ACE-CMES vs ACE-CPT

certification

certification

2029-03-31

2029-03-31

Medical exercise professionals

Personal trainers

18

18

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

Have completed high school diploma (or the equivalent)

yes — Bachelor's (four-year) degree

no

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 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

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).

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

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 (out of a possible 800)

Score of 500 or greater (out of 800)

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.

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

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.

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

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)

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)

Exercise Physiology, Special Populations

Personal Training