Getting people moving

Continuing Education Provider Policies & Procedures
I. Operational Guidelines & Procedures®

ACE operational guidelines and procedures ensure quality education and service to ACE Certified Professionals.
These operational guidelines and procedures may be modified by ACE at any time. Each approved organization andits designated contact agrees to adhere to the following:

1. “In Class”
BEFORE THE COURSE
a. Identify one individual as a contact person who will be responsible for communicating with ACE anddisseminating information to all approved instructors.
b. R espond to any ACE staff inquiries and customer complaints.
c. N otify ACE prior to any course, instructor or organizational changes.
d. R
 epresent ACE and ACE’s materials in a positive and professional manner.
e. E
 nsure all instructors are approved and follow ACE guidelines.
DURING THE COURSE
a. Issue each attendee an accurate certificate of completion at the conclusion of every ACE-approved
course. An accurate certificate of completion must include: attendee name, course title (as approvedby ACE), ACE approval number, course date, number of continuing education credits (CECs) and theapproved presenter’s name.
b. ACEwill not approve courses that culminate in the award of a core certification (e.g., foundationaland advanced personal trainer, exercise specialist and group fitness instructor certification) that is
non-NCCA accredited. An accredited certification represents an unbiased measure of an individual’s
knowledge and competence in a given area. Continuing education provides the professional with anopportunity to increase professional knowledge and skills. ACE believes strongly that establishingstandards for credentialing while upholding separate rigorous requirements for continuing education isessential to providing the highest level of service to consumers and enhancing the image of our industry’sprofessionals.
c. A
 CE will approve quality continuing education programs (e.g., specialty certifications, certificate programs
and instructor training courses) that are committed to providing outstanding information and training tocertified fitness professionals.
d. A
 llow ACE to administer quality assurance audits.
e. Teach the course as submitted and approved by ACE.

4933 Paramount Drive, San Diego, CA 92123PHONE 800.825.3636

ACEfitness.org

Getting people moving

AFTER THE COURSEa. K eep master copies of approved course content on file for two years.
b. K eep course attendance electronic/paper records on file for at least three years.
c. E
 nsure that contact information is readily available to course participants and that customers receive atimely response to inquiries.

2. “At Home”
TEXT/DVD FORMATa. D eliver materials to customers within one week of payment.
b. M
 ake a refund policy available if materials are not delivered on time or in good condition.
c. U se a traceable carrier when shipping materials.
d. Incorporating a complete-by-date in your course materials is highly recommended, as CEC approvals areprovided by ACE only within the course approved calendar year (January 1 to December 31).
ONLINE FORMAT
a. T
 echnical specifications for online courses must be stated prior to purchase of the course (e.g. operating
system, memory and speed of processor, download of video/audio capability, etc.).
b. A course that has been significantly modified or changed in content will be considered a new course andwill require a separate application and applicable fees.
c. A text/DVD or live course which has been adapted for online delivery must go through a separate
application process.

II. Marketing Guidelines
As an ACE Continuing Education Provider, you are required to thoroughly review and abide by all guidelines asoutlined in the ACE Style Guide. This includes policies and procedures for usage of the ACE approved Logo and theAmerican Council on Exercise name. The ACE Style Guide and ACE approved Logo files can be found at
www.ACEfitness.org.

III. Faculty Disciplinary Procedures
ACE Continuing Education Providers must submit honest and accurate information in the application process andcomply with ACE policies and procedures and the terms of the Continuing Education Provider Agreement. ACE
policies and procedures may be modified by ACE at any time. Providers found to be in violation of these policies andprocedures will be notified by ACE and given the opportunity to correct the situation. Failure to do so on the part of
the ACE Provider may result in revocation or other action with regard to the application or course approval and/ordisciplinary action for those holding an ACE certification.

4933 Paramount Drive, San Diego, CA 92123

PHONE 800.825.3636

ACEfitness.org