Certified Personal Training
Launch your career in fitness with Farmingdale State College’s ACE Certified Personal Training program, delivered in official partnership with the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
This comprehensive program prepares participants for the nationally recognized ACE Certified Personal Trainer credential and equips them with the knowledge, practical coaching skills, and professional confidence to work in commercial gyms, private studios, corporate wellness settings, or as independent trainers.
This program is designed for aspiring fitness professionals, career changes, and current health enthusiasts. Overall, this program blends evidence-based instruction with hands-on skills development.
WHY CHOOSE FSC?
- Official ACE Education Partner
- Workforce-focused curriculum
- Exam preparation support
- Career readiness guidance
Unlike standalone online prep courses, FSC provides live instruction, coaching feedback, and structured accountability to maximize exam readiness.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
- Identify anatomical structures and basic contraindications of exercise
- Describe the role and responsibilities of a personal trainer
- Explain basic principles of exercise physiology
- Explain the relationship between nutrition and physical wellness and performance
- Evaluate clients for safe participation in an exercise program
- Demonstrate proper use of fitness assessment equipment
- Determine appropriate fitness assessment practices for a varied population
- Demonstrate proper exercise technique and form
- Design safe and effective exercise program based on client needs and goals
COURSE SCHEDULE
Class Dates: April 27 - June 17
Schedule: Mondays and Wednesdays
Time: 5:30- 8:30pm
REGISTRATION AND TUITION
Participants may enroll in the Certified Personal Training Certificate as a complete 48-hour program designed to build both foundational knowledge and hands-on coaching experience. This comprehensive format offers the greatest value, combining structured instruction, practical training sessions, client assessment practice, and real-world application of exercise programming. Participants will develop the skills and confidence needed to train clients safely and effectively across a variety of fitness settings.
Tuition for the full certificate is $800. This all-inclusive rate covers all instruction, training materials, and hands-on learning experiences throughout the program.
A 10% discount is available to Farmingdale State College students, faculty, staff, and alumni, making
this an especially cost-effective pathway for those looking to enter or advance in
the fitness and wellness industry.
A 20% discount is available for high school students in participating University in the High School
(UHS) partner schools. Email continuinged@farmingdale.edu for more information.
GUARANTEED DELIVERABLES
Participants who successfully complete the program, are CPR/AED certified and receive a 70% or greater on the ACE non-proctored, open-book exam will receive an ACE certificate. Participants can then choose to sit for the Certified Personal Trainer exam administered by the American Council on Exercise on their own. A discounted price can be provided for students who plan on sitting for this exam.
Students also will receive a Farmingdale State College certificate for completion.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Maggie Fleming is a fitness professional and educator with a passion for preparing the next generation of personal trainers for success in the health and wellness industry. As an instructor in FSC’s ACE-Certified Personal Training Program, she combines evidence-based instruction with practical coaching experience to ensure students complete the program with confidence, competence, and exam-readiness.
Having earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Science from Stony Brook University, previously being a Division I student-athlete and NASM certified personal trainer, and now a current youth soccer coach, Maggie brings technical expertise and real-world insight into program design and client-centered coaching.
She is committed to creating an engaging, supportive learning environment where aspiring trainers develop not only the knowledge required to pass the certification exam if they so choose so, but also the leadership skills necessary to build sustainable careers in fitness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. This program is delivered in official partnership with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) through FSC’s status as an ACE Education Partner.
To become an ACE Personal Trainer, you must pass one of two exams:
Before you can take the ACE Personal Training Certificate Exam (Non-proctored) you must:
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have a current adult CPR and AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check.
If you plan to take the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam (NCCA-accredited) you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Hold a current adult CPR and AED certificate with hands-on (in-person or virtual) skills check.* CPR/AED courses without skills check not accepted.
- Have completed high school diploma or the equivalent
- Pay the proctoring fee (not included in the study program price)
The program includes exam preparation and a non-proctored, open-book ACE exam as part
of completion requirements.
The national NCCA-Accredited Program certification exam is scheduled separately through
ACE, but FSC can provide a discounted exam price for students who plan to sit for
it.
- Must be at least 18 yeas old at time of registration
- Must present a current government issued photo ID with signature (driver's license, passport, military ID)
- Must hold an adult CPR and AED certificate with live skills check. Online CPR/AED courses not accepted.
- Must register at least 10 days prior to the exam date of your choice. Special accomodation exams require registration at least 15-30 dys prior to requested exam date
Unlike standalone online prep courses, FSC provides:
- Live instruction
- Hands-on coaching and technique feedback
- Structured accountability
- Career readiness guidance
- A cohort-based learning environment that supports follow-through
Graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level work in:
- Commercial gyms
- Private studios
- Corporate wellness programs
- Community fitness settings
- Independent personal training
OFFICE OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION
Greenley Library, Room 20
934-420-5902
continuinged@farmingdale.edu
Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm