Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification


 ACE® Advanced Health & Fitness Specialists provide in-depth preventative and post-rehabilitative fitness programming that addresses common diseases and disorders seen on a daily basis.


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The number of overweight and obese individuals in the U.S. continues to increase at a time when our population is also getting older. Coupled with inactivity, poor dietary choices and related health factors, the result is an ever-increasing number of individuals who are at risk for or recovering from cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and a variety of orthopedic issues. An advanced fitness professional plays a crucial role in the allied healthcare continuum by helping these individuals to decrease risk factors and improve health and fitness following rehabilitation.

The ACE Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification provides fitness professionals with the opportunity to earn an advanced fitness certification that is unparalleled in the industry. It's the only accredited fitness certification with extensive programming for the most common diseases and disorders seen on a regular basis by fitness professionals. According to recent ACE studies and research, these frequently encountered health issues fall into one of the following categories: cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic and musculoskeletal — all of which are the focus of this certification. In addition, this credential addresses advanced programming for older adults, youth and pre- and post-natal women; nutrition and business communication and strategy.

ACE introduced the Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification to meet the growing demands of clients and the advanced fitness professionals providing preventative and post-rehabilitative fitness programs. Becoming an ACE-certified Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist will give you the credentials to work with special populations, taking a leadership role in helping them to improve their fitness levels and overall health. You can market your services directly to fitness clubs, community health clinics, hospitals and senior facilities. This is an incredible opportunity that has been largely ignored. The possibility for growth and professional recognition are virtually untapped.

Register Today!

Download the Paper and Pencil Registration Form or the CBT Registration Form to get started.


Am I eligible for Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification?
The following eligibility requirements have been adopted for our Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist certification exam:
  • • You must be at least 18 years of age.
  • • You must hold current adult CPR and AED certificate at the time of the exam.*
  • • You must have 300 hours of work experience designing and implementing exercise programs for apparently healthy individuals and/or high-risk individuals, as documented by a qualified professional.
  • • You must hold a current ACE Personal Trainer Certification or Lifestyle & Weight Management Certification; or an NCCA-accredited personal trainer or advanced fitness related certification; or have a four-year (bachelor's) degree in an Exercise Science or related field.
*You may sit for the Paper and Pencil exam without proof of CPR and AED; however, you will not receive your exam results until you provide a CURRENT CPR and AED Certificate. Candidates registering for computer-based testing must have a CURRENT CPR and AED certificate at the time of registration that does not expire prior to the exam date.

*Note: Effective January 1, 2009 all new and renewing ACE-certified professionals in the U.S. and Canada must hold both a current CPR and AED card to sit for or renew an ACE certification. ACE exam candidates and renewing ACE-certified professionals outside the U.S. and Canada are required to hold only current CPR due to differing international laws regarding AED usage.

Registrants must submit documentation supporting eligibility including NCCA-accredited certification and/or Exercise Science-related degree coursework and 300 hours of work experience at the time of registration.


ACE-certified Success Stories
These tales of triumph and dedication will motivate and encourage you on your personal journey to a successful career in the fitness industry!

ACE Code of Ethics
ACE-certified professionals are guided by the American Council on Exercise's principles of professional conduct.