If you need help studying for the ACE Personal Trainer test or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free ACE Personal Trainer practice test!
What’s on the Test?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 150 multiple-choice questions total, but only 125 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 25 unscored questions on the exam are “experimental” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are experimental. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours, and you may take restroom breaks as needed. Just keep in mind that the timer does not stop for any breaks you take.
The exam is split into four domains, and each domain has multiple tasks.
1. CLIENT ONBOARDING AND ASSESSMENTS
23% of the exam
- Collect health, medical, exercise, and lifestyle data via questionnaires, interviews, and relevant documents to assess exercise readiness, identify risks, determine the need for medical clearance, and design appropriate programs.
- Evaluate client readiness for health behavior changes and assess exercise attitudes through effective communication to build rapport and set appropriate goals.
- Evaluate foundational movements through observation and assessments to develop exercise programs that enhance functional movement, health, fitness, and performance.
- Conduct baseline fitness assessments using client interviews, questionnaires, and standardized protocols to design safe and effective programs and track progress over time.
2. PROGRAM DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION
31% of the exam
- Interpret client interview and assessment data to establish personalized functional, health, fitness, and performance goals and design tailored exercise programs.
- Design personalized exercise programs using appropriate principles and guidelines to enhance function, health, fitness, and performance.
- Choose suitable exercises and equipment based on evidence-based research and guidelines to incorporate into client programs, improving function, health, fitness, performance, and well-being.
- Teach clients safe and effective exercise techniques and equipment use using verbal, visual, and kinesthetic cues to encourage adherence and meet program goals.
3. PROGRAM MODIFICATION AND PROGRESSION
27% of the exam
- Enhance program adherence by delivering positive experiences that build self-efficacy, using motivation, education, and tailored program adjustments to meet client goals.
- Address lapses in program adherence by identifying barriers and enhancers, and collaboratively finding solutions to maintain consistent client engagement.
- Regularly assess program effectiveness through observations, client feedback, and data, making collaborative adjustments as necessary.
4. RISK MANAGEMENT, PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, AND ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES
19% of the exam
- Implement risk management strategies across various settings (e.g., virtual, in-person, in-home, in-club, public spaces) following established standards, guidelines, laws, and regulations to minimize liability and protect all involved parties.
- Stay updated with the latest health and fitness industry standards and professional scope of practice to maintain credibility and trust.
- Continuously acquire knowledge about evolving ethical business practices in diverse health and fitness environments to improve client experiences.
How to Register
To get started with the registration process, you’ll need to submit an application via ACE’s website. This application includes a $499 testing fee.
Once your application has been reviewed and accepted, you’ll receive more information from ACE about scheduling a test date.
ACE Personal Trainer Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Test Scores
The ACE Personal Trainer test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 200 and 800. You need a scaled score of at least 500 to pass.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone that takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t get the score you want on your first try, that’s okay! You can take the test again after a mandatory one-year waiting period.
FAQs
How many questions are on the ACE Personal Trainer test?
The test contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the ACE Personal Trainer test?
The test is timed at 3 hours.
What is the testing fee for the ACE Personal Trainer test?
The testing fee is $499.