The ACE Certified Personal Trainer exam, administered by the American Council on Exercise (ACE), is a nationally accredited (NCCA) certification that qualifies candidates to work as personal trainers. The exam covers the full scope of personal training practice: conducting client interviews and health/fitness assessments, designing and implementing individualized exercise programs across cardiorespiratory, muscular, flexibility, and special-population training, progressing and modifying programs based on client response, and maintaining professional conduct, safety, and risk management standards. The computer-based exam consists of 150 multiple-choice items (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest items) across four content domains: Client Interviews and Assessments (24%), Program Design and Implementation (48%), Program Progression and Modifications (11%), and Professional Conduct, Safety, and Risk Management (17%). Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam.
ACE-CPT
ACE Certified Personal Trainer (ACE CPT) Exam
The ACE Certified Personal Trainer (ACE CPT) exam is an NCCA-accredited certification from the American Council on Exercise that qualifies candidates to work as personal trainers. It has 150 multiple-choice items (125 scored) across four content domains.
Certification details
| Certifying body | American Council on Exercise (ACE); NCCA-accredited. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | At least 18 years old, a high school diploma or equivalent, and current CPR/AED certification with a live skills check. |
| Exam format | 150 multiple-choice items (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest), 3-hour time limit, computer-based. |
| Content outline | Client Interviews and Assessments (24%), Program Design and Implementation (48%), Program Progression and Modifications (11%), Professional Conduct, Safety, and Risk Management (17%). |
| Passing score | A score of 500 or higher. |
| Recertification | Every 2 years through continuing education credits (CECs). |
| Official source | American Council on Exercise (ACE) |
DISCLAIMER: This exam preparation course is not affiliated with or endorsed by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). The content is designed to assist students in preparing for the ACE Certified Personal Trainer (ACE CPT) Exam (ACE-CPT) exam but is created and provided by an independent third party. ACE and ACE-CPT are registered trademarks of the American Council on Exercise. The use of this trademark does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the ACE.