I'm sitting for the ACE personal trainer exam this Sat.

[Room101]

I'm nervous as hell. Has anyone here passed any of the PT exams?

[seemunkee]

1. Good Luck

Not sure if he is certified but flvegan works as a trainer.

[flvegan]

2. Groovy! I have 2 certs

ISSA and ACE. Don't be nervous about it. It's not an easy test, I won't lie to you. Very heavy on the theories and mechanics of exercise science. You have 3 or 4 hours (I don't remember which) to complete 150-200 questions.

Did you get a study guide or a sample test?

I just got my ACE within the last year, and I do remember it being tough but not too tough.

[Room101]

3. I completed the following........

online diagnostic test (47 out of 60 78%)the result said based on my performance I would pass.

I completed the study guide (master the manual)
I also bought/completed the ACE workshop review course workbook.

How soon do you receive the results of the test?
How long have you been training clients?

[flvegan]

4. I had my results in about 2 weeks.

I did really well, though I thought the questions were a little static, based on theory sometimes.

Example (and this would be using me as a test subject):

Adonis is 5'11" and weighs 213 pounds (today). He has 19" biceps at a peak, and a 34" waist. What is his bodyfat percentage?

You have to use the "formula" you memorized. But, it's not REALLY accurate. My first question to that posed scenario is, "well, what is his routine, first?" I can show you guys that work NOTHING but arms, have big guns, and slimmer waists, yet their bodyfat isn't anywhere near the scale given to you. Kind of like the BMI, it's a basis.

The only pointers I can give you is to memorize and regurgitate what you've been taught, regardless of it's real-life applications. I have found that both of my certifications, as well as those of many other trainers I know, forget the implications of the 3 f's...form, focus and fucking intensity. Those 3 things change every last thing in the gym.

When you pass, which you will, you should get your certificate and whatnot within, like, 6 weeks of taking the test.

I don't train for a living, as I don't really subscribe to the personal trainer mantra around here. I don't like to keep clients, so I only carry a couple at a time. I believe this:
1. When you hire me, you won't see a gym for a full workout cycle (2-5 days). I want to spend 3 or 4 hours getting in your head. This part is free, of course.
2. When we hit the gym, from day 1, my goal is to abolish my job. If you need motivation, that's fine, but if you need honest training, I should be teaching you to not need me.
3. I teach you to listen to your body, establish the mind-muscle connection. I don't just run you through machines and movements.
4. If, after 6 months, you still need to see me 3 times a week (again, motivation aside) then I've failed you.

My goal is that (again, motivation aside) if you can fire me within a year, I'm a success. I made a deal with myself a long time ago that I'd help folks with weight issues and also help folks build stronger bodies, sort of on a pro-bono basis.

Also, and I tell you this for enlightenment purposes. 75% of the male personal trainers I know, are juiced/gearheads. They think that if they look better, they sell better. So, they cheat. I don't care, do what you want. But, if you're selling a service, cheating like that seems ever more so (cheating). Keep that in mind. If you want to do this for a living, you need to carve a niche that defies what others might do, unless you're willing to take their road.

Best of luck on the test. You'll do fine. And, best advice I can give you...when you show up, don't get psyched out by any big freakish folks that show up. They don't know any more than you do.

[Room101]

5. Very insightful ....

I agree with the gist of your message. FORM is king. I train both at a hardcore gym and 24 hour fitness and I would say 7 out of 10 people use improper form in the weight room at 24 hour. (It drives be nuts!)

Thanks for your replies ;)

[flvegan]

6. Good luck on your test.

Let us know how you feel you did, then let us know how you did when the results come in.

[flvegan]

7. Good luck tomorrow!!!!!!!

[Room101]

8. I took the test..

25% of the test was too easy
25% of the test I felt fairly confident
50% of the test I felt was difficult

In real life I'm known as the bodybuilder and I’ve trained friends with great results. Yet there were many questions on the test that were either subjective or not applicable to real life training.

I arrived at 8am and was not done until 2pm. The third party that administered the test was somewhat unorganized and took forever to register people and start the test. (grrrrr)

In the end I'm leaning towards(hoping) the feeling that I past, which is a disappointment considering how much I studied.

I just bought the book “High- intensity training the Mike Mentzer’s way “
So far I’m very intrigued.

[Room101]

9. I passed the test!

:bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce::bounce:

[flvegan]

10. Much congrats!!!!!!!

I knew you'd do it.

Now, stick to your core beliefs, gym-wise, and go help some folks while putting some coin in your pocket.

Good...no, BEST of luck to you!!