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Campus Recreation's ACE Leadership Course prepares you to become a certified exercise professional through the American Council on Exercise (ACE). There are two separate programs available: Group Exercise Instructor and Personal Trainer. Each course is a nine-week program. The program prepares you for the ACE exam by helping you build confidence in your leadership abilities while providing exercise knowledge and hands-on training opportunities with various training equipment and props. Please stop by the Living Well Center for more information or call 530-754-2179.

Complete the ACE Leadership Course Application by filling out the Google Form for your program of interest. 

Important Dates and Deadlines: 

• Application Opens: Check back for more information on our next ACE Leadership Course offering. 
• Application Deadline: N/A
• Interviews: N/A
• Schedule: Classes typically meet on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. and Thursdays from 2-4:30 p.m. throughout the offered quarter.  

Frequently Asked Questions

When are classes offered?

Class offerings vary each year. Please call the Living Well center at 530-754-2179 or email at livewell@campusrec.ucdavis.edu for more information or to add your name to the interest list. Please specify if you are interested in the ACE Personal Training or ACE Group Exercise course.

Does the course fee include the cost of taking the ACE exam?

The course fee does not include the cost of the national certification examination, but does provide individuals with the ACE Manual, quizzes and much more in preparation for the exam. All accepted applicants will receive a waiver for their course fee. 

What are the benefits of being a student in the ACE Leadership Course?

The Campus Recreation Living Well program will help you every step of the way in your quest to become an exercise professional. The course will help you prepare for the ACE exam and become a successful exercise professional.

By participating in the ACE Leadership Course, you will have the opportunity to save over 20% off the cost of course materials and the exam. Opportunities to practice with your group is another major benefit that helps ease anxiety and nervousness as a new instructor.

What is the difference between a Group Exercise instructor and a personal trainer?

Group Exercise instructors and personal trainers both learn basic exercise principles, physiology, anatomy, biomechanics and exercise techniques.  Group Exercise instructors are taught additional subjects including music selection, tempo, choreography and exercise cueing in order to safely and effectively lead a group of individuals. Personal trainers are taught how to create tailored exercise programs for the individual and one-on-one teaching techniques.

Will I be guaranteed employment with the Campus Recreation Living Well Program if I enroll in the program?

The ACE Leadership Course provides individuals with the nuts and bolts needed to become an instructor. Auditions will be held for individuals interested in teaching at the ARC and instructors will be hired based on skills exhibited and the need for additional instructors or trainers on the staff. As a campus employer, we offer preferential hiring to current UC Davis students.

Can I participate if I am a university affiliate or from the local community?

No. Applicants are limited to students enrolled at the University of California, Davis for the Winter 2023 course, 

What are the course fees?

Accepted applicants intending to pursue employment with Living Well will have their course fee waived ($250.00 value). This does not include the test registration fee. Though this fee may also be waived if applicants maintain good standing and pursue student employment.