Contents
Overview
The American Council on Exercise (ACE) has been around since 1985, having certified over 73,000 professionals in that time. Earning your ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist Certification would put you in good company.
This certification course provides science-backed nutrition information as well as training in behavior change coaching. You’ll be able to provide information to your clients and help them put it into practice, developing habits that will help them live healthier, happier lives.
“As an ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, you’ll help your clients make healthier, long-lasting food choices through nutrition education and behavior change.”
Course Content
While this is a nutrition certification, ACE is well aware that a nutrition coach needs to offer more than simply knowing what to eat. In addition to studying nutrition, you’ll also study behavior change. That’s where you take knowledge and turn it into action.
Knowing how to use behavior change coaching is critical to effectively help clients develop habits that will yield positive results lasting a lifetime. This coursework will equip you with essential behavior change strategies to help your clients become more knowledgeable about their nutrition and develop life-long dietary habits that lead to better health.
You’ll study in a variety of mediums – text, audio, and video. Here’s what is included:
- ACE Fitness Nutrition Manual (eBook + Hard Copy)
- ACE Fitness Nutrition Lecture Series (audio/podcasts)
- ACE Presents Fitness Nutrition (video series)
- Coaching Behavior Change Manual (readings and podcasts)
- Sports Nutrition for Health Professionals Course (book)
Costs
The regular price for the ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist Certification is $599. This includes both an eBook and hard copy of the manual. You also have the option to save money and get it without the hard copy of the book. The eBook-only version is regularly $499.
Occasionally, ACE has a sale on their certifications, offering them at 50% off. This one has been seen on sale for $299.50.
(How does it compare to other nutrition certifications? Compare them here.)
The Exam
This certification involves completing each course module and the associated quiz.
Prerequisites
Anyone may complete the Fitness Nutrition Specialist Program, so if you’re simply out to learn and improve your skills, you can do that.
However, to be eligible for an official designation as an ACE Specialist, you must hold a current NCCA-accredited certification or an equivalent professional credential.
Earn Continuing Education Credits
This course has been approved by the following organizations for continuing education hours:
- AAMA – 25.0 CEUs in General Category
- ACE – 2.5 CECs
- ACSM – 25.0 CECs
- CBRN – 25.0 Contact Hours
- CI – 25.0 Contact Hours
- NASM – 1.9 CEUs
- NCSF – 7.0 CEUs
- NFPT – 1.5 CECs
What Sets This Certification Apart
Where as some nutrition certifications consist solely of the science aspect, the coursework here includes both nutrition content as well as practical advice and behavior change strategies. Basically it will teach you how to develop nutrition strategies for your clients and how to get your clients to put that into practice.
If you can begin at the sale price of $299.50, it’s a great value.
Best For
This would be ideal for a personal trainer or other accredited fitness professional who wants to begin offering nutrition coaching to clients. You’ll learn more about nutrition, earn a respected credential, and the behavior change strategies will help you be a better coach to your existing clients.
How to Get Started
If you meet the prerequisites already, sign-up at AceFitness.org.