Group Exercise Instructor

Do you love the energy of a group exercise class? Using a variety of teaching and motivational techniques to create a positive exercise experience, ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructors^® (ACSM-GEI^®) are at the forefront of the group exercise movement. From coaching an individual through a tough session to providing healthy lifestyle support outside of class — the personal impact you'll make is long-lasting.

Become an ACSM-GEI^® in Three Simple Steps

group exercise class squats

woman reading ACSM book at a small table

hands on a laptop

Do you Meet the Qualifications?

18 Years of Age or Older
High School Diploma or the Equivalent
Adult CPR/AED Certification (important update here)

Starting in 2027, all ACSM certifications will require first aid training.

Prepare to take the Exam

You can create your own preparation plan, or let us guide you through the process! Whichever option you chose, ACSM has the tools to support you. Just scroll down!

Register for the Exam

The ACSM Certification exam can be taken in-person at a Pearson VUE testing center, or take it online from the comfort of your own home, office or workplace! Additionally, ACSM members get a discounted rate on all ACSM Certification exams.

Ready to schedule your exam?
Register Today!

Prepare for Your ACSM-GEI^®Exam | A Guided Approach

While these resources are not required preparation materials and should not be interpreted as constituting the sole source of all ACSM exam questions, candidates may find them useful when preparing for the exam. Each candidate should develop his or her own personal reading list and study-plan based on individual needs and knowledge.

Check out this blog on 10 Tips for Success on the ACSM-GEI Exam.

Step One: Download the Exam Content Outline

The exam content outline is the blueprint for your certification examination. Every question on the exam is associated with one of the knowledge or skill statements that are found in the exam content outline.

Exam Content Outline

Step Two: Join the Official Facebook Study Group

Join hundreds of candidates in preparing for the ACSM-GEI^® on Facebook. Learn from what others have done to pass their exams, ask your questions in a welcoming community and help support others during the study process.

Join Today

Step Three: Create Your Study Plan

There are a number of study materials and options. You can utilize any or all of these based on your individual preparation needs. You can pick one of the below options, or combine to optimize your preparation!

Resource Books

ACSM's Resources for the Group Exercise Instructor is the official preparation book for the exam. ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th edition is also recommended.

Group Exercise Instructor

Exercise Testing and Prescription

woman using laptop

Online Practice Questions with prepU

A personalized and unique approach to studying – prepU is a quiz platform that adapts your study plan based on current proficiency.

Get Started

Have questions? Consult the ACSM Candidate Handbook:

Download the Handbook

Schedule Your Exam

Once you are ready to commit to a testing date you can schedule your ACSM-GEI Certification exam. ACSM Certification exams are administered by Pearson VUE.

Take Your Exam In-Person

Take the ACSM-GEI^® certification exam at any participating Pearson VUE testing location.

Register

Take Your Exam Online

Take the ACSM-GEI^® Certification exam from the comfort of your own home, school or office in an online, proctored environment..

Register

Exam Costs

ACSM Member Candidates	$299
ACSM Non-Member Candidates	$399
Re-Test	$199

Not a member?
Join Now & Save!

Access the Special Accommodations Request Form

line with grey, dark blue and light blue sections

Reschedule Policy

Candidates who wish to reschedule their exam must contact Pearson VUE one business day prior to the exam appointment. Candidates will be charged $35.00 (USD) each time an exam is rescheduled. Candidates who reschedule an exam less than one business day in advance, or fail to appear for the exam, will forfeit their exam fee.

Candidates who fail to arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time are considered a No-Show and will forfeit their exam fee.

Cancellation Policy

Candidates who wish to cancel their exam must contact Pearson VUE one business day prior to their exam appointment. Candidates will be charged a $75.00 (USD) cancellation fee. Candidates who cancel an exam less than one business day in advance or fail to appear for the exam, will forfeit their exam fee.

Candidates who fail to arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time are considered a No-Show and will forfeit their exam fee.

Become an ACSM-GEI® in Three Simple Steps