lemoncustard
Cathlete
I am considering studying for and taking the ACE Personal Trainer exam. Have any of you done this? Any pointers? What is the work potential?
Rhonda
Rhonda
ACE Personal Trainer
- Thread starter lemoncustard
- Start date
Hi, Rhonda:
I did it a year and a half ago. The home study course is good but I live in a rural area and couldn't really go to any workshops that many others have said were helpful. I studied for about 8 weeks and passed the test which was hard, but not killer. If you love the material, you will do well.
How marketable you are probably depends on you and where you live. Not too many people in rural northern California have money to throw around for a luxury like a personal trainer, but I have some people I help. I can't imagine eking out a living if that were my only income. However, the knowledge has been extremely valuable to my job as P.E. Tech in the local high school.
I hope Honeybunch will chime in here, because she really dove right in and started using her certificate in a way that got her some great experience right off the bat.
I got sidetracked by emergency back surgery and rehab, and then I was afraid to go out on my own because leaving my job which has poor pay but great benefits was not something I could face. For me, in the long run, just being able to help more people even casually has been worth it. I'm even excited about doing my continuing ed credits.
If you are braver than I am and live in a relatively densely populated area you will do great. Good luck!
--Ann
I did it a year and a half ago. The home study course is good but I live in a rural area and couldn't really go to any workshops that many others have said were helpful. I studied for about 8 weeks and passed the test which was hard, but not killer. If you love the material, you will do well.
How marketable you are probably depends on you and where you live. Not too many people in rural northern California have money to throw around for a luxury like a personal trainer, but I have some people I help. I can't imagine eking out a living if that were my only income. However, the knowledge has been extremely valuable to my job as P.E. Tech in the local high school.
I hope Honeybunch will chime in here, because she really dove right in and started using her certificate in a way that got her some great experience right off the bat.
I got sidetracked by emergency back surgery and rehab, and then I was afraid to go out on my own because leaving my job which has poor pay but great benefits was not something I could face. For me, in the long run, just being able to help more people even casually has been worth it. I'm even excited about doing my continuing ed credits.
If you are braver than I am and live in a relatively densely populated area you will do great. Good luck!
--Ann
honeybunch1
Cathlete
I took the test last year, and with the help of a seminar with Exercise Etc. to help study for the test, I passed it with 8 weeks of preparation.
I was able to talk my way into my local Y, and am slowly working into being a personal trainer there. I have a day job, so it's a slow go. I am going to get the ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification in May, if all goes well.
I was able to talk my way into my local Y, and am slowly working into being a personal trainer there. I have a day job, so it's a slow go. I am going to get the ACE Group Fitness Instructor certification in May, if all goes well.
lemoncustard
Cathlete
Thanks for your imput.
One of the concerns I have is that the book they use is five years old.
Rhonda
One of the concerns I have is that the book they use is five years old.
Rhonda
lemoncustard
Cathlete
written
Hi!
I'd be glad to help with info on the ACE exam--I'm an old hand at them! The manuals contain waaay more info and in much greater detail than what you will need to know for the test, so don't let it throw you when you get it.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend taking a prep class--if you have good study habits and test taking skills, chances are you won't need the class.
What I would suggest is that you find a mentor with which to spend time even after you get certified. There's all sorts of "tricks of the trade" that you can pick up.
Please feel free to e-mail me if I can help--health and fitness is my profession and I'm passionate about it!
Maribeth
I'd be glad to help with info on the ACE exam--I'm an old hand at them! The manuals contain waaay more info and in much greater detail than what you will need to know for the test, so don't let it throw you when you get it.
I wouldn't necessarily recommend taking a prep class--if you have good study habits and test taking skills, chances are you won't need the class.
What I would suggest is that you find a mentor with which to spend time even after you get certified. There's all sorts of "tricks of the trade" that you can pick up.
Please feel free to e-mail me if I can help--health and fitness is my profession and I'm passionate about it!
Maribeth