The number of overweight and obese individuals in the U.S. continues to increase at a time when our population is also getting older. Coupled with inactivity, poor dietary choices and related health factors, the result is an ever-increasing number of individuals who are at risk for or recovering from cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and a variety of orthopedic issues. An advanced fitness professional plays a crucial role in the allied healthcare continuum by helping these individuals to decrease risk factors and improve health and fitness following rehabilitation.

The ACE Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification provides fitness professionals with the opportunity to earn an advanced fitness certification that is unparalleled in the industry. It's the only accredited fitness certification with extensive programming for the most common diseases and disorders seen on a regular basis by fitness professionals. According to recent ACE studies and research, these frequently encountered health issues fall into one of the following categories: cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic and musculoskeletal — all of which are the focus of this certification. In addition, this credential addresses advanced programming for older adults, youth and pre- and post-natal women; nutrition and business communication and strategy.

ACE introduced the Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist Certification to meet the growing demands of clients and the advanced fitness professionals providing preventative and post-rehabilitative fitness programs. Becoming an ACE-certified Advanced Health & Fitness Specialist will give you the credentials to work with special populations, taking a leadership role in helping them to improve their fitness levels and overall health. You can market your services directly to fitness clubs, community health clinics, hospitals and senior facilities. This is an incredible opportunity that has been largely ignored. The possibility for growth and professional recognition are virtually untapped.

The following eligibility requirements have been adopted for our Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist certification exam:

The ACE Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification Exam tests a candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities to conduct assessments and design and modify exercise programs for clients with special needs relating to frequently encountered cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic and musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. In addition, exercise programming for 50+ adults, youth and pre- and post-natal women will be covered as these groups require specific program modifications.

What’s the exam format?
The ACE Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification Exam follows the same format as all other ACE certification exams with 150 multiple choice questions. The ACE-AHFS Certification exam does not have a written simulation exam; only the ACE Personal Trainer Certification has this second exam component.

What’s Covered?
The exam content outline for the Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification is broken into four content domains, with a set percentage of questions falling into each domain as follows:
Domain I: Assessment (26% of questions)
Domain II: Program Design (26% of questions)
Domain III: Program Implementation and Management (40% of questions)
Domain IV: Professional Responsibility (8% of questions)

How is the exam scored?
Of the 150 questions, 125 are scored and equated to a scaled score between 200 and 800 points. Candidates who achieve a score of 500 points or better will earn the ACE Advanced Health + Fitness Specialist Certification. The remaining 25 questions are experimental to see how they perform prior to being introduced as scored items on a future exam.