COURSE SYLL ABUS 1

ACE Personal Trainer

Study Program
SYLLABUS
Welcome to your ACE Certified Personal Trainer Study Program, which will help you prepare for both your
ACE Personal Trainer Certification exam and an empowering career as a personal trainer. The course is
divided into convenient sections, so you can study more efficiently and effectively. Use the online course to
guide you step by step through all of the course study materials.

This course includes The Exercise Professional’s Guide to Personal Training textbook and The Exercise
Professional’s Guide to Personal Training Study Companion, along with online educational resources. The
video lectures are designed to clarify more complex topics, and include the ACE ABC Approach in Action
demonstrations, which take you into a personal-training session to see the important behavior-change
principles in practice.

Learning activities and quizzes are interspersed throughout the course to help you assess your progress
and understanding so you can decide if you are ready to move on to the next section.

Below is a list of all the materials included in your Study Program (based on the package you purchased).

CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY MATERIALS PT Basic PT Plus PT Advantage

The Exercise Professional’s Guide x x

to Personal Training textbook

The Exercise Professional’s Guide x x x

to Personal Training eBook

The Exercise Professional’s Guide to x x

Personal Training Study Companion

The Exercise Professional’s Guide to x x x

Personal Training Study Companion eBook

ACE University (ACE U) x x x

ACE Practice Test(s) x x x

(1 practice test) (2 practice tests) (4 practice tests)

ACE Answers x x x
(Basic access*) (Plus access**) (Advantage access***)

ACE Certification Exam Voucher x x x

The Exercise Professional’s Guide to x

Personal Training Audiobook

Exercise Science 101 Course x x

Advantage Experience x

* Basic access: Answers to common study questions, video demonstrations and lectures, exam preparation
articles, Facebook study groups, ACE Exercise Library, tools & calculators, career forms.

** Plus access: ACE Answers Basic plus live Q&A Webinars

*** Advantage access: ACE Answers Basic and Plus, as well as Facilitated Study Groups (FSG). For frequently
asked questions about FSGs, go HERE.

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

COURSE SYLL ABUS 2

COURSE SUPPORT
If you have questions or need additional support, be sure to visit the ACE Answers page for
helpful tips and frequently asked questions. The level of access you receive within ACE Answers
is based on the study program you purchased.
ACE Answers and your live study experiences are available through your PT Study Dashboard.

YOUR PERSONAL LEARNING PLAN

Every person learns differently, and the ACE Personal Trainer Study Program has been created to
support all styles of learning. While we are all capable of learning through all mediums, a learning
style is identified as the way you learn the most easily. If you haven’t already identified your learning
style, now is a good time to observe your learning while using the different mediums provided here.

READING
Reading is one of the most common methods of teaching, so you probably already know if this is
your preferred style of learning. The textbook in this course is a critical resource in preparing for your
exam and is the primary source of reading material for this study program. We recommend you read
all of the material. As such, it was designed for different learning styles. The spiral binding allows it
to lay flat on a desk or fold over in your lap. The margins are a great space for notes and doodles.
There are plenty of images and graphs to visually support your understanding. If reading is not
your primary learning style, consider the following learning styles and use the tips described to
improve your engagement with this essential material.

KINESTHETIC
Kinesthetic learners learn by doing and it’s a common learning style for those who choose fitness
as a career. If you are a kinesthetic learner, take your learning to the gym (or any open space). The
spiral-bound design of the textbook is perfect to set on the reading rack of your treadmill while you
walk and read or set on the floor of the gym or your home while you try out the exercises. During
the videos, you could pause and act out the conversations or exercises you see on screen. Most
of all, apply what you are learning to your own exercise programs. As you will learn about in this
study program, the ACE IFT® Model can be used for your own program design as you continue with
your personal workouts. Similarly, you can integrate the ACE ABC Approach™ that you’ll learn about
in Section II in your daily conversations. Movement while learning is important for kinesthetic learners,
so try standing, pacing, or even dancing, or exercise while reading, watching, or listening to see if you
are more engaged.

VISUAL
Visual learners are often doodlers and observers and prefer graphs and pictures. If you are a
visual learner, you will find that the images and graphs throughout the textbook, along with the
online learning activities, videos, and ACE in Action demonstrations are of great service to your
understanding. Visual learners can supplement reading by taking notes while reading, making
flashcards or drawing diagrams and pictures to support understanding the material. Some visual
learners need extra time to process. Be patient with yourself and allow time to review and repeat.

AUDITORY
Auditory learners prefer hearing something out loud and often speak out loud new concepts as they
hear them. While studying, consider repeating or reading concepts out loud, and/or discussing with
peers or teaching a friend or family member. The audiobook and the live study experiences are
other great ways for you to supplement your reading. You might also consider listening to the videos,
audio only, if you feel as if the images on screen are distracting to you.

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

COURSE SYLL ABUS 3

VERBAL
Verbal learners learn through speaking and writing. These learners will find that peer study groups
are a great way to reinforce understanding the material. Verbal learners will also find the Study
Companion activities support their learning style, as they give an opportunity to reflect and write. Try
writing or speaking aloud a summary of the sections of the material that are more challenging.
So, which is the right material to use in preparation for your certification exam? The textbook is the
only source that contains all the essential material to understand. The other material in the course is
provided to support your understanding of that material. We recommend, especially for those new to
exercise science, that you complete all sections and take the quizzes and practice tests until you pass
each one consistently. Most importantly, before moving forward, we want you to feel confident with
the material.
This is a self-paced, self-directed course, so the journey belongs to you. To assist you in planning your
time wisely, we have included a sample course schedule based on a 16-week timeline. This plan is
broken down to include one chapter each week. In customizing this plan, consider your learning style
and rate of reading; you may wish to cover some of the longer chapters across two weeks instead.
Be open to adjusting your plan as you learn more about your own study habits and the amount of
time it takes you to retain the material.

16-WEEK SCHEDULE
*Note – If no page numbers appear next to the chapter reading assignment, please read the full chapter.

Timeline Section Associated Chapter Lesson

Week 1 I: Introduction Chapter 1: Role and Watch Welcome

Scope of Practice for Watch Section Opener and Study Tips
Personal Trainers
Quiz Section Pre-test
Read Chapter 1
Watch State of Health
Watch Certification and Continuing Education
Watch Scope of Practice and Referral Networks
Complete Chapter 1 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 1 Study Companion
Week 2 I: Introduction Chapter 2: The ACE Read Chapter 2
Integrated Fitness Watch Training Parameters
Training® Model
Watch Function–Health–Fitness–Performance
Continuum
Watch Introduction to the ACE IFT Model
Watch Cardiorespiratory Training Overview
Watch Muscular Training Overview
Watch Science of the ACE IFT Model
Complete Chapter 2 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 2 Study Companion
Watch Section Wrap-up and Pro Interviews
Quiz Section Post-test

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

COURSE SYLL ABUS 4

Timeline Section Associated Chapter Lesson

Week 3 II: A Client- Chapter 3: Basics of Watch Section Opener and Study Tips
centered Behavior Change Quiz Section Pre-test
Approach to
Read Chapter 3
Personal Training
Watch Health Belief Model
Watch The ABCs of the ACE Mover Method
Watch Increasing a Client’s Self-efficacy
Watch Stimulus Control Strategies and Processing
Cognitive Distortions
Complete Chapter 3 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 3 Study Companion
Week 4 II: A Client- Chapter 4: Effective Read Chapter 4
centered Communication, Watch Readiness to Change
Approach to Goal Setting, and
Watch Introduction to OARS Skills
Personal Training Teaching Techniques
Watch Goal Questions
Watch Tell Show Do
Complete Chapter 4 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 4 Study Companion
Week 5 II: A Client- Chapter 5: Read Chapter 5
centered Preparticipation Watch Screening for Medical Clearance
Approach to Health Screening
Watch Effects of Medication on Exercise
Personal Training
Complete Chapter 5 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 5 Study Companion
Week 6 II: A Client- Chapter 6: Nutrition Read Chapter 6
centered for Health and Watch Nutrition Education History
Approach to Fitness
Watch Nutrition Scope of Practice
Personal Training
Watch Reading Food Labels
Watch Healthy Eating Application
Complete Chapter 6 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 6 Study Companion
Watch Section Wrap-up and Pro Interviews
Quiz Section Post-test
Week 7 III: Assessments, Chapter 7: Resting Watch Section Opener and Study Tips
Programming, and Assessments and Quiz Section Pre-test
Progressions Anthropometric
Read Chapter 7
Measurements
Watch Measuring Heart Rate
Watch Measuring Blood Pressure
Watch Measuring Body Composition
Watch Measuring Body Mass Index
Watch Circumference Measurements
Watch ACE ABC Approach to Client Assessments
Complete Chapter 7 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 7 Study Companion

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

COURSE SYLL ABUS 5

Timeline Section Associated Chapter Lesson

Week 8 III: Assessments, Chapter 8: Read Chapter 8, pages 249–276

Programming, and Cardiorespiratory Watch Cardiorespiratory Training: Physiological
Progressions Training: Physiology, Adaptations
Assessments, and
Read Chapter 8, pages 276–319
Programming
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Cardiorespiratory
Training
Watch Ventilatory Testing
Watch Program Design
Complete Chapter 8 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 8 Study Companion
Week 9 III: Assessments, Chapter 9: Read Chapter 9, pages 321–359
Programming, and Muscular Training: Watch Joint Actions and Planes of Motion
Progressions Foundations and
Watch Muscular Anatomy and Types of
Benefits
Contractions
Read Chapter 9, pages 360–386
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Muscular Training –
Rest Intervals
Watch Components of a Muscular Training Session
Complete Chapter 9 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 9 Study Companion
Week III: Assessments, Chapter 10: Read Chapter 10, pages 389–428
10 Programming, and Muscular Training: Watch Functional Assessments
Progressions Assessments
Read Chapter 10, pages 429–463
Watch Movement Assessments
Watch Load/Speed Assessments
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Muscular Training –
Assessments
Complete Chapter 10 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 10 Study Companion
Week III: Assessments, Chapter 11: Read Chapter 11, pages 465–476
11 Programming, and Integrated Exercise Watch 3 Factors for Personalized Exercise
Progressions Programming: From Programming
Evidence to Practice
Watch 6 Steps for Client-centered Exercise
Programming
Read Chapter 11, pages 476–517
Watch Cardiorespiratory Training Program Design
Watch Muscular Training Program Design
Read Chapter 11, pages 517–550
Watch Implementing the ACE IFT Model
Complete Chapter 11 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 11 Study Companion
Watch Section Wrap-up and Pro Interviews
Quiz Section Post-test
*If you received the Exercise Science 101 course as part of your study program, completing this course after
completing Section III is recommended.

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

COURSE SYLL ABUS 6

Timeline Section Associated Chapter Lesson

Week IV: Program Chapter 12: Watch Section Opener and Study Tips
12 Modifications Considerations for Quiz Section Pre-test
for Clients Clients with Obesity
Read Chapter 12
with Special
Considerations Watch Factors Affecting Obesity
Watch Balance Progressions for Clients with
Obesity
Watch Compound Movements for Clients with
Obesity
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Clients with Obesity
Complete Chapter 12 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 12 Study Companion
Week IV: Program Chapter 13: Read Chapter 13, pages 591–623
13 Modifications Considerations for Watch Introduction to Working with Clients with
for Clients Clients with Chronic Chronic Disease
with Special Disease
Watch Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Considerations
Disease: Prevalence and Etiology
Watch Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular
Disease: Exercise Program Design
Read Chapter 13, pages 624–648
Watch Pulmonary Disorders and Other Chronic
Conditions: Prevalence and Etiology
Watch Pulmonary Disorders and Other Chronic
Conditions: Exercise Program Design
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Clients with
Chronic Disease
Complete Chapter 13 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 13 Study Companion
Week IV: Program Chapter 14: Exercise Read Chapter 14, pages 651–659
14 Modifications Considerations Watch Exercise and Youth
for Clients across the Lifespan
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Youth
with Special
Considerations Watch Applying the ACE IFT Model to Youth
Read Chapter 14, pages 659–669
Watch Guidelines for Training Prenatal and
Postpartum Clients
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Prenatal Clients
Watch Program Design for Prenatal Clients
Read Chapter 14, pages 669–677
Watch Activities of Daily Living
Watch Motivating Older Adults
Watch Balance Training for Older Adults
Complete Chapter 14 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 14 Study Companion

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

COURSE SYLL ABUS 7

Timeline Section Associated Chapter Lesson

Week IV: Program Chapter 15: Read Chapter 15, pages 679–701
15 Modifications Considerations Watch Musculoskeletal Injuries and Conditions
for Clients for Clients with
Watch ACE ABC Approach for Clients with
with Special Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Considerations Issues
Read Chapter 15, pages 702–707
Watch Programming for Common Conditions
of the Upper Extremity
Read Chapter 15, pages 707–712
Watch Programming for Common Conditions
of the Spine
Read Chapter 15, pages 713–732
Watch Programming for Common Conditions
of the Lower Extremity
Complete Chapter 15 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 15 Study Companion
Watch Section Wrap-up and Pro Interviews
Quiz Section Post-test
Week V: Professional Chapter 16: Watch Section Opener and Study Tips
16 Responsibilities Legal Guidelines Quiz Section Pre-test
and Business
Read Chapter 16
Considerations
Watch Business Structure
Watch Employee vs. Independent Contractor
Watch Safety and Paperwork
Watch Current Trends: Legal Considerations
Complete Chapter 16 Learning Activity
Write Chapter 16 Study Companion
Watch Section Wrap-up and Pro Interviews
Quiz Section Post-test
Week Exam Preparation Watch Exam Preparation Study Tips Video
16 Quiz Practice Test(s)
Watch Final Conclusion Video

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program

COURSE SYLL ABUS 8

Frequently Asked Questions

DO I HAVE TO COMPLETE ALL OF THE COMPONENTS UNDER EACH TOPIC BEFORE

I MOVE ON?
Your certification as an ACE Personal Trainer is contingent upon you achieving a passing score
on the proctored Certification exam. In your studies, you can complete the lessons you feel will
best prepare you for the exam. Keep in mind, however, that we created this learning experience
to facilitate your studies for the ACE Personal Trainer Certification exam.

CAN I RETAKE THE QUIZZES?

You can retake the quizzes at any time to further test your knowledge or study the material.

ONCE I COMPLETE THIS COURSE, AM I GUARANTEED TO PASS THE EXAM?

Completing this course is not a guarantee that you will pass the certification exam. This course
contains essential preparatory material that must be understood and critically applied during
the exam.

WHEN DO I HAVE TO REGISTER FOR MY EXAM?

Keep in mind that your exam voucher is good for six months. At that time, you need to register for a
future exam date. See the exam information in your Study Dashboard for more information about
exam registration.

CAN I USE MY PHONE OR TABLET TO ACCESS THE COURSE?

Yes, the course is mobile-responsive and will adjust to any size screen. However, the course is
optimized for a larger screen and may be easier to read on a tablet, desktop, or laptop.

MY PROGRESS BAR ISN’T SHOWING MY PROGRESS. WHAT’S WRONG?

A score of 70% or higher on all quizzes is needed to mark each module as complete. A completed
module will move the progress bar.

DO I HAVE ACCESS TO THE FORMS USED IN MY TEXTBOOK?

We have shared all forms and resources for which we have permission to do so. These can be
found in the Resources tab of your ACE U Personal Trainer Study Program and in ACE Answers
at www.ACEfitness.org/ACEAnswers. By providing you with these forms and resources, we are
granting you permission to use them in your practice as a personal trainer. If a form or resource
is not present, you will need to seek permission from the original creator of that content before
using it in any way.

American Council on Exercise l ACE Personal Trainer Study Program