How to Study for the ACE Practice Test
If you are planning to take the ACE exam and looking for ways to qualify for the Ace Practice test, you have come to the right place. Here we will discuss the ACE Practice test and ACE CPT Exam and how to study for them. Many academies train candidates for the ACE Practice test and real exam but the common thing that is practically followed everywhere is the ACE study guide and ACE CPT Flashcards.
ACE Study Guide
ACE (American Council on Exercise) offers study materials to students who purchase a course to appear for the exam. This study guide includes an ACE personal trainer manual along with practice quizzes and ACE flashcards.
The latest edition of the ACE study guide that is the 6th edition (2020) will include the following chapters and the topics:
Chapter 1- Roles and scopes of practice
- Benefits of physical activity
- Scope and responsibilities of a certified trainer
- Similarities and dissimilarities between personal trainers and other health professionals
- Know when and to whom a client should be referred to for other healthcare services
- Determining factors to grow as a professional and develop a career
Chapter 2 – ACE IFT model program
- Traditional and contemporary training guidelines
- Describing function-health-fitness-performance continuum
- Fundamentals of Integrated Fitness Training (IFT) model
- Description and application of ACE Mover Method in personal training
- Research and findings on the usefulness of the ACE IFT method compared to the standard method.
Chapter 3- A basic study on behavioral changes
- Common theory of behavior
- Understanding of self-determination theory and its application strategies with clients
- Stages of the transtheoretical model
- Strategies to help clients adapt physical activity behaviors
- Principles of behavioral changes and their effects
- How to lower client drop-outs and increase adherence factors
Chapter 4- Effective Communication, Coaching and Goal Setting
- Relationship between client and trainer
- Strategies for building a good rapport with clients
- How to motivate clients
- Educating clients on the self-monitoring program
Chapter 5- Pre-participation in Health Screening
- Administer health screening for clients
- Identifying scenarios of further evaluation
Chapter 6- Health and fitness nutrition
- Scope of practice in health nutrition
- Explaining dietary guidelines
- Identifying categories to make up for the nutrition label
- Educate clients on food habits
- Diet and hydration for prior, during, and post-training periods
- Nutritional supplements
Chapter 7- Resetting Anthropometric Measurements and Assessments
- Sequencing assessment at rest
- Measuring blood pressure and heart rate
- Body composition
- Importance of BMI
Chapter 8- Cardiorespiratory training
- Chronic and acute physiological response
- Ventilatory threshold assessment
- Cardio training
- Planning sedentary time
- 3-phase ACE IFT Model
- Developing personalized Cardio training program
Chapter 9 – Foundation and effectiveness of muscular training
- Fundamentals of anatomy and physiology
- Chronic and acute physiological adaptations during training
- Understanding and designing muscular training programs
Chapter 10- Assessments on muscular training
- Assessment as per ACE Mover Method to design training programs
- Movements and functions of Muscular Training
- Repetition of assessments
- Discussing assessments with clients
Chapter 11- Integrated Exercise Programs
- Define and list stages of evidence-based practice
- Develop training programs
- Implementing and progressing strategies
- Considerations to design a program
- Recovery program after training
- Developing cardiovascular and muscular training programs
Chapter 12 – Considerations for overweight clients
- Factors leading to obesity
- Behavioral weight-loss plan
- Dietary strategies for healthy weight
- Importance of training to overcome obesity
Chapter 13- Considerations for clients suffering from chronic diseases
- Common chronic diseases
- Role of personal trainers in improving lifestyle
- Risks of increased physical activities
- Designing training programs specific to health conditions
Chapter 14 - Considerations for training according to age groups
- Training guidelines for every age group
- Risks factors for women during pregnancy or postpartum period
- Adhering to ACE IFT Model
- Effectiveness of cardio and muscular training
- Physiological changes according to age.
Chapter 15 - Considerations for clients suffering from a musculoskeletal problem
- Ability to train clients who suffered musculoskeletal injuries
- Identify injuries and emergencies
- Designing safer training programs
Chapter 16 - Business Strategies and Legal Guidelines
- Advantages and disadvantages of working in the fitness industry as an employee or an independent trainer
- Understanding hiring contracts and agreements
- Understanding a trainer's legal responsibilities
- Legal strategies of business marketing on different platforms
- Risk management to avoid legal liability
ACE practice test
ACE has designed the practice test in a similar style as the real exam. The test is categorized into 4 separate sections, each focusing on a core area of health education. Take a look at the 4 sections below.
- Section 1: Interviews and Assessments – comprises 23% of the test
- Section 2: Designing and implementation of a training program – comprises 31% of the test
- Section 3: Modification and progression of a training program – comprises 26% of the test
- Section 4: Risk management, safety, and professional conduct – comprises 20% of the test
ACE CPT Flashcards
ACE has designed the Flashcards deck with 100 terms. These terms have been assembled from all the chapters of the study guide. It is important to go through the Flashcards before attempting the practice exam. Check them after completing the study guide to self-assess your preparation for the ACE practice test.
Study tips for ACE CPT
To pass the ACE CPT exam you have to study seriously and there is no alternative way to do well on the exam. However, a few techniques can help you learn better and faster. Here are a few tips to help you qualify for the ACE exam.
- Attempt the ACE practice test to self-assess your knowledge.
- Go through the ACE study guide and also refer to the textbook
- After completing the study guide, retake the ACE practice test for a reassessment of your preparedness for the real exam
- Use ACE Flashcards to avoid missing out on any detail
- If you are still not confident enough to pass the test, enroll in one of the well-known academies that assist in passing the ACE CPT Test.
Final thoughts
ACE CPT Exam is a moderately difficult one but it pays off when you pass and become an ACE certified personal trainer. We hope this detailed information on ACE study materials and tips on preparing for the exam are helpful for you.