A 60-minute class ends with 15 minutes of stretching alone. How do the guidelines count time spent only on flexibility activities?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Flexibility Activities; outline Domain I, Task 1
A forward lunge travels front to back. Which plane of the body, a vertical plane running from front to back, divides it into right and left sides?SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Anatomical Terminology, Planes of the Body; outline Domain I, Task 2
A participant asks why your walking-based cardio class has not made her arms stronger. Which training principle explains it?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Specificity; outline Domain I, Task 2
After six weeks your regulars find the same strength circuit easy, so you add a set. Which glossary term names raising intensity, duration, frequency or amount as the body adapts?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Progression; outline Domain I, Task 3
Show all 50 questions (46 more)
Class preparation, continued
For the cool-down stretch, how long at most does MedlinePlus say to hold a stretch, without bouncing?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: How to avoid exercise injuries, To Stretch or not to Stretch; outline Domain I, Task 2
Going by the guidelines' table of absolute intensity, which of these is listed as a moderate-intensity activity?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Table 4-1; outline Domain I, Task 1
The guidelines say muscle-strengthening work should cover all the major muscle groups. Which body area is NOT in their list?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 2, Muscle-Strengthening Activity; outline Domain I, Task 2
High-knee marching flexes the thigh at the hip. Which anterior muscle flexes the thigh?SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Muscles of the Lower Extremity, whole page; outline Domain I, Task 2
In the guidelines' glossary, what is overload?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Overload; outline Domain I, Task 2
Rehearsing with the music on, you must raise your voice to be heard by someone 3 feet away. What does OSHA's noise page say that suggests?Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Occupational Noise Exposure, Overview, Know Your Workplace Noise Levels; outline Domain I, Task 4
Standing calf raises point the foot downward, which is plantar flexion. Which muscles plantar flex the foot?SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Muscles of the Lower Extremity, whole page; outline Domain I, Task 2
Which component does the guidelines' glossary list under performance-related fitness and not under health-related fitness?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Health-related fitness and Performance-related fitness; outline Domain I, Task 2
You are planning a weekly class for adults aged 65 and over. Besides aerobic and muscle-strengthening work, what should the plan include under the key guidelines for older adults?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Key Guidelines for Older Adults; outline Domain I, Task 1
You open a cardio class with five minutes of easy marching. What do the federal activity guidelines say a warm-up before moderate or vigorous aerobic work allows?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Warm-Up and Cool-Down; outline Domain I, Task 1
You want a balance block in a mixed-ability class. Which is an example of balance training in the guidelines' glossary?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Balance training; outline Domain I, Task 3
You want to play chart songs in a public class. Under 17 U.S.C. 106, who holds the exclusive right to perform a musical work publicly, or to authorize it?17 U.S.C. 106, Exclusive rights in copyrighted works (U.S. Copyright Office), section 106(4); outline Domain I, Task 2
Your class plan has squats, where the knee straightens on the way up. Which muscle group straightens the leg at the knee?SEER Training Modules, National Cancer Institute: Muscles of the Lower Extremity, whole page; outline Domain I, Task 2
Group instruction and leadership 20
A 40-year-old participant asks for a moderate-intensity heart rate target. Using MedlinePlus (maximum is 220 minus age; moderate is 50% to 70% of maximum), what is the range?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Give your heart a workout, Track Your Target Heart Rate; outline Domain II, Task 5
A new regular started exercising two months ago and has kept it up. Which stage of the Stages of Change model is she in?Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice, 2nd edition (National Cancer Institute), Table 3, Stages of Change Model; outline Domain II, Task 4
A participant says, "Classes cost too much and I never have the time." In the Health Belief Model, what are beliefs about the costs of acting called?Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice, 2nd edition (National Cancer Institute), Health Belief Model table; outline Domain II, Task 4
A participant thinks activity only "counts" in blocks of at least 10 minutes. What do the current guidelines say?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 1; outline Domain II, Task 5
A participant who is five months pregnant joins your mat class. Which position do the guidelines say to avoid after the first trimester?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 6, Physical Activity in Women During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period; outline Domain II, Task 3
A participant winces and says her knee hurts during lunges. What does MedlinePlus say about pain during exercise?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: How to avoid exercise injuries, Listen to Your Body; outline Domain II, Task 3
The Air Quality Index for your outdoor class reads 135. What is that category called?AirNow (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency): AQI Basics, AQI Basics for Ozone and Particle Pollution; outline Domain II, Task 1
By the guidelines' rule of thumb, a 25-minute vigorous class counts about the same as how many minutes of moderate activity?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4; outline Domain II, Task 5
During the main set a participant can talk but cannot sing. By the talk test, what intensity is that?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 4, Talk Test; outline Domain II, Task 5
In a hot studio a participant becomes confused and slurs her words. What does MedlinePlus say to do for these signs of heat stroke?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Heat emergencies, Symptoms; outline Domain II, Task 3
In Social Cognitive Theory, what is self-efficacy?Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice, 2nd edition (National Cancer Institute), Table 5, Social Cognitive Theory; outline Domain II, Task 4
New participants copy a confident regular in the front row. What does Social Cognitive Theory call learning by watching the actions and outcomes of others?Theory at a Glance: A Guide for Health Promotion Practice, 2nd edition (National Cancer Institute), Table 5, Social Cognitive Theory; outline Domain II, Task 4
Two participants do the same routine and it feels much harder to the older, less fit one. How should older adults set their level of effort, by the key guidelines?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Key Guidelines for Older Adults; outline Domain II, Task 3
Which set of signs does MedlinePlus list for dehydration in adults?MedlinePlus: Dehydration, What are the symptoms of dehydration?; outline Domain II, Task 3
Which set of tools do the guidelines describe groups led by professionals or peers using to help people stay active?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 8, Guidance From Professionals or Peers; outline Domain II, Task 4
Why might an age-based target heart rate mislead a participant who takes blood pressure medicine?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Give your heart a workout, Track Your Target Heart Rate; outline Domain II, Task 5
You ask the class to rate effort from 0 (sitting) to 10 (greatest effort possible). Which rating matches moderate intensity?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Glossary, Moderate-intensity physical activity; outline Domain II, Task 5
You pause the class for a pulse check. A participant counts 22 beats in 10 seconds. What is her heart rate in beats per minute?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Give your heart a workout, Track Your Target Heart Rate; outline Domain II, Task 5
You teach the class a self-check for vigorous effort. By the talk test, a person working at vigorous intensity can:MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Give your heart a workout, Track the Intensity of Your Workout; outline Domain II, Task 5
Your outdoor boot camp falls on a very hot, humid afternoon. Which change do the guidelines list to lessen the chance of dehydration and heat stress?Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), Chapter 7, Take Appropriate Precautions; outline Domain II, Task 1
Professional conduct and risk management 13
A co-worker asks what health problem a participant told you about. Which promise in the ACE Code of Ethics applies?American Council on Exercise: Code of Ethics (public page), the nine promises; outline Domain III, Task 4
A participant collapses and does not respond when you tap and shout. You know an AED hangs in the lobby. By MedlinePlus, what comes next?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: CPR - adult and child after onset of puberty, First Aid; outline Domain III, Task 2
A participant has chest discomfort spreading to the jaw, with nausea, but says it is "probably nothing". What does the NHLBI say to do when a heart attack is possible?National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: Heart Attack, Symptoms, When to call 9-1-1; outline Domain III, Task 2
A participant rolls an ankle and a ligament is stretched. By MedlinePlus, what is this injury called?MedlinePlus: Sprains and Strains, Summary; outline Domain III, Task 2
A studio decides when, where and how you teach. Which IRS category of evidence asks whether the company controls what the worker does and how the job is done?Internal Revenue Service: Independent contractor (self-employed) or employee?, Common law rules; outline Domain III, Task 4
After class a participant asks you to work out what is wrong with her shoulder and suggest a medicine. What does the ACE Code of Ethics direct?American Council on Exercise: Code of Ethics (public page), the nine promises; outline Domain III, Task 3
By MedlinePlus, what does the first treatment of a sprain or strain usually involve?MedlinePlus: Sprains and Strains, Summary; outline Domain III, Task 2
How fast should chest compressions be for an adult, by MedlinePlus?MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: CPR - adult and child after onset of puberty, First Aid; outline Domain III, Task 2
In law, what is negligence?Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School: Wex, negligence, definition; outline Domain III, Task 4
Participants sign a liability waiver, an exculpatory clause. According to Cornell's Legal Information Institute, when may a court refuse to enforce one?Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School: Wex, exculpatory clause, definition; outline Domain III, Task 4
Under the ACE Code of Ethics, which certificates does a certified professional promise to keep current?American Council on Exercise: Code of Ethics (public page), the nine promises; outline Domain III, Task 4
What is the PAR-Q+ screening questionnaire for, in its publishers' own description?PAR-Q+ Collaboration: The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+), opening description; outline Domain III, Task 4
Which of these is a "covered entity" under the HIPAA rules at 45 CFR 160.103?45 CFR 160.103, Definitions (read in the copy at the Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School), definition of covered entity; outline Domain III, Task 4
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the three domains of the ACE Group Fitness Instructor Certification Exam Content Outline of the American Council on Exercise (https://contentcdn.eacefitness.com/assets/certification/pdfs/GFI-Exam-Content-Outline.pdf, linked from https://www.acefitness.org/fitness-certifications/certification-exam-content/, read 2026-10-07): Class Preparation 34%; Group Instruction and Leadership 39%; Professional Conduct and Risk Management 27%. The bank holds 17, 20 and 13. Every fact was read on 2026-10-07 in a public source named under the question: the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition (odphp.health.gov), MedlinePlus (medlineplus.gov), the SEER Training Modules and Theory at a Glance of the National Cancer Institute, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, OSHA, AirNow, the IRS, 17 U.S.C. 106 at copyright.gov, 45 CFR 160.103 and Wex at law.cornell.edu, the PAR-Q+ page (eparmedx.com) and the public Code of Ethics page of the American Council on Exercise. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This free ACE group fitness practice test has 50 questions of our own, sorted by the outline's three domains. It is unofficial, and this site is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
Read the full guide
What the exam covers
ACE's exam content outline has three domains: class preparation 34%; group instruction and leadership 39%; professional conduct and risk management 27%. This bank holds 17, 20 and 13 questions. Outline read October 7, 2026.
Timing
The real exam allows three hours for 150 questions. Exam mode keeps that pace on a fifth of the length: 30 questions in 36 minutes.
Where the answers come from
Class planning and effort checks are answered from the federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, emergencies from MedlinePlus, and music rights from the Copyright Act. Nothing is taken from ACE's manual, course or practice tests.
Questions and answers
Is this ACE group fitness practice test free?
Yes, with no sign-up. After each answer you see which choice was right, a one-line reason and a link to the public page that says so.
Are these ACE's own practice questions?
No. ACE offers its own practice tests with its study programs. These ACE group fitness practice tests are a separate bank, written from the outline's task lines and public sources, and a score here does not forecast a real result.
How many questions are on the ACE group fitness instructor exam?
150 multiple-choice questions. 125 are scored and 25 are experimental questions that do not count toward the score, by ACE's page for exam candidates.
What is a passing score on the ACE certification exam?
500 or greater, out of a possible 800, by ACE's page for exam candidates. Because that is a point score and not a percent, this page shows how many you got right and gives no pass or fail.