CPT / COMPASS

CERTIFICATION BUDGET · ACE-CPT

ACE CPT cost: exam, study packages and renewal

ACE sells two different exam routes. The non-proctored certificate exam included with study programs is different from the NCCA-accredited certification exam. Include the accredited-exam add-on when comparing study-package totals.

Checked: · USD

A certification budget checklist comparing study packages and an accredited exam

Check eligibility before paying

For the NCCA-accredited certification, ACE requires age 18 or older, high-school completion or equivalent, current adult CPR/AED with a live hands-on skills check, and government photo ID. Confirm country-specific AED rules with ACE.

Official source: Schedule Your ACE Certification Exam · Checked

Exam, study and renewal costs

Certification cost table · 2026-10-26
ItemUSD / requirementWhat the amount covers
English CPT exam onlyUSD 499Listed for US/Canada and international computer-based exams; study materials are separate.

Official source: Schedule Your ACE Certification Exam · Checked

Simplified Chinese exam onlyUSD 599Official Simplified Chinese language table, all locations. Language affects the exam fee.

Official source: Schedule Your ACE Certification Exam · Checked

Basic study programUSD 494.50 promotional (listed USD 989)Digital textbook, study companion and one practice test. Non-proctored certificate exam included; NCCA exam is extra.

Official source: ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program · Checked

Plus study programUSD 584.50 promotional (listed USD 1,169)Adds print textbook, another practice test and live Q&A. NCCA exam is extra; advertised free standard shipping is USA only.

Official source: ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program · Checked

Advantage study programUSD 874.50 promotional (listed USD 1,749)Adds audiobook and facilitated study groups. NCCA exam is extra; advertised free expedited shipping is USA only.

Official source: ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program · Checked

NCCA-accredited exam add-onUSD 99Optional add-on with a study program. This is not the general exam-only price. All displayed study promotions can change.

Official source: ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program · Checked

CPT exam retakeUSD 249 English / USD 299 Simplified ChineseCheck the discounted retake eligibility window directly with ACE before registering again.

Official source: Schedule Your ACE Certification Exam · Checked

On-time renewal, one credentialUSD 129 every 2 years; 2.0 CECs / 20 hoursKeep current CPR/AED. Continuing education and CPR/AED costs are additional; multiple-credential rates differ.

Official source: How to renew your ACE Credentials · Checked

What can the total actually be?

The English exam-only base is USD 499 if you use your own study resources. At the checked promotional prices, study plus NCCA exam subtotals are Basic USD 593.50 (494.50 + 99), Plus USD 683.50 (584.50 + 99), and Advantage USD 973.50 (874.50 + 99). The selected English routes therefore have known subtotals of USD 499–973.50 before personal extras; this is not an all-in spending cap.

Official source: Schedule Your ACE Certification Exam · Official source: ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program · Checked

Costs that still need a quote

A complete all-in total was not found. Add the CPR/AED training you need, optional materials, taxes, delivery, travel, any retakes and future continuing education. Course choices and local fees vary; no amount has been inserted for an unknown cost. Renewal administration fees do not buy CEU/CEC courses.

Start with a free practice check

Use the free 30-question practice check to choose topics to review before buying extra study tools. Our separate USD 9.99 practice plan is described on the home page; check its current availability and covered certifications there. It does not include an official exam, membership or CEU/CEC course.

Try 30 free questions View the USD 9.99 plan and current availability

CPT Compass plan information · Checked:

Cost questions

Is the accredited ACE exam included in the study price?

The current Basic, Plus and Advantage programs include a non-proctored certificate exam. The NCCA-accredited certification exam is offered as a separate USD 99 add-on with a study program.

Official source: ACE Personal Trainer Certification Study Program · Checked

What is the ACE CPT exam-only fee?

The listed English first-attempt CPT exam fee is USD 499. The official Simplified Chinese language exam table lists USD 599. These are different from the study-program exam add-on.

Official source: Schedule Your ACE Certification Exam · Checked

What does ACE renewal cost?

On-time renewal of one ACE credential is USD 129 every two years. Complete 2.0 CECs, equivalent to 20 hours, and keep the required CPR/AED current; course and CPR/AED costs are separate.

Official source: How to renew your ACE Credentials · Checked

Official sources and check date

CPT Compass is an independent practice site. We are not an official or partner organization of NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA or their testing providers.