ACE Health Coach Certification Reviews, Pros and Cons, Pricing

Last updated on February 13, 2024

Health coaching is a growing industry, and with the increase in demand, numerous certification paths are opening up to aspiring coaches. One such path is the ACE Health Coach Certification, a reputable program with numerous satisfied graduates. But what sets this certification apart, and is it the right fit for you?

In this article, we’ll provide a detailed overview of this program by breaking down its curriculum, cost structure, duration, and ACE Health Coach Certification reviews. In this way, you can get a comprehensive understanding of the program’s value and how it aligns with your goals.

About ACE Health Coach Certification

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) is one of the leading nonprofit organizations that certify health coaches and exercise professionals. Their Health Coach Training and Study Program offers a fresh perspective on health coach education through their unique curriculum that blends theory and the art of behavior-change coaching. It equips you with the tools needed for certification while providing real-world training to help you build a career.

Anyone can purchase the program, but there are requirements for earning the certification. To become eligible for the ACE Health Coach certification, you need to meet these qualifications:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a current adult CPR and AED certificate and complete a hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check
• Present a current government-issued photo ID with a signature
• Provide proof of ONE of the following:
  • Completion of a health coach training and education program approved by the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC)
  • A current NCCA-accredited certification in fitness, health, nutrition, wellness, human resources, or a related field
  • An associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university in fitness, exercise science, nutrition, healthcare, wellness, or a related field
  • A minimum of two years of documented work experience in coaching, leading, designing, implementing, or facilitating behavior or lifestyle change, exercise, wellness, nutrition, or physical activity

ACE and its Health Coach Certification are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This widely recognized accrediting body ensures that the program adheres to key regulations set by NCCA.

Note: This course doesn’t hold the globally recognized International Coaching Federation (ICF) accreditation. If this accreditation is important to you, we suggest considering the Coach Training Alliance, as it offers a comprehensive syllabus and hands-on learning. For further information about CTA, you can explore our review.

Pros and Cons of ACE Health Coach Certification

To determine if the ACE Health Coach Certification suits your goals, we’ll highlight key factors, including the program’s advantages, course duration, cost, and what students have to say about it.

Three Program Options

ACE adapts to different learners’ goals and preferences by providing three different study programs. The available choices are:

• Basic
• Plus
• Advantage

The upper tiers of the course come with more resources. With the Basic package, you only get 1 practice test, a digital textbook and ACE Health Coach Study Companion, and study support through live Q&A webinars. The other two packages include 2 (Plus) or 3 (Advantage) practice tests and textbooks and workbooks in hard copy and audio format in addition to digital format. What distinguishes the Advantage package is that you’ll also get access to the Health Coach Live Class course. This is a virtual classroom designed to improve your learning experience.

Comprehensive Theory and Practice

This health coach training program is continually upgraded to deliver the latest science and behavior change methods. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the role of health coaches, behavior change models, lifestyle support methods, stress management, anxiety, nutrition, physical activity, various health conditions, and the business aspects of health coaching. You’ll also learn how to assist clients in various scenarios and health conditions to promote optimal well-being.

However, ACE’s course provides more than just extensive knowledge in health coaching. You’ll be able to gain practical experience as well through interactive activities and real-world applications.

Diversified Learning Materials

The guided study program is designed to suit all types of learners—whether you prefer audio format, video, or interactive format. It’s divided into manageable lessons, including video lectures, coaching sessions in video and audio formats, knowledge checks, quizzes, practice tests, and an audiobook. Learners can also join an exclusive group for peer support and networking and use the proprietary ACE® Pro Compass, ACE Pro Connect App, and the ACE Job Board.

How Long is the ACE Health Coach Certification Course?

The ACE Health Coach Certification course usually takes 3 to 6 months to finish. You can take as much time as you want with the learning material, but keep in mind that your exam voucher is valid for 6 months, so you should register for the exam before it expires. 

You can schedule the exam even after the voucher expires, but it’s best to do so within 6 months. Exam dates are typically posted about 60 days in advance.

How Much Does the ACE Health Coach Certification Cost?

The cost of this comprehensive training program varies from $850 to $1,495, depending on which study plan you opt for. Here are the prices according to the three study options:

• Basic – $850 
• Plus – $990
• Advantage – $1,495

Note: If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, Transformation Academy is our top pick. You can enroll in their Health and Nutrition Coach Certification for just $197, and with our link, you’ll receive an 50% discount on this price. Check out our review of TA to discover why it’s our preferred choice.

ACE Health Coach Certification Reviews

Graduates of the ACE Health Coach Certification program mainly stress the value of such a credible certification and the content’s simplicity and engaging nature. Here are a few examples of what students had to say:

My ACE Certification provides me with serious credibility. There are so many people calling themselves ‘coaches’ out there but they’re lacking the credentials. ACE allows me to put my clients’ minds at ease knowing I’m trained, educated, and credible. I am so proud to be ACE Certified!

Niki Campbell

ACE has an excellent reputation. Knowing that the health coaching certification was NCCA-accredited was very important to me. I am very satisfied with the variety of education offered by ACE, and will continue to complete the bulk of my continuing education through them while encouraging my colleagues in the field to do the same!

Marianna Cardoza

The ACE Health Coach study experience was simple and engaging—love how all the material is rooted in behavior change. Physiology is interesting but can be presented as a dry subject. I did not feel this way with the ACE Health Coach Study Program and I always looked forward to the curriculum.

Stephanie H.

Is the ACE Health Coach Certification Program For You?

What makes the ACE Health Coach Certification Program a great choice for health coaches is its incorporation of behavior change and its robust curriculum that covers a wide range of topics. In addition to the comprehensive curriculum, they are also focused on training you how to coach clients and putting that knowledge to practice—which is why this course is so valuable.

Then there’s also the reputation and recognition that come with ACE certification. Overall, if you’re seeking a credible certification program with extensive training, the ACE Health Coach Certification Program can be the ideal pick. 

To learn more about ACE and explore other options, consider the following: 

• Get the free course preview 
• Take our quiz and find out which life coach certification program is best suited for you
• Review our top recommendations for health coach certifications
• Check out our list of the top life coaching certifications, featuring some top coaching academies like Transformation Academy and Coach Training Alliance

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