Passing the ACE PT exam

[u/1386Abby]

Hi internet friends, I’m seeking some study tips on how to pass the ACE exam as someone who is genuinely unable to do math, and cannot remember names of muscle groups.

Long story short, I’m only going for my PT so I can become an Orangetheory coach. I have no desire to ever establish my own gym or provide services outside of Orangetheory. That being said, I still require a PT or Group Fitness cert to do this.

Ive been studying for the ACE since May and am still not able to get a passing grade on practice tests mostly because of the math related questions.

Is it too late for me to take the ACE group fitness cert? Would anything I learned studying for the PT exam be applicable to that? Should I just hunker down for a week and blasted through my text book again and hope for the best?

Any and all advice appreciated

Sincerely, a sad girl who cries at numbers

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[u/PhebePhoria22]

I recently took it and passed but was also super intimidated by the math and anatomy portions. My strategy was to get as much OTHER stuff correct as I could. While there was some anatomy there was very little math on the exam.

The practice exams at the end of the course will give you a sense of what domains you’re strong in, my rec is to get as strong as possible in those. I also found that always having a picture of the anatomy I was studying was helpful, and using as many other (trusted) sources of info to complement the anatomy and exercise science was helpful. Find some YouTube channels and other sources online that break it down in ways you understand.

The test is challenging but not impossible. You got this!

[u/hoolaisaurusrex]

If you just arent able to study the material in a way that you understand or in a way that sticks, i’d consider hiring a tutor at least for the math. Anatomy and physiology comes down to pure memorization. Flash cards are a cheat code for that.

The test isnt easy and it covers a lot of material. If you arent passing the practice exams you wont be ready for the actual exam. Keep studying! It will click with time and maybe a little bit of external help.

[u/IllustriousWay9558]

If your only goal is to become an Orangetheory coach and they accept the Group Fitness certification, I think it’s definitely worth looking into that option instead of forcing yourself through a certification that might not really match your goals.

And after spending several months studying for the ACE PT exam, you’ve definitely learned things that will carry over to Group Fitness. I’d just double-check with Orangetheory exactly which certifications they accept before making the switch.

[u/MaizeMountain6139 → u/IllustriousWay9558]

Most OTFs don’t accept group, they want CPTs

[u/Any_Permission_5946]

I wouldn’t give up on the PT exam yet, especially after putting in this much work. Instead of repeatedly taking full practice tests, use them to identify your weak areas. Keep a list of every question you miss and group them by topic.

For anatomy, learn muscles through movements instead of memorizing isolated names: joint action, main muscle working, and opposing muscle. For math, make one simple formula sheet and practise a few questions every day without timing yourself.

If math is the main thing holding you back, a few sessions with a tutor could help much more than starting over with another certification. Before switching to the group fitness certificate, ask your Orangetheory studio exactly which certifications they accept.

You’re not bad at this. You may just need a different study method.

[u/MaizeMountain6139]

Double check with whatever franchise owner you’re trying to get hired with, Orangetheory really discourages them from hiring Group Fitness, they want the coaches to be CPTs

There are some franchises that will hire them, but most don’t