ACE-CHC vs ACE-CPT

certification

certification

2029-03-31

2029-03-31

Health coaches

Personal trainers

18

18

Have completed high school diploma (or the equivalent)

Have completed high school diploma (or the equivalent)

no

no

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)

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.

Hold a current adult CPR/AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) live skills check (CPR/AED courses without skills check not accepted; AED only required in USA and Canada); present a current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID); pay the exam/proctoring fee (not included in study program price).

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)

In-person proctored exam or online exam with a Live Remote Proctor (proctored through Meazure Learning/ProctorU); 150 multiple-choice questions

150

180 minutes

Minimum passing score of 500 on a scale up to 800

Score of 500 or greater (out of 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 available; ACE recommends allowing about one week of review for every 10 points below the passing score of 500 before rescheduling. 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 per 2-year cycle)

$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.

Credential valid 2 years; CECs must be completed between the start and end dates of the renewal cycle shown in My ACE, then submit renewal and pay fee before expiration. Late renewal permitted up to 6 months past expiration at higher fees; beyond 6 months requires contacting ACE support. Expired certifications without completed CECs require retaking the exam.

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) (approved ceu provider) · Non-ACE-approved course providers (petition accepted) · Accredited colleges/universities (petition accepted)

Behavior Change, Nutrition Coaching

Personal Training