While every effort is made to provide the most accurate information at the time of publication, occasionally readers will have questions regarding the accuracy of book content. Updates made to the current edition will be reflected in the e-book and reprints.
The updates listed on this page have been made to ACSM texts (ordered by page number).
This video may answer some questions regarding changes to ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 10th and 11th Editions.
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The examination for each level of certification is composed of multiple choice questions drawn from the Job Task Analysis found in the ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th Edition. Each level of certification includes “unscored” questions that are being tested for use in future examinations. These unscored questions are randomly distributed throughout the exam and will not be counted in the final results.
You will not be allowed to bring any materials or equipment into the examination area. A calculator will be provided within the exam as it is needed.
Metabolic Calculations for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist exams will be provided. Candidates should select the “Exhibit” tab within the exam to access the calculations.
The examination for each level of certification is composed of multiple choice questions from the Job Task Analyses found in the ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 10th edition. Each level of certification also includes unscored questions that are being tested for future examinations. These unscored questions are randomly distributed throughout the exam and will not be counted in the final results.
| Certification Exam | Scored Items | Unscored Items | Time Limit |
| ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor | 100 | 15 | 2.5 hours |
| ACSM Certified Personal Trainer | 120 | 15 | 2.5 hours |
| ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist | 125 | 15 | 3.5 hours |
| ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist | 100 | 15 | 3.5 hours |
The approximate distribution of exam questions across each competency area for each ACSM certification is as follows:
ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor
ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
Candidates will receive their exam results immediately upon completion of the exam via email from PearsonVue with instructions on how to access the score report.
Additionally, no more than two weeks after you pass the ACSM exam, you will receive a welcome email from ACSM with details on your certified professional resources and how to access and download a free digital image of your certificate and details for how to order a physical copy.
Until you receive the welcome email, your credential status is PROVISIONAL pending validation of exam results and/or the results of an eligibility audit, if applicable.
The passing score for all ACSM Certification exams is set in advance and applied to all candidates’ exam results. Similar to exam scoring for a wide variety of other high stakes, national standardized exams (e.g., GRE, SAT, GMAT, etc.), ACSM Certification exams are reported in a 200-800 score scale.
Specifically, all candidates are expected to meet the passing standard of a scaled score of 550 in order to receive a “Pass” on any respective ACSM certification exam. This passing standard is based upon the expectations of the subject matter experts/test developers across all topics of the competency areas, as related to each respective credential’s examination blueprint. Passing candidates are expected to answer a sufficient number of test questions correctly that demonstrates a summative amount of knowledge at a level of at least minimal competency or the lowest acceptable score to pass the exam.
Finally, each content area is weighted proportionally, based on the results of a periodic comprehensive job task analysis/role delineation study. In other words, some content areas are more important (thus, have more questions) and count more with respect to the overall score than other content areas. On the score report, candidates will receive their overall score, their pass/fail status, as well as a breakdown by each specific content area.
In order to determine the appropriate credential for you, consider the minimum requirements for each level of certification.
Learn about each certification:
Additional questions, consult the ACSM Certification Handbook.
To register for an ACSM examination, create an account (if you do not already have one) at www.acsm.org and start an application. In the application process, you will be stepped-through the remaining registration and exam selection processes all through the ACSM website.
All ACSM certification examinations are administered by our testing partner, Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE administers exams at over 5,000 in-person, computer-based testing centers throughout the world and through online proctoring, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Local testing centers, system requirements for online exams, exam accommodations, and more can be found here.
ACSM Members: As an ACSM member, your exam discount will automatically be applied to your application and exam fee at check-out.
Non-Members: ACSM members are offered a 20% discount on exams. To receive this discount on your certification application, join ACSM during the application process. The discount will then be automatically applied to your cart. To discover additional benefits of ACSM Membership, membership categories, and how to join, click here.
Candidates must provide two forms of proper identification. Candidates will not be seated for the exam if the proper ID is not provided.
The primary ID must contain a permanently affixed photograph and a signature and must be valid (not expired). An ID must be an original document and not a photocopy or a fax.
IDs are considered to be valid (non-expired) as long as they do not contain an expiration date that has passed. If there is no expiration date on an ID, it is considered to be valid. The candidate must sign the ID before arriving at the testing center; it is not acceptable for the candidate to sign the ID when checking in.
The following are acceptable forms of identification:
Primary ID (picture and signature, not expired) | Secondary ID (signature, not expired) |
| |
* A note about credit cards: A credit card can be used as a primary form of ID only if it contains both a photo and a signature and is not expired. Most credit cards do not meet these requirements. Any credit card can be used as a secondary form of ID, as long as it contains a signature and is not expired. This includes major credit cards, such as VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. It also includes department store and gasoline credit cards.
Candidates are not allowed to bring any items into the testing room.
Candidates are discouraged from bringing any personal belongings to the testing center, since these items must be stored in a secure space and are not permitted in the testing room.
Personal belongings that must be stored
The following are examples of items NOT allowed in the testing room:
The candidates will be provided with an erasable noteboard and erasable pen, or blank notepaper. Scratch paper of any kind is never permitted in the testing room. Candidates are not allowed to use their own paper or notebooks, and notepads of any kind are not allowed.
Candidates are not permitted to bring their own writing instruments into the testing room. The testing center must provide any pens or pencils that are required for an exam. Candidates are not permitted to write on the erasable noteboards or notepaper until after the exam has been started.
A standard or scientific calculator will be provided within the exam. The Metabolic Equations for Gross VO2 in Metric Units table will be supplied within appropriate exams. All other formula (e.g., heart rate calculations, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio) to complete an answer will not be provided within the exam.
Certain items defined as “minor comfort aids” may be allowed in the testing room as long as the item is checked by the test center administrator before they are brought into the testing room. These include:
A candidate must provide his or her own comfort aids. These are not considered to be accommodations and therefore do not need to be pre-approved by Pearson VUE or ACSM.
Eyedrops, water bottles, asthma inhalers, diabetic testing equipment and other medical devices are not allowed in the testing room unless the candidate has been granted an accommodation for the item in advance. Candidates should follow the accommodations policy for consideration of a comfort aid.
Prior to submitting an application through ACSM, candidates will be asked to agree with the terms described in both the ACSM non-disclosure agreement (NDA), and the Code of Ethics for ACSM Certified Professionals. Candidates who do not accept the terms of these statements will not be allowed to proceed with the exam application. These statements are located here.
If the candidate requires a break during the exam, the timing of the exam will not stop. The candidate’s ID may be checked upon returning to the exam room.
Candidates should make every effort to arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.
If a candidate arrives within 15 minutes of the scheduled appointment time and the test center administrator is not able to seat the candidate for the exam, the candidate will have the opportunity to reschedule the exam without penalty. Because the appointment time has already passed, the test center administrator will not be able to reschedule the candidate.
If a candidate arrives more than 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment time, it is up to the discretion of the testing center as to whether or not the candidate may still take the exam (either immediately or later the same day).
If the test center is unable to accommodate a late-arriving candidate, the candidate will be unable to take the test that day. The candidate will need to register for the exam and pay the exam fee again. The candidate’s results will be automatically entered in the testing system as “no show.”
If a candidate does not arrive for an exam at all, the candidate will be listed as a “no show” and will forfeit all fees associated with this appointment. Candidates may reschedule a new appointment, but will be responsible for rescheduling costs.
Action taken against candidates who create disturbances or conduct themselves in a manner that may jeopardize the security of an exam or the comfort of other candidates may include removal from the certification program.
Misconduct includes the following behaviors:
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 (PL 101‐336) is a sweeping civil rights law which is intended to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of life. The American College of Sports Medicine examination program embraces the law in both letter and spirit. Title I of the ADA states “Employers (certifying bodies) should conduct a job analysis to determine the essential functions of each job (knowledge and skills‐ KSs). When an individual with a disability meets legitimate educational, skill, and experience qualifications for a position (credential examination) the employer must make a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to, reassignment of non‐essential tasks, providing auxiliary aids or services, removing architectural barriers in the workplace…” Title III includes a provision for “changing rules or practices” for individuals with disabilities who meet essential eligibility requirements. Reasonable accommodations for the purpose of conducting an ACSM credential examination may include text magnification, assistive listening devices, readers, and extended time.
ACSM wishes to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated or otherwise treated differently from other individuals because of the absence of auxiliary aids and services. If a candidate needs the auxiliary aids or services identified in the Americans with Disabilities Act, please include this in the appropriate section of the exam application. This form will need to be completed and uploaded as part of the exam application process. ACSM’s Certification Department will process the request and notify you after review with instructions on how to schedule with PearsonVue. One MUST get special accommodations approved prior to scheduling an exam. If you have an exam already scheduled, we cannot retroactively add accommodations. You must cancel that exam and wait until accommodations are approved and THEN schedule your exam (instructions will be given upon approval).
The ACSM Committee on Certification and Registry Boards (CCRB) defines irregular behavior as any behavior that undermines or threatens the integrity of the application, assessment, or certification processes of ACSM CCRB, whether it occurs before, during or after an exam.
Irregular behavior may include, but is not limited to, having or seeking access to exam materials before the exam, impersonating an examinee or engaging someone else to take the exam by proxy, copying answers from someone else or allowing one’s answers to be copied, copying or memorizing and reproducing test items, altering or misrepresenting scores, stealing exam materials, possessing unauthorized materials during a computer-based exam (e.g., recording devices, photographic materials, printed reference material) or other such behavior which may cast doubt on the exam results of that or another person. It may also include making false representations during the application process or in connection with certification status, altering or falsifying ACSM certificates or other documents, or making the false representation that one is certified by ACSM by using the legally-protected identity marks.
The content of all ACSM CCRB exams and its items are proprietary and strictly confidential, and the unauthorized retention, possession, copying, distribution, disclosure, discussion, or receipt of any examination question, in whole or in part, by written, electronic, oral or other form of communication, including but not limited to e-mailing, copying or printing of electronic files, and reconstruction through memorization and/or dictation, before, during, or after an examination, is strictly prohibited. In addition to constituting irregular behavior subject to disciplinary action such as revocation of certification or revocation of eligibility for future certification for a specified period of time, such activities violate ACSM’s proprietary rights, including copyrights, and may subject violators to legal action.
Exam applicants or examinees can be disqualified from taking or continuing to sit for an examination, or from receiving examination scores, and may be required to retake an examination if, at its sole discretion, the ACSM CCRB Executive Council (CCRB EC) determines through proctor observation, statistical analysis or any other means available to it, that said exam applicants or examinees were engaged in collaborative, disruptive, or other irregular behavior before, during the administration of, or following, the examination, or if the ACSM CCRB EC determines that the integrity or validity of the examination otherwise is in question.
In some instances, while the evidence of irregularity is sufficiently strong to cast doubt upon the validity of scores, such evidence may not enable the ACSM CCRB EC to identify the particular individuals involved. In any such circumstances, the ACSM CCRB EC reserves the right to withhold the scores of all candidates, including candidates not directly implicated in the irregularity and, if necessary, to require all candidates to take an additional examination at a later date under conditions which will ensure the validity of all scores.
Anyone who has information or evidence that irregular behavior has occurred should submit a written, signed statement to the ACSM CCRB EC as describe in the “Complaints” policy, detailing the incident with copies of any supporting evidence or documentation.
If the ACSM CCRB EC determines that allegations of irregular behavior are true, the organization may impose sanctions against the offending individual, which may include temporary or permanent loss of eligibility for exams or certification, revocation of an existing certificate, suspension of certification, invalidation of scores, or other sanctions as deemed appropriate. Such sanctions also may include legal action against the offending individual.
The CCRB EC shall maintain a record of all appeals, take appropriate action regarding the appeal in a timely manner, and document the actions taken. Candidates or certificants who perceive a lack of due process may appeal to the CCRB EC.
Metabolic Calculations for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) and ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) exams will be provided. Candidates should select the “Exhibit” tab within the exam to access the calculations.
Metabolic Calculations for Estimation of Energy Expenditure (V̇O2max [mL ∙ kg-1 ∙ min-1])
Walking
V̇O2 (mL∙ kg-1∙min-1) = (0.1 ∙ S) + (1.8∙S∙G) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
Running
V̇O2 (mL∙ kg-1∙min-1) = (0.2 ∙ S) + (0.9∙S∙G) + 3.5 mL∙ kg-1∙min-1
Stepping
V̇O2 (mL∙kg-1∙min-1) = (0.2 ∙ f) + (1.33 ∙ 1.8 ∙ H ∙ f) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
Leg Cycling
V̇O2 (mL∙kg-1∙min-1) = 1.8 (work rate)/(BM) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1 + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
Arm Cycling
V̇O2 (mL∙ kg-1∙min-1) = 3 (work rate)/(BM) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
V̇O2 = gross oxygen consumption (mL∙kg-1∙min-1)
S = speed (m∙min-1)
BM = body mass (kg)
Score reports will be distributed when a candidate returns all testing materials, including the erasable noteboard, and all other sign-out procedures have been completed.
Each score report will be digitally embossed to verify the authenticity of the report. The digital embossing is a unique set of codes that can be used to verify the authenticity of the report and a registration number and a validation number appear on the bottom of each score report. Candidates can visit Pearson VUE’s authentication Web site: www.pearsonvue.com/authenticate and enter the unique set of codes and find out whether or not the score report is valid. Verification is available approximately 48 hours after completion of the exam.
Candidates receive their exam scaled score and pass/fail status immediately upon submission of their completed examination. Only the scaled score determines pass/fail status. Domain level performance is only provided as a guide for failed candidates to identify areas of strength and weakness should they choose to take the examination in the future.
ACSM’s CCRB reserves the right to void exam results, pending receipt, investigation, and confirmation of any subsequent incident reports regarding irregular behavior, either from a candidate or Pearson VUE testing center staff.
All candidates who successfully complete an ACSM certification exam are subject to an audit to confirm their eligibility, and/or the status of their CPR certification.
Every month, 15% of candidates who received a passing score in the previous month for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist credential will be audited for completion of an academic degree using a third-party vendor. If a degree cannot be confirmed using the third-party vendor, ACSM will contact the candidate and request an official transcript noting the completed degree. Transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of the request by ACSM.
ACSM will contact the audited candidate by email, therefore it is imperative that candidates keep their contact information updated with ACSM. ACSM will issue a digital credential to those who successfully complete their audit.
Additionally, candidates who received a passing score on any ACSM certification exam in the previous month may be audited to verify current CPR certification. If contacted in this regard, candidates must provide documentation of their current CPR status within 30 days of the request by ACSM.
ACSM reserves the right to revoke the credential of any individual that cannot verify their eligibility and/or their current CPR certification as part of the ACSM audit verification process.
Unlike taking a college class where you need to get a certain percent of exam questions correct to pass or have your exam score compared to others (i.e., bell curve), testing companies like ACSM use what’s called a compensatory scoring model. ACSM examinations are scored according to procedures accepted by the American Psychological Association, the American Educational Research Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education. The candidate’s score is derived from the number of questions answered correctly, and is then converted to a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800 points, with the passing point set at a scaled score of 550 points. Candidates who earn a scaled score of 550 or above points are awarded the ACSM certification for which they tested.
All test forms for an examination are built to a standardized test blueprint; see I.F. Using an exam specification ensures that test forms are comparable in content coverage, that test content is weighted in accordance with the requirements for competent performance, and that all forms of the examinations adhere to standards for content validity. However, the scored items for an exam change over time. This is done to ensure the content is up-to-date and relevant, and to enhance test security. Since items differ in terms of how ease or difficulty, exam forms may not be equally difficult. As a result, ACSM conducts reviews of the exam forms to ensure that the passing score required is adjusted (also known as equating) so that it is equivalent across the different exam forms. Equating ensures that the passing scaled score of 550 means that exam candidates met the same level of knowledge, skill, or ability regardless of which exam form is taken.
Exam candidates receive their exam scaled score and pass/fail status upon submission of the examination for scoring.
To reschedule or cancel a scheduled exam, log-in to your ACSM account, navigate to My Certifications and select the exam you wish to reschedule and follow the prompts. There is no fee to reschedule or cancel within your exam eligibility window. If you wish to extend your eligibility window, log-in to your ACSM account, navigate to My Certifications and “Extend Eligibility” and follow the prompts.
Candidates who reschedule an exam less than one business day in advance, or fail to appear for the exam, will forfeit their exam fee. If the candidate does not arrive within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, then the candidate is considered a no-show and has forfeited the exam and will forfeit their exam fee.
Candidates who wish to cancel their exam must contact Pearson VUE one business day prior to their exam appointment. Candidates who cancel an exam less than one business day in advance or fail to appear for the exam, will forfeit their exam fee.
Re-test candidates will receive instructions on the score report from Pearson VUE and via email from ACEM on how to purchase a re-take exam. Candidates may retake the exam fifteen (15) days following a failed attempt. Candidates may take the exam up to four times in a 12-month period. If a passing score is not achieved in four exam attempts in 12 months, the candidate must wait 12 months after the fourth attempt to retake the exam. Candidates do not need to resubmit eligibility documentation unless their CPR/AED certification has lapsed.
OnVUE testing is not offered in the following countries: China, Cuba, India, Iran, Japan, Korea North, Korea South, and Sudan.
Online proctored exams do not include a scheduled break. Candidates who leave their computer for any reason during your exam the proctor will automatically terminate the exams. Candidates will be unable to continue testing.
Water in a clear glass is allowed during testing; however, eating, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited.
Due to the nature and restrictions of online proctoring, additional time and other accommodations are not available. If you have special accommodations, standard testing at a testing center is advised.
Metabolic Calculations for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) and ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) exams will be provided. Candidates should select the “Exhibit” tab within the exam to access the calculations.
Metabolic Calculations for Estimation of Energy Expenditure (V̇O2max [mL ∙ kg-1 ∙ min-1])
Walking
V̇O2 (mL∙ kg-1∙min-1) = (0.1 ∙ S) + (1.8∙S∙G) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
Running
V̇O2 (mL∙ kg-1∙min-1) = (0.2 ∙ S) + (0.9∙S∙G) + 3.5 mL∙ kg-1∙min-1
Stepping
V̇O2 (mL∙kg-1∙min-1) = (0.2 ∙ f) + (1.33 ∙ 1.8 ∙ H ∙ f) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
Leg Cycling
V̇O2 (mL∙kg-1∙min-1) = 1.8 (work rate)/(BM) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1 + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
Arm Cycling
V̇O2 (mL∙ kg-1∙min-1) = 3 (work rate)/(BM) + 3.5 mL∙kg-1∙min-1
V̇O2 = gross oxygen consumption (mL∙kg-1∙min-1)
S = speed (m∙min-1)
BM = body mass (kg)
During the online exam, you may not access the following types of personal items: mobile phones, headphones or headsets (wired or Bluetooth), handheld computers or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, hats (or other head coverings), bags, coats, books, notes, or any other materials not specifically approved.
During the exam session, you are not allowed to use exam-specific materials or scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, or any other physical writing object, such as a pen, marker, or pencil.
Watches must be removed and placed out of sight/reach during the exam.
During your OnVUE exam, you may have the option to use a built-in digital whiteboard feature to do scratch work or take notes. Physical scratch paper or note boards are not allowed when taking an OnVUE exam.
In OnVUE, there is a chat function that candidates would use to get the proctors attention.
Candidates are not be able to use any paper or pencil or dry erase boards. Pearson VUE provides a product called WHITEBOARD.
Candidates must sign in to the web account to schedule their exam. After selecting the exam, choose the “home or office” option. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the scheduling process. After successfully scheduling the exam appointment, candidates will be sent a confirmation email that will provide the appointment details and key information to know for the exam.
Candidates cannot use a computer with a firewall. Candidates may get through the self-check-in process, but will have difficulty launching the exam. A good strong internet connection that is consistent will be needed for successful testing.
No external equipment is allowed, such as a separate monitor. The exam will not launch, could cause black screen, etc. and will be revoked.
Servicemen and women and their families make sacrifices every day. To show our appreciation, we would like to offer 20% off our certification exams. We also participate in the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA benefits). Both programs provide financial assistance to current and potential ACSM certified professionals to help them pursue a new career or enhance their current career. Please email the certification department to receive your discount voucher.
The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service after September 10, 2001, or individuals discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days. Active duty, veterans, and eligible spouses and dependents can receive reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for fees associated with ACSM certification exams.
Earn your ACSM Certification by passing an ACSM exam.
Confirm your eligibility to receive VA education benefits on the VA’s Education Benefits Eligibility website.
Fill out VA Form 22-0803 to apply for reimbursement.
Name and address of organization issuing license:
American College of Sports Medicine
6510 Telecom Drive, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278
Submit completed form to the Regional Processing Office listed in the region of your home address.
For questions about applying for Post-9/11 GI Bill funding, visit GIBill.va.gov or call 888.442.4551.
ACSM is a proud participant in the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account. Commonly referred to as Spouse Tuition Assistance, the MyCAA program can provide up to $4,000 of Financial Assistance for military spouses who are pursuing degree programs, licenses or credentials.
The following ACSM programs are eligible for participation:
In order to apply to the MyCAA program, you will need personalized education plan, which we will work with you to create. Learn more about this special program and get started today by filling out the form here.
6510 Telecom Dr.
Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46278
317-637-9200
317-634-7817
ACSM’s National Center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
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