The American Council on Exercise (ACE) certification is for trainers offering one-to-one instruction or small-group classes. The certification exam requires test-takers to be at least 18 years of age with a recent cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED certification. ACE offers study materials including self-study packages that include a manual, practice tests and email coaching; online courses and practice tests also are available. The exam has two sections: 150 multiple-choice-format questions and a written test to assess candidates' practical knowledge. Candidates can opt for computer-based testing or pencil and paper format for taking their exams. Applicants can take the exam at their nearest ACE testing center, which can be found by visiting the American Council on Exercise website.
Test-takers for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) personal trainer certification should be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent certification; they should hold a recent adult CPR certification with practical experience. Applicants can take the exam at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers on a date and at a location that is convenient to them by registering online or at the testing center. All questions are multiple choice format and may include video or image sections. Several exam preparation resources are available, including textbooks, workshops and online learning assistance through the ACSM Learning Portal.
Candidates taking the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) certification exam should be 18 years or older and have a high school diploma or GED. The two-hour exam has 100 multiple-choice-format questions. Applicants take the exam at authorized testing facilities, which can be found by visiting the official NESTA website. There also are self-study packages available on the website including a course manual, training videos and audio lessons and review questions.
Candidates need to be 18 years or older and hold an adult CPR certification with hands-on experience; online CPR courses are not valid. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, spanning three hours. The exam is a computer-based testing (CBT) format and is available at authorized Pearson VUE testing sites across United States. Study materials offered include workshops, training manual and practice tests.