- The ACE certification exam comes with a reasonable fee.
- Retaking the test can be done if the first or subsequent attempt at passing was unsuccessful.
- Supplementary material may be purchased to help you pass the exam.
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) maintains a prestigious reputation in the personal training industry. ACE offers accredited personal trainer certifications as well as additional specialty certifications.
Since ACE certifications are accredited by the reliable third-party entity known as the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), their standards went into the drafting of the ACE certification exam. Passing the examination won’t be easy, but it is necessary in order to get certified.
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What is a passing score on the ACE certification exam?
A passing score on the ACE certification exam is 500, which is achieved by answering 90 out of 125 questions correctly.
The test is not like a traditional exam where the score is based on percentages out of 100.
Instead, the exam comprises sections based on a scale that adds up to a perfect score of 800. Receiving a score of 500 means answering 62.5 percent of the questions correctly.
Why are only 125 out of 150 questions graded?
Those taking the certification exam must answer all 150 questions, but only 125 questions count toward the total score of 800.
These 25 questions are for “experimental” purposes and might be included on future exams. The person taking the exam has no idea which questions count toward the actual exam and which ones serve information collection purposes.
What are the costs involved?
The fee to take the ACE personal trainer certification exam is $399. No other fees or costs are mandatory. Anyone who wishes to solely take the examination without buying any other materials may certainly do so.
That said, the chances of passing the test increase after purchasing and seriously reviewing the study material. Once a passing score is attained, the test taker receives their personal training certification soon after. The certification will be subjected to renewal requirements.
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What study materials are available?
Those interested in taking the test can draw on supplementary learning material produced by ACE. As aforementioned, additional costs exist for this study aid.
The primary textbook, ACE Personal Trainer Manual: The Ultimate Resource for Fitness Professionals, covers an enormous amount of material. The book runs a full 595 pages and has chapters dedicated to a wide variety of fitness and personal training topics.
Smart time-management is required to become greatly familiar with the content of the textbook. Also, the ACE Personal Trainer Manual Study Companion book complements the primary textbook and furthers the ability to absorb the material.
To greatly prepare for the examination, the following package deals can be purchased:
- Personal Trainer Standard Program – $699
- Personal Trainer Premium Plus Program – $699
- Personal Trainer Premium Program – $799
Each program contains supplementary learning material and support. The more costly the program, the more you get for the purchase price. Among the items offered in the programs are video lectures, a prepaid exam voucher, webinars, and live study help via phone and email.
What happens if you fail the exam?
Nothing bars you from retaking the exam. The fee for retaking the test is also lower than the initial cost.
Retaking the test only costs $199.
No waiting period must elapse before retaking it, either. Human nature may lead you to wish to retake the test as quickly as possible. Perhaps waiting until you have sufficiently prepared for the test would be the better strategy. Maybe taking advantage of ACE’s Study Coach program would help as well.
Don’t Forget Your ID!
One final point has to be made about taking the ACE personal trainer examination. When taking this test, be sure to bring the proper identification documents with you. ACE requires a “government-issued photo ID” for you to be admitted to the test. The organization wants to be 100 percent sure you are who you say you are, and there are no exceptions.
There is a lot of energy and effort needed to get the most out of your ACE certification program, but at the end of it all, you’ll be a certified personal trainer who can confidently approach clients and back up your knowledge with trustworthy credentials!
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