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How Hard Is The Certified Personal Trainer Exam?

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Last updated on 7 min read

The ACE CPT Exam is known for being one of the most difficult personal training certifications to pass. Out of the almost 800-page textbook they select 150 questions that need to be completed in a three hour time limit. This can cause major anxiety as knowing what to study can be hard to determine.

Is the personal trainer certification test hard?

Overall, the exam is one of the more difficult personal training tests to pass in the industry. The textbook is over 700 pages long and can be very daunting because it is dense with information.

How hard is the ace GFI exam?

The exam. As I said earlier, the ACE GFI exam was surprisingly pretty easy. I think this is in part to the emphasis on the topics to which I dedicated most of my study time. This section of the exam is all about designing a workout or class structure for your clients/class and is about 20% of the exam material .

What is the most difficult personal trainer certification?

The most difficult personal trainer certification to get is the NSCA Certification . The National Strength and Conditioning Association is the certifying agency.

How do you pass the personal trainer exam?

  1. Read The Book. It can be tempting to skim the material. ...
  2. Take Notes. Everyone learns in their own way, but for me, I learn best by writing things down. ...
  3. Know The Vocabulary. ...
  4. Study Anatomy. ...
  5. Take The Practice Quizzes. ...
  6. Areas to focus on: ...
  7. After The Exam.

What happens if you fail the ACE exam?

If you happen to fail the exam on your first try, you will have to pay a test retake fee of $199 . This is why it is very important to pass on your first time around as it can get very expensive if you keep on failing.

How much does the ACE exam cost?

Computer-Based (U.S. and Canada only) PT GFI First Time $499 $249 Retake $249 $199 2nd ACE Certification $249 $199 Formerly ACE Certified Professional $199 $199

Which is better ace or NASM?

NASM is considered more of a corrective exercise certification, whereas ACE is more of a general CPT certification. NASM progresses clients using their OPT training model, while ACE uses its IFT training model. ... The pass rate for the ACE test is 65%, while the pass rate for the NASM test is 64%.

How long should I study for the ACE Personal Trainer exam?

We have found that by consistently studying 10 to 12 hours per week , it is possible to complete your program in approximately three to six months.

How fast can you become a personal trainer?

Becoming a personal trainer can involve education, certifications and other training. Getting a bachelor’s degree typically takes around four years . Personal trainer certification courses, however, can often be completed in less than a year. You can choose the path that works best for you.

Do personal trainers make good money?

Personal Trainer Salary FAQ

Yes, making good money as a personal trainer is very viable. Even entry-level personal trainers can make upwards of $25 an hour, and easily up to $100 an hour if they are experienced.

Is 40 too old to become a personal trainer?

“Am I too old to be a personal trainer?” You’re never too old to start an exercise program and the same is true when it comes to being a personal trainer. ... Whether you’re retired or close to it, a personal training career and/or hobby may be a possibility for you.

What is the fastest personal trainer certification?

One of the fastest ways to get a high-quality personal training certification is with the ISSA fast track . Check out the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer – Fast Track Program that can get you certified in just four weeks.

How long does the ACE certification take?

The learning experience is self-paced, typically taking 80-100 hours over 3-4 months and is centered around ACE University, our intuitive learning platform. In addition, you will have access to ACE Answers study support to assure you are well prepared for your certification exam.

Is the ACE fitness test hard?

The ACE CPT Exam is known for being one of the most difficult personal training certifications to pass . Out of the almost 800-page textbook they select 150 questions that need to be completed in a three hour time limit. This can cause major anxiety as knowing what to study can be hard to determine.

Can I personal train without a certification?

You can’t be a personal trainer without getting some kind of certification. What’s more is that getting a personal training certification is really just the bare minimum required of you if you want to be an authority in the fitness industry. ... The best way to do that is by getting a specialized certification.

Is the ACE exam multiple choice?

All ACE Certification exams are comprised of 150 multiple-choice questions , with 125 scored and 25 experimental questions.

How much do NASM trainers make?

Average Salary for Personal Trainers

Personal trainers have great earning potential with the majority of full-time personal trainers making between $30,000 and $49,000 per year, and NASM certified personal trainers typically make $42,000 – their first year!

What is the most respected personal training certificate?

The personal trainer certifications with an option for NCCA accreditation are the most respected in the industry. The NCCA is the gold standard for third-party personal training certifications. Some of these certs include, NASM, ACE, Fitness Mentors, and ISSA.

How much does the NASM exam cost?

NASM CPT test costs $599 alone without taking the full package that includes study materials and many more perks.

How long does Ace GFI exam take?

Don’t rush through the exam. Take your time. There are 150 questions (only 120 questions count toward your score but you don’t know which ones!) and you have three hours to complete them.

How much money do personal trainers make?

Average annual salary: $35,740 – $58,277

With a job satisfaction rate of 90%, this is one role that appeals to those looking to advance their fitness career or extend their career opportunities into the business sphere.

Can I make a living as a personal trainer?

BLS data indicates that a personal trainer working in a fitness sports rec facility tends to make the most. A trainer working for a civic or social organization often has a lower income. ... You can also earn more if you own a personal training business. As an independent trainer, you set your own rates.

Can personal trainers make 6 figures?

According to our salary survey of more than 1,000 personal trainers, one in five trainers earn $75,000 or more per year. One out of every 10 trainers earn six figures or above . Those odds are slightly better than you’ll find in other careers. But there’s a lot you can do to improve your position.

How many hours a day do personal trainers work?

Learn from experts in the field on how many hours a personal trainer works. As you get personal training experience, try to stick to 25-30 hours a week (max) for actual training sessions. You’ll need non-training time for scheduling, invoicing, working out, promoting your business on social media, and more.

Why do personal trainers quit?

Many personal trainers quit because they don’t see much potential for career progression . It can be tough to figure out how you’ll move forward. ... Think about what your dream career path would be and then create a plan to make it a reality. Read up on how other PTs have become successful and seek out mentors.

What qualifications do you need to be a personal trainer?

  • Level 2 Diploma in Instructing Exercise and Fitness.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing.
  • Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training.

Is there a demand for older personal trainers?

As older people hit the gym in record numbers, demand rises for trainers in their 50s and 60s ; ‘It’s hard for someone who’s young to understand’ ... “I didn’t want a young hotshot trainer,” Mr. Hemphill says. “Even if they’re super talented, it’s hard for someone who’s young to understand what happens when your body ages.”

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Juan Martinez

Juan is an education and communications expert who writes about learning strategies, academic skills, and effective communication.