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InsightHorizon Digest

How hard is it to pass the personal trainer exam

Author

James Bradley

Updated on March 31, 2026

Overall, the ACE CPT exam is one of the most difficult exams in the industry. This is partly due to the fact that the textbook is huge with over 800 pages. Choosing the information to constitute a 150 question test from 800+ pages of material is going to result in a very difficult exam for the test-taker.

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.

What is the hardest 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 is a passing score on the ACE Personal Trainer exam?

To pass your ACE Certification Exam and become ACE Certified, you must earn a score of at least 500 out of a possible score of 800.

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 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.

Which is better ace or NASM?

If you feel you would struggle with the coaching of clients and want to improve in that area, go with ACE. If you feel you want to have more knowledge of how to design an effective workout program, go with NASM. For more information on how to become a personal trainer, check out our post on that topic.

Is the ACE exam hard to pass?

The ACE exam may be intimidating, as it is known to be a difficult one to pass in the fitness industry – at least on the first try. Not to worry, though – there are some significant ways you can prepare for your exam, pass in on the first try, and go further in your personal training career even sooner.

Is becoming a personal trainer easy?

Becoming a personal trainer isn’t hard, but serious work and study are required. Look at both entry-level and advanced certification programs. Personal trainers need to spend a lot of time experimenting in the gym to gain knowledge. Personal trainers must put the necessary effort into marketing.

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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.

How long does it take to pass the ACE exam?

Manage Your Time Wisely 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.

Is Ace a good personal training certification?

Similar to NASM, ACE is also a well-recognized certification in the fitness industry. ACE has also received NCCA accreditation. When it comes to the recognition criteria of ACE vs NASM, we can say both are equally accepted for a well-deserved tie.

What is the best personal trainer certification to get?

  • International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) …
  • The National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF) …
  • Fitness Mentors – Personal Training and Online Personal Training Certifications. …
  • American Council on Exercise (ACE) …
  • National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

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.

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?

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! As trainers develop their specialties, they can see their income grow by 20%.

Does military pay for personal training certification?

Since 2017, NASM has been recognized as a Military Friendly School, and our Certified Personal Training program is also eligible for military funding reimbursement. That means you can start a new career in fitness that you’ll enjoy at a price you’ll love.

How much does NASM exam cost?

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

What are the pros and cons of being a personal trainer?

Being a Fitness Instructor ProsBeing a Fitness Instructor ConsFitness instructors stay fitFitness trainers don’t make good moneyYou will not have that much stress at workPoor job securityYou can advise your family and friendsUnclear job prospects in the future

Can you live off being a personal trainer?

Yes, you can good make money as a personal trainer is the short answer. The longer answer is that, as most things are, if you are fantastic at your job and if you market and sell yourself well, you can make good money.

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.

Which gym pays trainers the most?

  • Crunch Fitness – $56,454 per year.
  • LA Fitness – $53,147 per year.
  • 24 Hour Fitness – $51,133 per year.
  • Lifetime Fitness – $49,025 per year.
  • Equinox – $47,866 per year.
  • Gold’s Gym – $39,853 per year (calculated from $19.16 per hour)

What questions are on the ACE Personal Trainer exam?

The three main types of multiple-choice questions used on ACE certification exams are recall, application, and analysis. Recall questions, which assesses facts, terminology, and comprehension of important principles, assess a candidate’s ability to remember information.