their study materials."
- Alicia E., ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Build your knowledge in exercise science, program design, and the business of personal training
With the ACE Personal Trainer Study Program, you will receive the highest quality education, anchored in evidence-based exercise science. You will gain the knowledge and skill to design and apply unique exercise programs based on your clients' abilities, needs and goals. Here's a look at what you will learn:
The role and scope of practice of personal trainers
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.
A client-centered approach to personal training
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.
Assessments, programming and progressions
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.
ACE Integrated Fitness® Model (ACE IFT® Model)
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.
ACE Mover Method™
Explore the philosophy designed to empower clients to make behavioral changes toward improved fitness and overall health.
Program modifications for clients with special considerations
Gain understanding of the considerations for clients with various diseases, conditions, injuries or stages in life, including youth, women during pregnancy and older adults.
Professional responsibilities and legal guidelines
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.
Available Learning Materials:
Textbook
Webinars
Study Groups
Textbook
Tests
Study Support
Learning
Team
A modern learning experience to fit your lifestyle

Read, Watch, Listen
Our Study Programs use multimodal learning to engage your learning style and offer a variety of learning formats. You will gain a complete understanding through:
- + Textbook, charts and graphics
- + Videos and audiobook
- + Demonstrations and activities

Engage, Ask, Collaborate
To assure you are on track and well prepared for your ACE Certification Exam, our Study Programs include a wide variety of study support options including:
- + Self-service libraries and resources
- + Live Q&A Webinars
- + Facilitated Study Groups

Access, Track, Progress
With your Study Dashboard you will always be on track and where you need to be. You will have quick access to all of your study tools and be guided by:
- + Progress indicators
- + Smart notifications and alerts
- + Calendars and reminders

Prepare, Practice, Apply
Developing new skills requires repeated practice and exposure to new contexts. Our Study Programs provide the chance to put your skills to the test through:
- + Practice tests
- + Quizzes
- + Interactive learning activities

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Get certified in just
3 simple steps

Choose
an ACE Certification
Study Program
- • The choice is yours: pick a fully digital study experience or one that includes both digital and hard copy study materials.
- • All ACE Certification Programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), considered the gold standard in health and fitness accreditation.
- Compare Study Programs

Prepare
and register for your ACE
Certification Exam
- • Study at your own pace with ACE University, get study support with ACE Answers and test your knowledge with ACE Practice Tests.
- • Make sure you meet the prerequisite requirements to sit for the exam.
- • Register for your exam within 6 months of purchase (actual exam date can be beyond this window).

Launch your career and become an ACE Pro
- • Upon taking and passing the exam, pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
- • Enjoy ACE Career Resources such as assessment forms, discounts on equipment, liability insurance and more.
- • Maintain your ACE Certification and learn new skills through an array of continuing education opportunities.

Earn and celebrate the most trusted credential in fitness and health.
The ACE Personal Trainer Certification Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the gold standard in the U.S. for assessing fitness and allied health certification programs. It is also recognized globally by leading international standards-setting bodies, including iCREPs. Passing the exam will give you a trusted credential that will pave the way for you to help people become more physically active, and to gain the attention of sought-after employers.
With Digital Credentials, you can easily validate your achievement with employers, clients and your peers. You will have access to a digital certificate, digital badge and a digital wallet card, which you can proudly celebrate and share across your networks and devices.


You've got their back, and we've got yours!
Our commitment to your success extends beyond certification. We are a nonprofit organization, and you are the key to our mission to get people moving. We promise to support your career and create the conditions for you to impact lives, now and in the future.
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Profile in the USREPS national registry
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Be recognized for your distinct role in the field of fitness with a listing in this national registry of professionals holding NCCA-accredited exercise certifications.
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Free profile in the "Find Your Trainer" national database
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Get noticed by thousands of potential clients and streamline your business through simple online booking and payment.
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Discounted liability insurance
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The ACE Liability Insurance Program protects you wherever you train, even outdoors. Many clubs require independent contractors to possess liability insurance.
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Free monthly, digital fitness publication
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Enjoy this premier health and fitness publication that features cutting-edge information and exclusive content for ACE Certified Professionals.
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Opportunity to earn income through ACE Referral Rewards Program
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Use your website, blog, newsletter or social media page as a source of passive income.
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The best continuing education offerings in the industry
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Stay up-to-date on the latest health and exercise science, techniques and modalities. ACE provides continuing education offerings that accommodate virtually any area of professional interest, learning style or budget. Including a variety of Specialist Programs, online courses, live webinars and workshops, and the CEC Club.
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Discounts and special offers
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Save on the highest quality materials and services available in today's fitness industry from trusted ACE partners.
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Engagement with fitness employers
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ACE sets the stage for great jobs by working with the nation's most respected health clubs to ensure ACE is equipping ACE Certified Professionals to be those facilities' best employees.
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Voice in Washington and state capitals
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ACE advocates for public policies that equip ACE Certified Professionals to help more people get moving, protect them from unhelpful government regulations, and more.