What is fitness education?

Fitness education refers to structured professional learning designed for personal trainers and fitness instructors to maintain certification, expand expertise, and stay current with evolving industry standards. This typically includes earning CEUs or CECs through approved providers.

How does online fitness education work?

Online fitness education allows you to access course materials digitally, complete modules at your own pace, and pass required assessments remotely. Once finished, you receive a certificate that can be submitted to your certification body for renewal credit.

Is Fitness Education Online accredited?

Yes. Fitness Education Online is an approved continuing education provider for major certification bodies including NASM, ACE, AFAA, canfitpro, and NFPT. Our courses are designed to meet recognized renewal standards.

How long do I have access to my course?

Most courses provide extended access so you can complete your education at your own pace. Specific access details are listed on each course page prior to enrollment.

What are CEUs for personal trainers?

CEUs (Continuing Education Units) are credits required by certification bodies to maintain an active personal training credential. They demonstrate that you are continuing to develop your professional knowledge and stay aligned with current industry standards. CEUs are earned by completing approved continuing education courses within your renewal period.

How many CEUs do I need for personal training recertification?

CEU requirements vary by certification provider and credential. Most major organizations require continuing education every one to two years. Always confirm your specific renewal requirements directly with your certification body before enrolling.

Are these personal trainer CEU courses accredited?

Yes. Fitness Education Online offers approved personal trainer CEU courses recognized by major certification bodies including NASM, ACE, AFAA, canfitpro and NFPT. Approval status is clearly listed on each course page so you can confirm eligibility before enrolling.

Are these fitness CEU courses accepted by NASM and ACE?

Many of our fitness CEU courses are approved by NASM and ACE. Each course page clearly outlines which certification bodies recognize the credits, including the number of CEUs or CECs awarded. This ensures transparency before you enrol.

What's the difference between CEUs and CECs for personal trainers?

None. CEU stands for Continuing Education Unit; CEC stands for Continuing Education Credit. Most U.S. organizations (NASM, ACE, AFAA, NFPT) use the term CEU, while canfitpro uses CEC. Both terms refer to the same thing: credits earned by completing approved learning that count toward renewing your personal trainer certification.

How much do personal trainer CEU courses cost?

Our individual personal trainer CEU courses start at $125. Multi-course bundles designed to cover an entire renewal cycle in one purchase start at $249 and offer the lowest cost per CEU. All pricing is listed on each course page, and there are no monthly subscriptions or hidden renewal fees.

Can I complete personal trainer continuing education entirely online?

Yes. Every course in our library is 100% online and self-paced. You can complete personal trainer continuing education on any device, from anywhere, and you keep access to course materials after completion. There are no in-person attendance requirements and no fixed start dates.

How quickly do I receive my CEU certificate after completing a course?

Your certificate of completion is generated and delivered instantly after you finish the course and pass any required assessments. You can download it immediately and submit it to your certifying body the same day.

ACE CEC Requirements: Complete Guide to Renewing Your ACE Certification

Renewing your ACE certification doesn’t have to be complicated, but it’s important to know what’s required before your renewal deadline arrives. Whether you’re certified as a Personal Trainer, Health Coach, Group Fitness Instructor, or Medical Exercise Specialist, ACE requires you to complete continuing education and renew your credential every two years to keep your certification active. If your renewal deadline is approaching, or you simply want to make sure you’re staying on track, understanding the ACE Continuing Education Credit (CEC) requirements can help you avoid unnecessary stress, late fees, or even an expired certification. This guide covers the ACE renewal process, CEC requirements, renewal fees, and what to do if your certification expires.

What Are ACE CECs?

ACE Continuing Education Credits (CECs) are the credits you earn by completing approved professional development activities between certification renewals. They show that you’re continuing to develop your knowledge and skills while also keeping your ACE credential current. There are several ways to earn ACE CECs, including:

Online courses
Live webinars
Specialist programs
Workshops
Conferences
Other ACE-approved continuing education activities

While there are plenty of fitness courses available, not all of them automatically qualify for ACE CECs. Before enrolling, it’s important to confirm that a course has been approved by ACE. Approved providers will also indicate how many CECs you’ll earn upon successful completion. It’s also worth keeping track of the CECs you’ve completed throughout your renewal cycle. Staying organized can make the renewal process much simpler when your certification expiration date approaches.

How to Renew Your ACE Certification in 4 Steps

So, what does ACE certification renewal actually involve? Fortunately, the process is straightforward and can be completed in four simple steps.

Step 1: Earn 20 Hours of ACE-Approved CECs

The first step is earning 20 hours of ACE-approved Continuing Education Credits (CECs) during your two-year renewal period. There are several ways to earn qualifying CECs, provided the education has been approved by ACE.

Step 2: Enter Your CECs Into My ACE

Once you’ve earned your CECs, you then need to log in to your ACE account and record them. Rather than leaving everything until the last minute, it’s advisable to keep updating your records throughout your renewal cycle so everything is ready when it’s time to renew.

Step 3: Update Your CPR/AED Information

A current CPR/AED certification is another requirement for renewing your ACE credential. It’s also an essential skill for responding confidently if a client experiences a medical emergency. Before submitting your renewal, make sure your certification details are up to date in your My ACE account. Depending on the provider, your CPR/AED course may also be eligible to earn ACE CECs.

Step 4: Renew Your ACE Credential

Once you’ve met your CEC requirements and updated your CPR/AED information, you can submit your renewal through ACE and pay the applicable renewal fee. As long as you complete these four steps before your certification expires, you’ll be able to maintain your credential without needing to retake your certification exam.

How Much Does It Cost to Renew Your ACE Certification?

Along with completing your continuing education requirements, you’ll also need to pay a renewal fee. The amount you pay depends on how many ACE credentials you hold and whether you renew before your certification expires. Current on-time renewal fees as per ACE are:

One credential: $129
Two credentials: $69 per credential
Three credentials: $59 per credential
Four credentials: $49 per credential

If your certification expires before you renew, late renewal fees increase depending on how long your credential has been inactive:

Up to 3 months past expiration: $169 per credential
Up to 6 months past expiration: $199 per credential
More than 6 months past expiration: Contact ACE directly to discuss your available renewal or reinstatement options.

Renewing before your certification expires is the simplest and most affordable option. Keep in mind that renewal fees can change over time, so it’s always worth checking the current pricing before submitting your renewal.

What Happens If Your ACE Certification Expires?

Missing your renewal deadline doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to start over, but it can make the renewal process more complicated. If your ACE certification expires, you may still be able to renew or reinstate your credential. However, additional fees and requirements may apply depending on how long your certification has been inactive. ACE currently offers late renewal options for certifications that have expired for up to six months. If your credential has been inactive for longer than that, you’ll need to contact ACE directly to discuss your available renewal or reinstatement options. The easiest way to avoid additional costs or delays is to complete your renewal before your certification expires.

Tips for Staying on Track With Your ACE Renewal

Keeping your ACE certification current is much easier when you stay on top of your requirements throughout the two-year certification cycle. Here are a few simple ways to do that:

Plan your CECs early rather than waiting until your renewal deadline is approaching.
Keep a record of completed CECs so they’re ready to enter into your My ACE account.
Check that courses are ACE approved before enrolling and confirm how many CECs they’ll earn.
Keep your CPR/AED certification current so you don’t have to organize it at the last minute.
Review the latest ACE renewal requirements before renewing, as fees, approved providers, and administrative requirements can change over time.

Stay on top of your requirements, and the final step can be as simple as logging in to your My ACE account, checking your details are up to date, and paying your renewal fee.

Simplify Your Next ACE Renewal

Preparing for your next ACE renewal starts with the right continuing education. At Fitness Education Online, our ACE-approved fitness CEU courses make it easy to earn the CECs you need while building practical skills you can apply with clients straight away. With flexible online learning, you can complete your continuing education at your own pace and around your existing work and personal commitments. Whether you’re looking to complete your renewal requirements or expand your expertise in a new area of health and fitness, our accredited courses help you achieve both. Our goal is to make ACE recertification as straightforward as possible, with ACE-approved courses, flexible online learning, and the support you need to confidently maintain your certification.