ACE Medical Exercise Specialist Certification — Requirements & Free Practice

US · License preparation

100 free questions · Answer explanations · No signup required

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Initial by examination

Eligibility: At least 18 years old; current adult CPR and AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check for US candidates; submit documentation of both a four-year bachelor's degree in exercise science or a related field and 500 hours of work experience designing and implementing exercise programs for apparently healthy individuals and/or high-risk individuals, as documented by a qualified professional; ACE pre-approval before exam registration.

Provider: American Council on Exercise
Format: Proctored multiple-choice examination
Exam questions: Total questions: 150; Scored questions: 125; Unscored questions: 25; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit: Three hours
Passing score: 500 on a 200–800 scaled score

Examination outline

Assessments (26%)
- Gather client health, exercise, and lifestyle information
- Evaluate client information for assessments, programming, and referrals
- Establish client goals
Program Design, Implementation, & Modification (33%)
- Design exercise and lifestyle programs
- Implement exercise and lifestyle programs
- Modify programs and goals
- Recommend complementary resources
Communication and Behavior Change (23%)
- Establish client rapport
- Promote sustainable healthy behavior change
- Build client self-efficacy
Professional Conduct & Risk Management (18%)
- Collaborate with caregivers and healthcare team
- Comply with laws, guidelines, and ACE ethics
- Respond to adverse medical conditions and emergencies
- Maintain professional competence

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