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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
ACSM’s Resources for the Group Exercise Instructor is the official preparation book for the exam. ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th edition is also recommended. Click on the book cover to purchase.
A personalized and unique approach to studying – prepU is a quiz platform that adapts your study plan based on current proficiency.
This session explores the physiology of hydration through an integrated lens—examining how carbohydrate, sodium, flavor, and fluid interact to influence intake, absorption, retention, and performance. We’ll review current research on fluid balance, osmotic drivers, and palatability, highlighting mechanisms that underpin voluntary intake and thermoregulation. Attendees will gain insight into individualized strategies, including sweat profiling and timing approaches, to optimize euhydration and mitigate performance decrements associated with >2% body-mass loss. Practical applications will be linked to laboratory- and field-based research, ensuring translation from bench to field. This pre-conference equips you with evidence-based tools to support athlete hydration across diverse environments and sporting contexts.
