Posted by on March 2, 2024 — Updated on July 24, 2024
Read this ACE Functional Training Specialist Certification Review to decide if the ACE Functional Training Certification is worth it and what the best personal training certification is for you.

The ACE Functional Training Specialist Certification is tailored for fitness and allied health professionals seeking a deeper understanding of training the body to move more efficiently. The ACE functional fitness certification program focuses on enhancing movement quality, preventing injuries, improving balance, flexibility, strength, and overall quality of life for clients of diverse backgrounds. The ACE functional fitness specialist curriculum covers functional movement techniques, including fascia understanding, assessments, exercise progressions, and stretching techniques.
To become an ACE Functional Training Specialist, completion of the program modules and associated quizzes is required. While anyone can undertake the program, recognition as an ACE Specialist necessitates holding a current NCCA-accredited certification or equivalent professional credential. The course aims to equip professionals with the skills to enhance clients’ movement efficiency and overall well-being through tailored training approaches. Be sure to also compare the ACE functional fitness certification to the NASM functional fitness certification.
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The ACE Functional Training Specialist Certification is tailored for fitness professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in functional training to help clients move more efficiently, effectively, and frequently. This certification focuses on the biomechanics of movement, physiological demands, and the development of integrated training programs tailored to improve everyday activities and athletic performance.
The ACE Functional Training Specialist Certification is a valuable asset for fitness professionals aiming to broaden their expertise in improving functional movement and quality of life for their clients. By focusing on the principles of functional training, this certification enables fitness professionals to design programs that not only enhance athletic performance but also facilitate daily activities and reduce the risk of injury. With the backing of ACE and recognition from multiple organizations, certified professionals are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for functional training in the health and fitness industry.
| Certification | Organization | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE Functional Training Specialist | ACE | – Comprehensive training in functional movement techniques | – Limited recognition compared to some alternatives |
| NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist | NASM | – Focuses on rehabilitation and physical improvement | – Courses may require specific schedules and in-person attendance |
| FMS Functional Movement Systems | FMS | – Specializes in functional movement systems | – Courses may have varying levels of hands-on experience and scheduling requirements |
| NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT) | NASM | – Developed based on scientific research, evidence-based training | – Not a certification, but a methodology that impacts many certifications, like the NASM CPT – Higher cost compared to some certifications, but offers extensive additional courses |
When comparing the ACE Functional Training Specialist with similar certifications like the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist, FMS Functional Movement Systems, and NASM Optimum Performance Training (OPT), each certification has its pros and cons. The ACE certification offers comprehensive training in functional movement techniques but may have limited recognition. In contrast, the NASM Corrective Exercise Specialist focuses on rehabilitation but may require specific schedules and in-person attendance. FMS specializes in functional movement systems, while courses may vary in hands-on experience. NASM OPT is developed based on scientific research but comes at a higher cost with extensive additional courses.
As an ACE Functional Training Specialist, you’ll empower clients to move more efficiently, effectively, and frequently, enhancing their overall health and quality of life. This certification is designed for health and exercise professionals looking to deepen their understanding of functional training, which emphasizes movement efficiency to support everyday activities and athletic performance.
By becoming an ACE Functional Training Specialist, you’ll not only enhance your career but also make a significant impact on your clients’ lives by helping them achieve better movement efficiency, which is essential for a healthy, active lifestyle.
This certification focuses on the biomechanics of functional movements, aiming to improve clients’ core function, balance, flexibility, strength, and overall movement efficiency. The ACE Functional Training Specialist Program equips you with the knowledge to train clients to move correctly, reducing inefficient movement that can lead to stress and potential injuries.
Absolutely. In today’s fitness industry, the demand for personalized, functional training programs is on the rise. This certification enables you to cater to a broad range of clients, from competitive athletes to older adults, by helping them move better in their daily lives and sports activities, making it a valuable addition to your professional credentials.
This certification is ideal for:
ACE is a globally recognized organization in the health and fitness industry, known for its high standards and evidence-based certification programs. The Functional Training Specialist Certification, like all ACE certifications, is developed by leading experts and based on the latest scientific research, ensuring that certified professionals possess cutting-edge knowledge and skills.
With this certification, you can:
The cost for the certification program is $449, which can be paid in full or through interest-free payments as low as $38/month with Affirm. All ACE Certified Professionals automatically qualify to earn the title of ACE Specialist and are encouraged to specialize to serve special populations better.
Tyler Spraul