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ACE Health Coach Professional Certificate
Build a Meaningful Career in Health Coaching. Help people achieve goals and improve their health through exercise, nutrition, and behavior change.

Instructor: American Council on Exercise
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Knowledge for applying behavior-change science to help clients build motivation, set meaningful goals, and create sustainable lifestyle habits.
Strategies for conducting effective assessments to understand each client’s health, readiness, and unique needs, guiding personalized coaching plans.
Coach with professionalism and care by maintaining ethical standards, fostering trust, and empowering clients to take ownership of their health.
Skills you'll gain
- Health Promotion
- Nutrition Education
- Exercise Science
- Smart Goals
- Motivational Interviewing
- Mindfulness
- Goal Setting
- Mental and Behavioral Health
- Patient-centered Care
- Client Support
- Social Determinants Of Health
- Chronic Diseases
- Ethical Standards And Conduct
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Health And Wellness Coaching
- Nutrition and Diet
- Behavior-Driven Development
- Stress Management
- Coaching
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Details to know

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January 2026
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- Receive professional-level training from American Council on Exercise
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Frequently asked questions
The ACE Health Coach Study Program is for:
Anyone passionate about health, fitness, and wellness who wants to help others.
Health and wellness enthusiasts who want a recognized credential to coach friends, family, or clients.
Career changers seeking a pathway into the health coaching field with an accredited certification.
Fitness professionals looking to expand their services beyond exercise guidance.
It’s designed for beginners and professionals alike—no prior experience is required.
There are no prerequisites to start the program—you don’t need a prior degree or certification. However, the recommended background includes:
Passion for health, fitness, and wellness—an interest in helping people improve lifestyle habits.
Basic interest in human anatomy, physiology, and nutrition is helpful but not required.
Some knowledge or understanding of fitness or health-related fields can make learning easier but is optional.
Strong communication and coaching skills to motivate and support clients effectively.
In short, anyone motivated to guide clients toward healthier lifestyles can pursue this certification, even beginners
While there are no prerequisites to purchase the study program, in order to sit for the ACE Health Coach certification you must:
Be at least 18 years old.
Have completed a high school diploma (or the equivalent).
Hold a current CPR and AED certification with a live skills check*
Present a current government-issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID)
*CPR and AED certificates are both required in the U.S. and Canada. Candidates outside the U.S. and Canada are only required to hold a current CPR certificate due to differing international laws regarding AED use by non-medical professionals. Candidates taking an ACE exam must complete a CPR/AED course that includes a live skills check prior to registration.
More questions
Financial aid available,
¹Based on Coursera learner outcome survey responses, United States, 2021.