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just passed the ACE pt exam,,,what was that?!

by Andy
(Litchfield, ME)

I just passed the exam yesterday and i absolutely agree with the others who felt like they studied for the wrong test! I knew the
'essentials' book & the PT manual VERY well, and its like it didn't matter. I studied the questions on the exam practice test & the tests/questions in the 'master the manual' that summarized ea. chapter of the manual.

I knew these questions and the subject matter cold. It did not matter. Not only were NONE of these questions(or anything like these questions) on the exam, but they seemed to completely disregard all of the things they stress in these books. VERY subjective questions & answers(and wording) it seemed like on every question of the test. not one thing that i can remember that was ACE-related(figure that one out) and some things that i know were not even in any of the books!

When i finished i had no idea how i did,,wasn't even sure i had passed, which is sad considering how much time i put into this- i would give advice on what to study, but i couldn't even tell you where to start!!

Comments for just passed the ACE pt exam,,,what was that?!

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Interesting.
by: Anonymous

Interesting. I count ACE as one of the better certs out there. My ACSM test had some out of nowhere stuff, but if you studied the material you had a good shot at passing. Doesn't seem right for a reputable cert to have an exam like that.

I'd like to hear from other recent ACE testers.

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Passed ACE personal trainer exam today
by: Ryan

everything that the other people say about the ACE exam is true... the questions are EXTREMELY subjective and trust me there is more than one 100% correct answer. you really have to interpret the questions based on what ACE wants to hear. i didnt have too many formula questions (maybe two needed math), but the testing center gave me scrap paper and a pen to do it (no calculators which is stupid because you will always have a calculator available while working in the field). i passed this exam in around an hour and 15 minutes. i expected to fail horribly after reading some of these reviews, but a lot of the questions are common sense if you read the materials. dont expect to get a 100% on the thing, but it is passable as i found out today.

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Discrepancy of exam
by: Sloan

So it is your opinion that this certification is nothing but a marketing ploy? I'm interesting in knowing as I am getting back into the field part time, and do not care to waste money that I thought I would spend for a quality certification.

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Test questions don't relate to books
by: Reydana

I agree that the test was nothing like the material I paid over $300 and studied. I took the exam a few years ago. I needed a 500 score but made a 479. Although I did not pass, I was shocked, during the test, that all of the questions seemed to have come from another set of materials. However, I plan on taking the test in December.

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acsm is the best certification
by: D-man

It seems as though the ace certification standard is still credible even though the information is more outdated than the standard for calculating BMI (which takes weight into account, but doesn't account for muscle weighing more than fat!). Don't waist your time with the ACE cert. unless the job you want requires it. Better yet ACSM is good for two years, ACE has to be re-evaluated every year seems like a marketing ploy on the behalf of ACE.

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open book/
by: Anonymous

IS THE ACE EXAM OPEN BOOK?

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muscle and fat
by: Anonymous

d-man,
pounds are pounds. 4 pounds of fat or 4 pounds of muscle are still 4 pounds of either. A 10 pound bowling ball still weighs the same as 10 pounds of feathers - they just take up more space. Muscle is a more dense than fat, but it is a long de-bunked myth that muscle weighs more than fat. You can't compare the weight of two different tissue groups and try to "standardize" them - just saying.

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Passed last Friday
by: EriktheViking

The ACE exam is extremely hard I passed with a 592 after I thought I ACED it (No pun intended0. You really have to have a decent amount of practical experience to have a chance of answering a good amount of questions.Gotta wait 4 weeks for my cert and then its on like Donkey Kong!

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Open book?
by: Anonymous

Is the ACE exam an open book?

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A nervous wreck
by: Anonymous

I passed that freaking test by 2 points. 502-800. 80% of the questions where client-trainer scenario questions. Only two questions on nutrition, so I wouldn't focus to much time on that, and like one anatomy question.

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unfamilar yet familar
by: Anonymous

i have to agree with the other reviewers here when stating the exam questions almost had no relation to the study material. however when I was brushing up on refreshing my knowledge prior to taking my exam ( which I just passed yesterday 12-1-15) I noticed I did not view some of the videos on the ACE Academy Elite & one of the videos, it went over the domains covered on the exam. the video basically stated try not to think the exam is based on memorizing answers to the practice questions but to understand the principals & concepts that were covered in the study material. with that statement I went back covered some areas that seemed to have an impact (i.e. which phase client is ready for, which behavioral stage the client is in, which logical progression to move the client to in their workout)& if you keep that in mind I believe you will not be to overwhelmed by the questions presented. don't get me wrong the question are nothing like in the practice exam or manual but THE WAY THEY ARE PRESENTED IS like in the material. at least concept wise. as far as the math questions, I was expecting a lot but only got probably less than 10 out of 150 & probably the same amount when regarding legal. but was glad when I finished & saw that I passed ( barely but passed). overall im very excited that I am now an ACE Certified Pro & will continue to acquire more certs from ACE as well as other orgs. hope this helps to anybody preparing for this exam

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Still Studying. It Sux
by: Anonymous

Thanks so much of the all the tips. I am new to exercise science and I am struggling! I have found a number of discrepancies with in the book. Even the book and the online quizes or the book and the video. Luckily the resource center is very helpful. To be honest, though, I don't trust it. I'm seeing my first exam as a "practice" run. Also, when I have taken other professional exams they have a few versions for the test going at once (so that people won't cheat.) Not sure if Ace does that. But be wary when you see get suggestions from people.(Of course I say that but I'm taking all the help I can get. ;) It is helpful hearing other peoples experience so I don't feel so down on myself too. So thanks. :)

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Failed exam! I thought it was the wrong exam!
by: Jane

From the very start I had a horrible feeling in my gut when I read the first foreign question. I thought the proctors gave me the wrong exam! I was so prepared. I had passed all the exams on the ACE Elite website with 95-100%. The questions sounded totally not like the books or online material. It was real subjective, making me guess instead of know for sure with direct questions. I'm very disappointed and will take it over again, unfortunately. Plus, the calculator on the computer was broken. Very ego deflating and such a bummer after spending $600 and 6 mos. study time. Well, so much for being employed soon. Good luck!

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Just horrible
by: AnonyRozamous

I agree with everybody the ACE exam is a awful!!!
After studying for 6 months I thought I can pass that exam with the easy considering amount of time I spend.
I have to take it again and i am so discharge.I do not know what to study anymore I got 482 passing score 500.
Good luck

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ACE CPT ABROAD
by: MIKE

ACE CERTIFICATE IS THE ONE OF TWO ACCEPTED WORLDWIDE...EUROPE FTE
1.ACE
2.NASM...

EVEN ACSM SOUNDS GREAT...ITS NOT ACCEPTED OUTSIDE USA...

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Just passed the ACE PT exam -- wow, disappointed
by: Anonymous

I just got home from passing the exam. I was shocked I passed because I had to guess a lot. I studied and learned the material and passed the practice exams. But, like others, I wondered if I got the wrong test. The questions were unfamiliar and some of the answers were very ambiguous. I hated it. During the exam I was thinking I was going to fail and was trying to decide if I'd try again. The exam did not emphasize a lot of what was stressed in all the material we were given. I can recommend that you know everything that is emphasized and be able to extrapolate from it.

Not impressed with the exam. And please, show some photos of women personal trainers in the book and exam.

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Ace PT Study Materials and Test
by: Anonymous

I purchased Ace materials to prepare for PT test that was scheduled for today. I felt very confident of all the materials I prepared and self studied for. Upon the start of the test, a few questions were of common sense...but majority of the questions were not what was supported in the materials purchased through Ace. I did not recognize any of the questions...seem as though the questions were out dated. The testing center was not at all inviting. The computer calculator was not working properly and had an issue with the system locking me out.
Yes...unfortunately I failed the test. I reviewed the book again to look for a few of those questions from the test and am unable to locate.
Overall I am not happy with Ace and do not recommend their study materials. Do your research in depth and ask questions before spending money.

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Relax
by: Anonymous

The ACE test was cake. I scored a 615 and didn't study a whole lot at all. I am however a nurse and I have been to some top tier training courses. I was also an instructor in the military. I feel this test was pretty easy but like stated before there were some questions that I didn't see in the readings.

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Failed
by: Personaltrainerbuttheysaynotyet

I took the exam last May just this year. I was so nervous and anxiety level was extreme were I cannot concentrate on the questions. 3 days before the exam, the feeling is positive, after I studied the PT MANUAL, answered and passed 480 ++ questions online and some test papers, I know I'm gonna make it. (I studied for 3 weeks because I am also working) and on the day of the exam, when I clicked ready button, first question - I WAS LIKE?? what is this?? told myself, "ok, I know, I know this one.." until some questions I dunno where it came from. Well, I can say that some of the questions are helpful sad to say some aren't.

I guess, working 6 days per week and studying at the same time won't work. Still not included some life issues.

My score - 450 ++

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manual did not prepare for actual test
by: mary

Hi,

I passed the ACE Group Fitness today by the skin my teeth. I made 500, the exact number needed to pass.

I studied , long and hard and read and reread everything.

I believe that the Manual did not prepare me for what the test information would cover.

The test was mostly situations and circumstances that you had to answer about. All the practice tests barely touched on this aspect.

The way the questions were phrased and worded were way different on the actual test.

It truly felt for most of the questions that I was taking a totally different test than what I studied for!

I am thankful for passing, even if it was a low pass. However, I think the online material should be closer related to the actual test.

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Glad it was not just me
by: Anonymous

I just took the exam and passed by one point. I thought I made at least in the 80's, but I felt like the exam was an older exam that was given before the study materials were modernized. I felt like I knew all of the information I studied, I have a degree in Kinesiology, as well as have taught athletics and personally been in physical therapy and trained by trainers. Fortunately I had a lot of personal experience because many of the questions I believe I knew were not really things that were in the study materials. Still, I barely passed! This could be a lot better, ACE. The study program is good with the exception of some of the presenters being hard to watch for long periods of time in the videos. I expected that the material that was repeated and emphasized throughout the study course would likely be ont he test. Nope. There was all kinds of stuff that was in none of the study materials. There were many subjective questions with unprofessionally worded answers that made it hard to choose. Just when I thought an answer sounded sarcastic, it turns out that it was likely the correct one. Which made me very insecure to answer. Plus, the layout and wording of the study course is nice, but then the test was on this wide, elongated text, black on bright write old screen. I had to get used to it for a while and it was very hard to concentrate for such a long time on the layout. It seemed outdated, and the ghetto, dirty and outdated site did not help. Fortunately I passed by one point but it is more of a "whew" feeling than a well-deserved-because-I put-the-time-in-to-study, accomplished achievement. At least studying for hours on end is finished. :)

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Is this eam set up for you to fail?
by: Anonymous

I sat the exam today October 2017 and failed 479 I was so shock at those questions that I was wondering what exam I was taking, Does Ace review these comments or are they only interested in the money. I study for weeks and nights,aquiring my Graduate degree was easier than this. I do not know what to study now to pass this exam. I cannot afford to be spending this type of money retaking this exam if it is made for you to fail. I am a bit annnoy and wonder if we all need to bring this to the attention of someone to look into.

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Took exam yesterday
by: Anonymous

I took it yesterday. I have been a trainer and coach for 20 years, decided to take ACE due to its reputation, and to add an updated cert to my portfolio. I found the study material fantastic, and helpful. I do agree about the exam. My biggest gripe, in on multiple questions they had multiple answers that could be "right"

My other gripe, like others have stated, is that the focus of the key concepts, and practice tests were not similar to the test itself. I PASSED, and only studied 70 days, but I passed mostly due to my base knowledge

With the complaint I will say that only having to score 500 out of 800 gives everyone a chance even if the exam is confusing. The book and videos provided great information, and knowing the concept is far more important than memorizing the practice tests.

I think over ACE is great, but I agree the exam is not what I was thinking it would be. Most in business know that the cert is the smallest part of this, working with people and hands on are how you are going to learn this profession.

Really cant give advice on the exam other than read the book, because if you are novice you will have ZERO shot at passing without reading the book. also, if you are experienced like myself, STILL read the book, lol, it cannot hurt and add to what you already know

Overall I thought I would pass it easy with my experience, and although I did study, I studied nowhere near like I have in the past, but I was able to pass, but it was MUCH harder than expected.

Both books provided will also be a great help in your career moving forward too
Good luck to all

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Ace exam proctors hate this man
by: Hunter

I guessed C for every answer and got 75% right, 10/10 would recommend. Also if the answer ever has "all of the above," it's that one

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ACE GFI was similarly divergent from the study materials
by: Anonymous

I passed with 664 and the proctor was shocked and said she'd never seen anyone score that high. And here I was bumming because I'm usually an A student, not a B or B-, and I felt very prepared going into the exam. There were questions that after finishing the exam I went straight to the study materials and found the subject matter and confirmed that out of the answers available on the test, two of the four were correct according to the ACE GFI manual. Of course they don't tell you which questions you missed so who knows if either answer would have been scored as correct. Heaven forbid you would actually like to learn from your mistakes and know which questions you missed so you can be a better fitness professional. When I go for my ACE Personal Trainer certification I will simply buy the manual for $20 on Amazon. I think I'll be just as prepared that way as I was for the GFI using all the online tools and unlimited practice tests.

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500 to pass and got 500! Only 1 week of study!
by: Anonymous

I just passed with exactly 500! I only studied for 1 week. 500 is the passing make. Close shave!!!

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Studying
by: Kate

First off; thank you everyone for all of your feedback. It's hard to find info on the ACE exam online because it's proprietary, so studying can be difficult.

I did two full terms at my local community college preparing for my exam. They have a program designed to prep you. It has requirements ranging from from Anatomy & Physiology, to Personal Trainer Basics, to Nutrition, to Weight Lifting classes... I feel well-prepared because we had a ACE Certified Personal Trainer (who also has her masters in Exercise Science) heading up our programs. She warned us OVER and OVER again that the questions on the test are more like situations you'll run into in real life than they are cut-and-dry exam questions and she also warned us that the wording is WEIRD, so you have to read everything twice before answering.

I bought a study guide at a local book store to refresh in the weeks before my exam and it did a great job. I'm anxious about my exam, but I bought the "package" that includes one free re-take so if I bomb it the first time, I suppose I can always try again. I do realize that not everyone is in that situation, however.

Good luck everyone and thanks again for the feedback.

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Test was way easier than you guys had me prepare for
by: Ali Salman

Studied for 10 days, got 667 score. Exam is sp easy.

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so confused on what to study now on failing the test twice
by: Anonymous

I took the Ace Exam twice. The first time I took the test I have to be totlly honest I didn't study as long as I should've. I felt going in very confident bc as my test date got closer I studied as much as possible and even practiced on some of my friends so when I seen that u had to score at least a 500 I felt pretty good. I felt very discouraged but amazed to score a 452 without studying the material tHat much. second time preparing for the exam I remember going over every chapter word by word highlighting taking so mNY N many notes along with every quiz and video recommended that when I just recently took my test I felt so good knowing I passed the pre exams this time. I was in for a shock bc the very first question made no sense and ive never seen it in the book. The second exam have some similar questions like the 1st and then there are new questions but I totally felt like the wording threw my off when I studied so hard for it. I honeslty don't know what to study bc I feel like its not the same test. I just had a friend take the ISSA EXAM open book online and he had to also write essays and I honestly wish I took that money to take that test instead.

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ACE Exam Experience
by: Gerardo A

I just recently took the ACE exam. Yes, it was a tough test but I believe if you study and really take the time to understand the content, then you will do great! Don't be scared off by some of the comments here, I was really stressed because I saw that a lot of people had a bad experience with it. But trust me... if you put in the work, you will do great! Be confident in yourself and go make that test your B****!!
(oh, and I recommend to really focus on Chapters 7-8!)
Good luck guys, God bless.

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Yep, from another planet
by: Anonymous

I was sure at some point these was gonna reflect all the things a trainer should know, but my test heavily focused on forms, and legal stuff, and 7 questions about pregnancy,
Huh? I really wanted to shine, I knew all the anatomy, all of the formulas, all of the stages, all of the planes, VT1, etc.
NONE of that was on my test.
It really was bizarre. I passed...579... however I went through the entire test twice, because I had the time, and I felt like I nailed it...so much for that.
I would love to see what I got wrong.just boggles my mind.

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ACE Still the Best
by: Anonymous

First, ACE tells you straight-up that it's not about regurgitation it's about understanding the concepts and how to apply them. Period. So, I studied for 2 1/2 months straight (little work) and just studied, feel I over-studied and got a 580 (one at the very end threw me completely.. and I thought about it the whole way home and figured it out with my calculator when I got home and was miffed). See? That is the thing... ALL the practice exams and not one question presented in the manner that I was expecting, so it threw me... BUT! I understand the concept and figured it out at home.

My take-away. It's not that hard at all, but you gotta give yourself time to digest it ALL and like others comment a lot of the times there are two that could be the answer, however you gotta chose the one ACE wants (you get to know ACE via all the studying, so it does work). It also helps if you work as a group fitness instructor or something.

The online content, videos, support from ACE- all of it, IMO, make it the best program.

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It wasn't that bad...
by: DeLynn

I passed the ACE exam with a 638. It was difficult
but honestly, I'm confused by the comments here. Every question was based on material in the 5th edition manual. There wasn't anything asked that I wasn't familiar with, based on my studying ACE materials. Some questions were pretty straight forward, while others weren't. For the ones I had trouble with, I just kept re-reading them and extracting the most important info that led to the most logical answer. That didn't always work, I guess, but really focusing on what the question was really asking was probably why I passed. I hope others won't be discouraged by the comments! I came into this without any fitness training background and always sucked in A & P classes, and still passed. But you have to know the practical applications of the info in the book. I had to study my butt off to learn that! But it can be done.

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I passed the test this morning - 625
by: Anonymous

I sat the ACE exam today and got 625. I studied exercise science a long time ago (didn't finish the degree) and was an athlete so didn't give the course the attention that I probably should have.

It's a weird test! One of those ones where you don't know whether you aced it or flunked it. Lot's of "choose the MOST correct answer" type questions. Most of it was subjective and open to interpretation. I agree that the course itself is good for preparing students to become personal trainers, but the course failed with regard to preparing students to complete the final test.

With some answers that I didn't know, I was able to exclude 2-3 other options leaving me with only one or 2 choices remaining. Not exactly knowing the correct answer but giving you better odds.

It's a long test. It took me about an hour and a half but because of its subjective nature, I went over each question a second time and made some changes.

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SO THE QUESTION IS.....
by: Anonymous

With all these commnents, the common thing I see is the test and the study material doesnt match. So with that said, would it just as effective to buy the manual, study and research for FREE online. I dont want to spend the money on material if I can do it for free just as effectively. PLus I have been in the industry for 20 plus years and have a really solid foundation into exercise physiology as well as how and why of the applications,

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soooo sad
by: Isabella

I did not pass the exam yesterday with 492, only 8 points away from the passing score. I didn't know the distribution of each question, the passing score was 500/800, which is 62.5% correct. However, I added the percentage of four domains together divided by 4 is 67%, which is greater than 62.5%. I don't know why I got this score, maybe because the different values for each question. I took the bus to another city for six hours to take the exam and same time come back, I was so close, but I have to retake the exam, sooooooo sad ;(

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3/27/21
by: Anonymous

I passed today. 544 score. I didn't read the book once. I didn't do the ACE Academy. I did dozens of practice tests on tests.com and I did the ACE practice tests over and over. I was able to get 90% easily on all these practice exams. The real test today though was not easy at all. I was not sure I passed. I was already considering how stupid I was not to read the book. But I did pass. I don't know I would recommend the way I did it, but oh well it's done.

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very weird exam
by: Jason

I managed to pass on the first try. The ACE books are full of useful info and are worth getting but I do not think they are good test prep books.

The testing center didn't know how to get my exam pulled up. After a short wait I was told I was good and went in to test. I honestly thought the wrong exam had been loaded. I pushed through and passed.I believe I passed because I have been into training since I was 15(I am 49 now).

Here some tips:
*Use the ACE books as part of your study but not solely.
*Study anatomy!
*Hop on youtube and watch videos on movement,posture,bad lifting technique and how to fix it.
*Get some friends to let you train them. Really watch them and try spotting issues. It's kind of fun watching people at the gym and spotting issues.

Read the questions and watch the demo videos caefully. When you think you have the right answer; take a second to think it through.

Failing the exam not a big deal. Just take it again. It isn't cheap but you will pass and when you do you're going feel awesome. I was a network engineer before this and I failed my Cisco CCNA 5 times!

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