How do I get an ACSM certificate?

  1. Do you meet the qualifications to apply for the ACSM certificate?
    • Must be 18 years or older
    • Must have a High School Diploma or Equivalent
    • Must have an Adult CPR/AED Certification – although due to COVID, the ACSM Certification Board has made exemptions regarding the CPR/AED requirements which you can find here.
  2. Preparing for the Exam
    • The ACSM website has plenty of tools to help you obtain your certification. You can download the exam content outline to better prepare yourself on what you need to study.
      • If you plan to take the exam on or before June 30, 2022, please review this outline.
      • If you plan to take the exam on or after July 1, 2022, please review this outline.
    • You can join the ACSM Certified Personal Trainer Study Group on Facebook where you can connect with over thousands of candidates who are in the same position as you.
    • You can also purchase flash cards, study guides and prep books for extra practice.
    • AFNA also provides free tutoring and practice materials for all our students.
  3. Scheduling the Exam
    • Take the exam in person at any Pearson VUE testing locations which are local to your zip code.
    • Take the exam online from your home, school or office. These exams are proctored which means you will be timed and monitored through a webcam.
AFNA Students Preparing for the ACSM Certification Exam