Hi, Midnight! I'm ACE-certified as a group fitness instructor; however, I got certified in February 1997. I did not have any outside classroom preparation for this test; I bought the textbook, study guide and the practice test. It took about 3 months of diligent studying, working the study guide and doing the practice test, but I passed the test on the first bounce and missed only about 19 test items out of about 175 (I think the revised test has fewer test items, but whatever).
Suggestions:
1. Don't be overly intimidated by the scientific nature of your study. You CAN learn these principles and facts, and you've got a leg up (pardon the pun) because you are already a consistent exerciser and can apply this seemingly abstract information to the concrete reality of your own fitness program;
2. Set yourself a realistic study schedule and stick to it. Read the chapter, work the workbook, take notes and underline key passages, and at the end of the textbook do the practice test. Don't blow this stuff off, because all the material is tested;
3. Give yourself at least two complete readings of the textbook, and note those problem areas so that you can review them with greater focus;
4. Check around in your area to see if there are any ACE test-prep classes offered; sometimes classroom instruction is very helpful.
5. The day before your test, give yourself a couple of hours to study and review that which you feel important. Get a good workout in that day, and eat healthy and happy foods. At 5:00 p.m., close your book and keep it closed. Get a good night's sleep. Make sure your car is gassed up (don't laugh - one woman I'm acquainted with didn't do that and her car almost died before she could get to a gas station). Go in, take a deep breath, and do it.
You'll do fine. Keep up the good work, and welcome to the ACE Fold!
A-Jock
