ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor^SM

Become an ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor (GEI) and instruct groups or individuals in exercise activities and the fundamentals of fitness. ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructors are qualified to develop individual lesson plans as well as for groups, are familiar and flexible with various types of exercise techniques, supervise participants, and lead instructional sessions.

What will I be able to do as an ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor?

The ACSM GEI works in a group exercise setting with apparently healthy individuals and those with health challenges who are able to exercise independently to enhance quality of life, improve health-related physical fitness, manage health risk, and promote lasting health behavior change. The GEI leads safe and effective exercise programs using a variety of leadership techniques to foster group camaraderie, support, and motivation to enhance muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and any of the motor skills related to the domains of health-related physical fitness.

What qualifications are necessary?

All of the following requirements must be met:

High School Diploma or equivalent
Current Adult CPR/AED (with hands-on practical skills component)
18 years of age or older

What are the performance domains?

Performance Domains*:

Domain I: Participant and Program Assessment - 10%
Domain II: Class Design - 25%
Domain III: Leadership and Instruction - 55%
Domain IV: Legal and Professional Responsibilities - 10%

*the percentages reflect the percentage of examination questions contained in each domain on the 100 question examination.

Click here to review the Exam Content Outline

What study materials are available to help me prepare?

Recommended Study Materials for ACSM GEI include:

ACSM's Resources for the Group Exercise Instructor, 1st edition ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 9th edition

Study materials are available through our publisher, LWW, by calling
800-486-5643 or by visiting the LWW e-Store.

Are workshops available?

The ACSM GEI workshop is a 2-day course designed to develop or improve the practical skills of the Group Exercise Instructor as it relates to leading an effective group exercise class. The workshop will provide an extensive hands-on learning experience through practical application of materials. Portions of the didactic education are to be completed via an on-demand pre-workshop webinar, allowing more time for practical application of educational content.

2-day GEI Workshop fee: $275

Click here to learn more about ACSM GEI Workshops

Are webinars available?

The ACSM GEI webinar is a 6-week course designed to introduce ACSM GEI candidates to principles of exercise science and applications of training principles in a group setting. Candidates will gain a broad understanding of the management of goup exercise classes and programs attended by a diverse population of participants. Visual representations, verbal instruction, and practical examples will be utilized to provide information on health appraisal, safety considerations, and class execution.

6-session GEI Webinar Series fee: $240
Individual session fee: $45

Click here to learn more about the ACSM GEI Webinar Series

How much does the exam cost?

ACSM Member Candidates	$219
ACSM Non-Member Candidates (Join ACSM Now)	$279
Re-test	$150

How do I register to take the exam?

All ACSM certification examinations are administered by our testing partner, PearsonVUE. PearsonVUE provides over 5,000 computer-based testing centers throughout the world.

Click here to register for any ACSM exam with Pearson VUE
ACSM Members - be sure to get your member discount voucher before registering for the exam by emailing the ACSM Certification Department at certification@acsm.org. *Be sure to confirm which exam you plan to take*

If you're not already an ACSM member, click here to join now!

Once you've received your member discount voucher, visit Pearson VUE to schedule a time to take your exam, or call 888-883-2276.

What other information do I need to be aware of?

The ACSM Candidate Handbook has information about, but not limited to, the following:

Exam administration
Code of Ethics
Non-discrimination policy
Disability policy
Complaint policy
Appeals policy

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to maintain my certification?

To maintain your ACSM GEI certification, you will need to accumulate at least 45 CECs/CEUs within a 3-year cycle, maintain CPR certification, and pay a $30 recertification fee.

Click here for more information about recertification.