After the birth of her daughter, Rebecca Pratt wanted to teach stroller fitness classes to other new moms. So she set the wheels in motion.

Her first stop was the American Council on Exercise, ACE.

"The company that I chose to work with required that you are certified," Pratt said. ACE is nationally accredited to certify fitness instructors, personal trainers, and other fitness specialists.

"Anybody can say they're a trainer, but having that certification next to your name gives your club, yourself, and whoever you work for more credit," certified personal trainer Bryan Healy said.

Tony Ordas helps develop ACE's certification program which includes a tough exam.

"They have to suddenly learn anatomy and physiology and then also get experience of actually designing an exercise program whether it be for an individual or groups," Ordas said. Applicants study an average of three to six months, then pay $200 to take the test. "Currently we only have about 65 percent of the candidates passing the exam," Ordas said.

A physical therapist, Pratt says she thought the test would be a snap.

"I thought it was going to be easier than it was," Pratt said. But she did pass and said now that she's certified, she's more qualified to help other new moms on the road to fitness.

The ACE certification is valid for two years. Applicants must be 18 or older and hold a current CPR certificate.

For more information, visit the American Council on Exercise Web site.

You can check out other certification programs at the American College of Sports Medicine and the National strength and Conditioning Association.

For information about personal trainers:
American College of Sports Medicine American Council on Exercise The National Strength and Conditioning Association