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The rise in popularity of group fitness, which attracts more than 22.1 million people annually, has created vast changes in both the industry itself and the ways in which group fitness is delivered. Demand for talented, versatile group fitness instructors has exploded, making this the perfect time to get started on your professional journey. Follow these steps and you'll be off and running.
BeginOnce you've decided that becoming a group fitness instructor is right for you, the first step is choosing a certification program. Consider a certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), considered the gold standard in health and fitness. All ACE Certifications are accredited by the NCCA.
Once you've decided which certification program is right for you, it's time to get your study materials. ACE Group Fitness Instructor Study Programs include a combination of digital and hard copy materials. Preparation for the exam is self-paced, typically taking 80-100 hours over 3-4 months. ACE offers several tools you can use, including ACE Answers, our self-serve resource center, and ACE Answers on Facebook, our social study community.
Curious what our study programs are like? Get a free course preview in the certification of your choice.
NextCosts associated with registering for an ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam are included in each of the study program options. You are required to register for your exam within 6 months after purchasing your materials (though you can select a date beyond that deadline). Prior to registering, make sure you meet all pre-requisite requirements for your exam, which includes holding a current CPR/AED certification with live skills check. Please note that purchasing ACE study materials is not required in order to register for the exam.
NextOnce you successfully pass your exam, you will officially be an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor. You'll now have access to exclusive resources aimed at helping you launch your career, including professional discounts on equipment, liability insurance and more. You'll also receive your certificate and a wallet ID card to verify your credentials to potential clients and employers.
There are a lot of factors that go into finding the right position. First, you'll need to determine which setting you want to work in (a health and fitness club, specialty studio, medical fitness facility or if you'd like to venture out on your own) and where. Whichever career path you pursue, ACE has a number of tools to help you get started. For more information, see our Programs & Benefits or log in to your My ACE Account once you earn your certification.
NextIt's important to note that you can't be everything to everyone, no matter how great you are at your craft. You must have a clear idea of your target market to connect with clients who will be a good fit for your services. ACE has created a series of Specialist Programs to help you focus your expertise in specific areas like fitness nutrition, weight management and behavior change. Although anyone can pursue the education in a specialist program, only those who hold NCCA-accredited certifications will be recognized as ACE Specialists. To find out which area you should pursue, consider the needs in your community, what you are most passionate about and your preferred training style.
NextIn order to maintain the high standards set by the NCCA, ACE Professionals (and others in the industry) are required to earn 20 hours of continuing education credits (2.0 CECs) every two years. Establishing and enforcing that standard helps us validate that professionals continue to enhance their competence to safely and effectively lead people to change. To fulfill those renewal requirements, ACE offers a number of diverse opportunities, including the CEC Power Pass, a cost-saving subscription plan, to help you build your expertise.
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