ACE-CHC vs ACE-CMES

certification

certification

2029-03-31

2029-03-31

Health coaches

Medical exercise professionals

18

18

Have completed high school diploma (or the equivalent)

Proof of a four-year (bachelor's) degree in exercise science or a related field (upload unofficial transcript)

no

yes — Bachelor's (four-year) degree

No experience required per ACE program pages; the ACE credential listing page states candidates must submit documentation for ONE of: a current NCCA-accredited certification in fitness, nutrition, healthcare, wellness, human resources or related field; an associate's degree or higher in fitness, exercise science, nutrition, healthcare, wellness or related field; a completed NBHWC-approved health coach training program; or a minimum of 2 years of work experience in coaching/leading/designing behavior or lifestyle change, exercise, wellness, nutrition or physical activity (documented by resume)

Proof of 500 hours of work experience designing and implementing exercise programs for apparently healthy and/or high-risk individuals, documented by a qualified professional (supervisor-completed pre-approval form)

yes

yes

Current adult CPR and AED certification with a live (hands-on) skills check completed prior to exam registration (CPR only required outside the U.S./Canada); present a current government-issued photo ID with signature. No prerequisites to purchase a study program.

Current adult CPR and AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) live skills check (courses without skills check not accepted; AED only required in USA and Canada); present a current government-issued photo ID with signature

NCCA-accredited ACE Certified Health Coach Certification Exam; multiple-choice, taken either at an in-person proctored testing site or online via Live Remote Proctor (Meazure Learning/ProctorU, English only)

Proctored certification exam; can be taken from home via Live Remote Proctor (Meazure Learning/ProctorU, English only) or at an exam location; scaled scoring up to 800 points

Minimum passing score of 500 on a scale up to 800

Minimum passing score of 500 (out of a possible 800)

If not passed, candidates may use a retake voucher (if available in MyACE Account) or purchase an additional exam at a discounted retake fee, valid for one year after the initial test date. Exam must be registered within 6 months of study program purchase (voucher redemption period); Live Remote Proctor exams must be completed within 60 days of registration.

Retake requires a retake voucher (included in Premium program) or purchase of an additional exam at a discounted retake fee via MyACE; discounted retake price valid for one year after the initial test date. Exam voucher has a 6-month redemption period; after registering for a Live Remote Proctored exam candidates have 60 days to complete it.

yes

yes

2 years

2 years

2

2

ACE CEC (0.1 CEC = 1 hour of structured learning; 2.0 CECs = 20 hours)

ACE CEC (0.1 CEC = 1 hour of structured learning; 2.0 CECs = 20 hours)

$129 standard

$129 standard

yes

yes

yes

yes

Credential must be renewed every two years; all CECs must be completed between the start and end dates of the two-year renewal cycle shown in the My ACE account. Late renewal is possible up to 3 months ($169) and up to 6 months ($199) past expiration; more than 6 months past expiration requires contacting ACE support. Excess CECs do not roll over, and if the certification expires without completing CECs the exam must be retaken.

Renew every two years by the end date of the renewal cycle shown in the My ACE profile; CECs must be completed between the cycle start and end dates and do not roll over. Late renewal is permitted up to 3 months past expiration ($169) and up to 6 months ($199); more than 6 months past expiration requires contacting ACE support. If CECs are not completed and the certification expires, the exam must be retaken.

active

active

2026-09-03

2026-09-03

American Council on Exercise (ACE) (petition accepted) · Accredited colleges/universities (college coursework) (accepts ceus from) · ACE-Approved Continuing Education Providers (voluntary ACE approval program) (approved ceu provider)

ACE-Approved Continuing Education Providers (ACE Pre-Approved Course Directory) (accepts ceus from) · American Council on Exercise (non-ACE-approved courses and college courses) (petition accepted) · American Council on Exercise (other ACE credentials) (reciprocal)

Behavior Change, Nutrition Coaching

Exercise Physiology, Special Populations