The American Council on Exercise is one of the most renowned exercise professional/health care certification programs in the country. Becoming a certified personal trainer with ACE is a great step in your career as a fitness specialist.
The road to certification involves a great deal of preparation and studying, while you are doing the coursework itself, and as you get ready to take the ACE personal training certification exam.
The ACE exam may be intimidating, as it is known to be a difficult one to pass in the fitness industry – at least on the first try. Not to worry, though – there are some significant ways you can prepare for your exam, pass in on the first try, and go further in your personal training career even sooner.
Here are 7 important tips for your ACE personal training certification exam:
1. Buy the textbook
Owning the course textbook (the ACE Personal Trainer Manual) and having it handy is immensely helpful, even if you are doing the program primarily based on other study techniques.
There is important information in the textbook that may not be tested on within the exam – but it will provide you with future knowledge in your career that you might not have gotten otherwise.
Carefully reading through the ACE textbook will also help you get a feel for specific terminology and how ACE itself words information, techniques, and other practical knowledge, which you will see on the exam.
Remember that this is ACE’s exam, so the questions and answers on it will be based on ACE criteria and protocol, which is necessary to follow in order to get your certification from the program.
You can buy a new ACE Personal Trainer Manual online. You may also be able to find the book secondhand through CPTs who have already taken the course and exam.
2. Know what to study, and how to study
The passing rate of the ACE personal training certification exam is 70%. It is not an open book test, but the study materials you prepare with can help you narrow down the lengthy textbook (500 pages), and nail down the knowledge you need to know in order to pass the exam, and essentially, to succeed as a certified personal trainer.
Studying can be done with a number of techniques. Based on your personal learning style and pace, some may work better for you than others. Some of the most practical forms of studying include flashcards, virtual exams, mnemonic phrases and more.
A few of the most effective ways to study include:
- Flashcards: These help you memorize tough definitions, and provide extra focus on phrases or subjects that you may struggle with. Flashcards are also a great time saver, as they can make things adhere to your memory quickly.
- Create mnemonic phrases: These will help you remember and retain the information better. These phrases can also be helpful in your career as you explain techniques and information to your clients who do not have a personal trainer education background. Make sure to make these phrases wacky and humorous; it will help you remember things even more clearly.
- Textbook chapter review: The end of all textbook chapters have a review on the most important portions of the particular section, and review questions that you can practice. Quizzing yourself directly from your textbook or your own notes is a great way to retain this important information.
- Distributed practice: This involves reviewing material over several short studying periods. The repeated practice helps similarly to classroom learning, as it doesn’t require full attention for long periods of time.
- Online resources: Quizlet.com, tests.com, and even youtube.com can offer great review guides for the exam as well, in addition to the guides already offered by the ACE coursework.
3. Prepare with practice exams
Still anxious about the exam even though you are studying hard? Practice tests can help answer your questions about the subjects that are on the test, and ease your worry about certain skill sets, like math and science.
While the ACE personal training certification exam is not based fully on math or science, it is critical to understand underlying principles from subjects like anatomy, exercise science, and kinesiology. These foundational areas are essential for grasping the broader concepts tested in the exam. The exam does include questions that contain technical details. However, you will be provided with the necessary resources for certain equations. This ensures that all candidates have the tools they need to successfully address these components of the test.
The format of the ACE personal training certification exam is three hours long, and 150 questions total. The questions are multiple-choice, and focus on application and analysis, more so the recalling and defining terms. This includes questions surrounding real-life situations when working with clients. The questions will test your knowledge on applying your skills appropriately to different scenarios.
Taking practice exams will allow you to get a feel for this format, and prove whether or not your studying techniques are helping. Practice tests also give you a good idea of how much more time you will need to put into studying before the real thing.
4. Studying requires time management
Learning takes time, and reviewing the information is just as much (if not more) of an investment for exam preparation, so be sure to set a schedule for studying.
Last-minute cramming sessions can be stressful and ineffective, so it is best to be strategic in order to get the best results. Just like you would schedule workouts, schedule time to exercise your brain. After all, it is muscle memory.
Study time will vary from person to person based on learning tools and the way you learn, as well as your personal training knowledge and background.
Remember: The ACE personal training certification coursework is a self-study program, so you set the pace. The time it takes you to complete the program before your exam is an indicator of how long you, personally, should be studying.
5. Study with peers or mentors
While the ACE certification program is structured around self-guided study, several options are available for engagement. Students pursuing their certification can connect with peers or interact with mentors. These mentors have successfully navigated the examination process and have become certified. This interaction can provide valuable insights and support throughout the certification journey. One effective method of undertaking this collaborative approach is through engaging in interactive sessions in social media groups.
Social media platforms harbor various groups dedicated to ACE certification students that provide a thriving, supportive community for those on the same journey. These virtual gatherings are much more than just chatrooms; they act as a vibrant interactive forum where insightful discussions take place, enlightening webinars are conducted, and resourceful materials are shared.
Participation in these groups could prove to be an invaluable resource. It allows you to network with like-minded individuals who share innovative study techniques and provide insightful advice on handling the test. These connections can also be a source of professional encouragement. Through such collaboration, your learning experience is enriched, giving you a well-rounded grasp of the subject matter. Additionally, it creates a robust support system during your certification journey.
6. Sharpen your test-taking skills
Test taking can be intimidating, so having a strategy for the exam can be helpful. Some helpful tips for taking the test include:
- Read slowly and carefully, and take your time with the subject matter. You will have three hours to take the test, so use it wisely by paying attention to details.
- Make a note of the questions that you don’t know the answer to right away. You can check the questions and answers before submitting the test, so skip certain content.
- After reviewing skipped questions, evaluate your test to confirm your answers before submitting.
- You will be able to leave the room for restroom breaks. You can also step outside to stretch and take a quick break before returning to the exam.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the exam. This, along with fueling up with a good meal beforehand will make all the difference in your focus.
7. Have confidence
Applying these important tips for your ACE personal training certification exam will help you effectively prepare for the test. When it comes down to it, knowing your material is the best way to ease test-taking anxiety, so that you can go in with the intention of passing (or acing) the test, and achieve your ACE certification.
Understanding the ACE Personal Trainer Exam
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification is one of the most sought-after qualifications for fitness professionals globally. Prospective personal trainers aiming to acquire this certification must pass the ACE Personal Trainer Exam, a comprehensive test that evaluates a candidate’s knowledge of exercise science, nutrition, fitness assessment, program design, and client interaction.
One common question potential exam takers have is “how hard is the personal trainer exam?” The difficulty of the ACE Personal Trainer Exam can depend greatly on an individual’s background in fitness and their preparation levels. It covers a wide range of topics that require both theoretical knowledge and practical application, which means thorough preparation is essential.
The ACE personal trainer exam pass rate serves as a testament to the exam’s rigor. According to recent statistics, the pass rate for the ACE Personal Trainer Exam hovers around 65%. This percentage underscores the challenging nature of the exam and the necessity for thorough preparation. An effective study plan typically involves a comprehensive review of the ACE Personal Trainer Manual. Candidates should also complete several practice tests to familiarize themselves with the exam format. Additionally, participating in study groups or preparatory workshops can greatly enhance one’s readiness for the exam.
For those concerned about the exam’s complexity, numerous resources are available. ACE itself offers various preparatory materials, including textbooks, online courses, and practice tests designed to help understand the exam format and type of questions asked. Additionally, many candidates invest in additional study resources or courses to ensure they are well-prepared for exam day.
In summary
The ACE personal training certification exam prepares you for real-life scenarios, including the safety and wellbeing of your clients. It also focuses on the baseline knowledge for anatomy, science of exercise and other vital information for physical fitness specialists.
Preparing appropriately for the exam will help you go into it with confidence so that you can get your certification and begin your work in the fitness industry as soon as possible.
Becoming ACE certified is a big step for your personal training career and a respectable one at that.
Specialized Certifications Broaden Your Reach as a Trainer
Taking it to the next level by adding certifications, such as Special Strong, can make you even more attractive to employers — and it could even impact your compensation. The coursework for Special Strong takes about eight hours to complete, and it will train you in working with adults and children with disabilities such as Down Syndrome and autism.
Special Strong is a great way to enrich your career, and a great way to give back as well. You can learn more about becoming certified in Special Strong here.
The Importance of Having a Professional Fitness Coach Certification
Having a professional fitness coach certification is of utmost importance for individuals seeking a career in the fitness industry. It validates your experience and assures you can coach and motivate clients to reach their fitness goals.
A professional fitness coach certification demonstrates your commitment to professionalism and ethical standards in the field. It proves your dedication to continuous learning and staying updated with the latest research and practices in fitness. It helps build trust and confidence among clients, as they know they are guided by a qualified and knowledgeable professional.
Additionally, a certification lets you expand your client base and increase your earning potential. Many organizations and fitness facilities require trainers to hold a valid certification to be eligible for employment. A recognized credential distinguishes you from the competition and boosts your chances of being employed by respected businesses.
Strong Education teaches personal trainers and service providers on how to adapt fitness and nutrition for children, adolescents, and adults with autism, Down Syndrome, and other disabilities through our online adaptive special needs certification course.
