ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification Review (2024)
Read this ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification Review to decide if the ACE Behavior Change Certification is worth it and what the best personal training certification is for you.
The ACE Behavior Change Specialist certification program equips individuals with the tools to promote behavior change and create lasting healthy habits for clients. This certification explores behavior change theory from assessment to action planning, focusing on long-term behavior adaptation. The curriculum covers topics such as motivational interviewing, readiness for change assessment, and identifying barriers to change.
To become an ACE Behavior Change Specialist, candidates must complete six sections of curriculum and pass all online quizzes with a score of 70% or higher. While there are no prerequisites to complete the course, holding a current NCCA-accredited certification or equivalent professional credential is required for recognition as a Behavior Change Specialist by ACE. Be sure to also compare the ACE Behavior Change Certification to the NASM Behavior Change Certification.
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ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification Review
The ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification is designed to empower fitness, healthcare, and allied health professionals to help clients achieve sustainable life changes. By focusing on building supportive client-coach relationships, this program enables professionals to guide clients in adopting healthy behaviors that contribute to lifelong wellness.
Objectives
- Promote Efficient and Effective Movement: Help clients move with greater efficiency and effectiveness, enhancing their overall quality of life.
- Address Movement Inefficiencies: Learn to identify and correct inefficient movement patterns that can lead to stress and pain, discouraging physical activity.
- Broad Clientele: Equip yourself to assist a diverse range of clients, from athletes to individuals seeking to improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
Curriculum Highlights
- Understanding of Functional Anatomy: Deep dive into the major myofascial slings and systems and their role in movement efficiency.
- Assessment Techniques: Learn to conduct comprehensive assessments, including static postural, single-leg stance, and overhead squats, to identify movement impairments.
- Corrective Exercise Application: Master the application of motor learning principles and corrective functional exercises to address and correct movement impairments.
- Exercise Progressions: Gain knowledge on logical progressions of corrective functional exercises tailored to individual client needs.
Certification Process
- Modules and Quizzes: Complete a series of educational modules followed by quizzes to reinforce learning and assess comprehension.
- Final Assessment: A comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge and application of functional training principles. A passing score is required to earn the certification.
Materials and Resources
- Comprehensive Book: In-depth coverage of functional anatomy, movement assessments, and corrective exercise strategies.
- Recorded Video Content: Visual learning through recorded videos that demonstrate key concepts and exercises.
- Online Quizzes: Interactive quizzes to test understanding and retention of the material covered in each module.
Benefits
- Enhanced Skill Set: Become proficient in identifying and correcting movement dysfunctions, enhancing your value as a fitness professional.
- Diverse Clientele: Ability to work with a wide range of clients, expanding your marketability and client base.
- Improved Client Outcomes: Deliver more personalized and effective training programs that lead to better results and client satisfaction.
Investment
- The program offers flexible payment options, including a one-time payment or monthly installments, making it accessible to a wide range of professionals.
Continuing Education Credits
- Upon completion, professionals earn CEUs, which contribute to the recertification requirements of many fitness and health credentials.
The ACE Functional Training Specialist Certification provides an excellent opportunity for fitness and health professionals to deepen their expertise in functional movement and corrective exercise. This certification not only broadens your skill set but also enhances your ability to cater to a diverse clientele, promoting movement efficiency and preventing injuries.
Pros of ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification
- Comprehensive Curriculum: The program covers a wide range of topics essential for understanding and implementing behavior change, including cognitive-behavioral coaching, motivational interviewing, and setting SMART goals. This comprehensive approach ensures you are well-equipped to handle various client needs.
- Expert-Led Program: The curriculum is developed and delivered by renowned experts in the field of behavior change, including psychologists, physicians, and motivational interviewing founders. This ensures the information is credible, research-backed, and highly applicable.
- Versatile Application: Skills gained from this certification can be applied across a broad spectrum of clients, from those seeking to improve general wellness to those needing more targeted interventions. This versatility makes it a valuable addition to any health professional’s toolkit.
- Enhanced Client Relationships: By focusing on building supportive client-coach relationships, the program teaches you to be more empathetic, understanding, and effective in communicating with clients, leading to better outcomes and client retention.
- Continuing Education Credits: Completing the program awards you CEUs, which are necessary for maintaining and renewing many professional health and fitness certifications.
Cons of ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification
- Time and Financial Investment: The program requires a significant investment of both time and money. While it offers great value, the cost and commitment might be prohibitive for some individuals.
- Primarily Theoretical: While the program is rich in theoretical knowledge and evidence-based strategies, some professionals might find it lacks hands-on, practical experience. The real-world application of some concepts may require additional practice beyond the course.
- Digital Learning Format: The program is offered online, which, while convenient, might not suit all learning styles. Some individuals may prefer in-person workshops or practical demonstrations for complex topics like behavior change.
- Pre-Requisite Requirements: To be recognized as an ACE Specialist, you must hold a current NCCA-accredited certification or equivalent professional credential, which might limit eligibility for some interested individuals.
- Specific Focus: The specialization is highly focused on behavior change, which is a pro in terms of depth but might be a con for professionals looking for a broader range of skills in physical training or nutrition.
The ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification is designed for fitness, healthcare, or allied health professionals who are passionate about guiding their clients towards healthier lifestyles through effective behavior change strategies. This program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster supportive client-coach relationships, helping people make sustainable life changes.
What is the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification?
This certification delves into the psychology of behavior change, providing you with a deeper understanding of how to help clients recognize counterproductive behaviors and adopt healthier ones. You’ll learn from a panel of leading experts in behavior change, including Robert Biswas-Diener, Natalie Digate Muth, MD, MPH, RD, Billie Frances, MA, B.J. Fogg, Dan Goleman, and William R. Miller, who contribute their insights and expertise to the program.
Is the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification worth it?
Yes, this certification is incredibly valuable for professionals who want to enhance their ability to support clients in making lasting changes. By understanding the principles of behavior change, you can more effectively motivate, guide, and support your clients, leading to improved outcomes and a more successful practice.
Who should get the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification?
This program is ideal for a wide range of professionals, including:
- Personal trainers and fitness coaches aiming to support clients in achieving their fitness and health goals.
- Healthcare professionals, such as nurses and dietitians, looking to incorporate behavior change strategies into their patient care.
- Wellness coaches and allied health professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in behavior change to enhance their coaching practices.
How credible is ACE?
ACE (The American Council on Exercise) is a highly respected organization within the health and fitness industry, known for its rigorous standards and evidence-based certification programs. The Behavior Change Specialist Certification, like all ACE certifications, is developed based on the latest scientific research and expert consensus, ensuring you receive a high-quality and relevant education.
What can you do with an ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification?
With this certification, you can:
- Develop and implement effective behavior change strategies to help clients achieve their health and fitness goals.
- Enhance your ability to build strong, supportive client-coach relationships.
- Diversify your skillset, making you more marketable and effective as a health and fitness professional.
- Work in a variety of settings, including fitness centers, wellness programs, healthcare facilities, and private practice.
How much does the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification cost?
The program cost is $479, which includes all necessary materials and access to the online learning platform. Payment options are available, including the ability to split the cost into interest-free payments.
How does the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification compare to other behavior change certifications?
The ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification stands out due to its comprehensive curriculum developed by leading experts in behavior change, including renowned figures like Dr. B.J. Fogg and Dr. Dan Goleman. Unlike other certifications that may focus solely on theoretical aspects, ACE emphasizes practical, real-world applications, preparing professionals to effectively implement behavior change strategies with a diverse clientele.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Program?
To enroll in the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Program, it is recommended (though not required) that participants hold a current professional certification in health, fitness, wellness, or a related field that is accredited by an organization recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or possess a current license as a healthcare professional.
How long does it take to complete the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification?
The ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification is designed to be completed at your own pace, with many participants finishing the program in as little as 2-3 months. The self-paced online format allows for flexibility, making it suitable for busy professionals looking to enhance their skills without disrupting their current work commitments.
How can Exercise.com help you implement the skills gained from the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification?
Exercise.com’s all-in-one fitness business management software is ideally suited to help professionals implement the skills gained from the ACE Behavior Change Specialist Certification. The platform supports personalized client engagement through custom app features, automated communication tools, and comprehensive tracking of client progress, enabling a holistic approach to behavior change that integrates seamlessly with your fitness services.
