American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Group Fitness Instructor

Credential: Group Fitness Instructor  GI Bill resource  NCCA resource
Credentialing Agency: American Council on Exercise (ACE)

Renewal Period: 2 years

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), Group Fitness Instructor (GFI) certification is an entry-level health and fitness professional credential. GFI is recommended for those interested in leading fitness classes of any variety. Candidates must be over the age of 18, must have completed high school (or the equivalent), and must hold valid current adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) certificates. Candidates must take a written exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Group Fitness Instructor

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience
  • Education: High School Diploma/GED
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 2 years

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

American Council on Exercise (ACE)

4851 Paramount Drive
San Diego, CA  92123

Phone: (800) 825-3636

Fax: (858) 576-6564
Email: support@acefitness.org

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Candidates must have a high school diploma (or the equivalent).

The Group Fitness Instructor credential has the following other requirements:

  • Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Candidates must hold a current adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator) certificate including live skills check.
  • Candidates must present current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver’s license, passport, military ID).

Written Exam

  • Class Planning and Design (32%)
    • Construct a class outline based on the anticipated target audience and the format and objectives of the class in order to guide the development of the class plan.
    • Select appropriate music, equipment, and apparel taking a variety of factors into consideration (e.g., class format, class objectives, participants) in order to create a safe and effective class.
    • Select and sequentially order exercise movements, including appropriate regressions, progressions, and modifications (e.g., postural alignment, form), in order to create safe and effective class experiences for participants.
    • Rehearse and refine the class plan in order to create smooth transitions and a positive class experience that will promote adherence.
  • Group Leadership and Instruction (49%)
    • Conduct pre-class assessments of the space, equipment, environment, and participants in order to identify potential hazards and make appropriate adjustments to the class plan to ensure a safe and effective experience for all participants.
    • Implement appropriate introduction and closing activities in order to create a welcoming, positive, and engaging environment and to promote class adherence.
    • Instruct participants on proper movements using demonstration and verbal and nonverbal communication in order to improve participant technique and form, reduce risk of injury, improve performance, and enhance class experience.
    • Coach participants using appropriate methods in order to motivate participants, increase participant confidence, create a positive and inclusive environment, reduce risk of injury, and improve performance.
    • Implement ongoing modifications based on identified needs in order to reduce risk of injury and improve performance.
    • Educate participants on general health and fitness principles, including the benefits of basic movements, in order to improve performance, reduce risk of injury, and increase participant self-efficacy.
  • Professional Conduct, Safety, and Risk Management (19%)
    • Review class objectives and evaluate feedback from a variety of sources (e.g., participant feedback, observation, self-assessment) in order to make improvements to future class experiences.
    • Maintain and enhance competency by staying current on scientifically based research and best practices using credible resources (e.g., continuing education, professional organizations, industry journals) in order to provide safe and effective classes.
    • Adhere to recognized standards, guidelines, policies, laws, and regulations, including making appropriate referrals when necessary, in order to protect participants, instructors, and other relevant parties and to manage risk and liability.

Testing Information

Testing for this credential is handled by Castle Worldwide. The test centers are located in the U.S.

To find out more, use the following links on the Castle Worldwide website:

For more information on the American Council on Exercise (ACE) testing process, visit the agency website.

RECERTIFICATION

Group Fitness Instructor

Renewal Period: 2 years

The Group Fitness Instructor credential has the following recertification information:

  • ACE certifications are valid for 2 years and must be renewed through the submission of 20 hours or more of ACE-approved continuing education, current CPR/AED certificate, and applicable renewal fees.

    Additional information can be found on the ACE website.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

Promotion Points

This certification has been approved for promotion points.

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Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Proponent Funded

Indicates the credential may have funding through the MOS proponent. Some proponents offer credentialing opportunities in conjunction with military training and/or as part of MOS development beyond the training base.

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Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click 'Complete Voucher and Apply' at the top of any page.

CG Bucks

Coming Soon - Coast Guard policy regarding service member eligibility requirements to participate in the Voluntary Credentialing Program is under review with a projected release date of first quarter FY20.

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 and Above

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 and Above

LaDR

This credential is recommended on the rating Learning and Development Roadmap (LaDR) for Sailors currently in the pay grade indicated on the icon, BUT MAY BE TAKEN BY SAILORS IN OTHER PAY GRADES.

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GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill. Click for external link to GI Bill licensing and certification information.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

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ANSI

This credential has been accredited by ANSI. Click for external link to the ANSI web site.

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ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC. Click for external link to the ICAC web site.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC. Click for external link to the ABSNC web site.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA. Click for external link to the NCCA web site.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS. Click for external link to the IAS web site.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: mimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty

Army e-learning

State-of-the art Computer Based Training available for free to the Army Workforce. Click for more information.

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NKO e-learning

Credential preparation courses are provided at no cost through Navy e-Learning. Click for external link to the Navy Knowledge Online (NKO) web site, then select the “Navy e-Learning” link within the “Learning” tab to proceed to Navy e-Learning.

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors
This is an official U.S. Navy website
Updated: October 16, 2019
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