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 on 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 receive their overall score, their pass/fail status, as well as a breakdown by each specific content area (either by a percentage or a sub-section scale score, respectively).
Current annual first-time pass rates and total, active certified professional are presented below:
Year | Candidates | First time pass-rate |
| 2023 | 1,012 | 54% |
| 2022 | 1,386 | 55% |
| 2021 | 1,630 | 58% |
2020 | 1,448 | 69% |
2019 | 3,282 | 64% |
Year | Candidates | First time pass-rate |
| 2023 | 64 | 64% |
| 2022 | 110 | 71% |
| 2021 | 91 | 74% |
2020 | 64 | 75% |
2019 | 136 | 70% |
Year | Candidates | First time pass-rate |
| 2023 | 1,665 | 52% |
| 2022 | 1,924 | 66% |
| 2021 | 2,026 | 70% |
2020 | 1,527 | 78% |
2019 | 2,687 | 72% |
Year | Candidates | First time pass-rate |
| 2023 | 312 | 42% |
| 2022 | 301 | 55% |
| 2021 | 284 | 61% |
2020 | 304 | 69% |
2019 | 369 | 66% |
ACSM Credential | Certificants |
ACSM-GEI | 749 |
ACSM-CPT | 12,297 |
ACSM-EP | 12,570 |
ACSM-CEP | 4,222 |
* As of Dec. 30, 2023
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.
In the event an individual candidate, registrant, or certificant violates the Code of Ethics for ACSM Certified and Registered Professionals, certification rules or ACSM policies the CCRB may reprimand or suspend the individual or may revoke certification. Please consult pages 19-21 of ACSM’s Candidate Handbook.
Approved revisions by the CCRB Executive Council, May, 2023
APPROVED by the CCRB Executive Council, May, 2005
APPROVED by the ACSM Board of Trustees, June, 2005
This Code of Ethics is intended to aid all certified and registered American College of Sports Medicine Credentialed Professionals (ACSMCP) to establish and maintain a high level of ethical conduct, as defined by standards by which an ACSMCP may determine the appropriateness of conduct. Any existing professional, licensure or certification affiliations that ACSMCPs have with governmental, local, state or national agencies or organizations will take precedence relative to any disciplinary matters that pertain to practice or professional conduct. Any expulsion, suspension, probation or other sanction imposed by the government agency on any ACSMCP is grounds for disciplinary action by the College.
This Code applies to all ACMCP’s, regardless of ACSM membership status (includes members and non-members). Any cases in violation of this Code will be referred to the ACSM CCRB Executive Council and the CCRB Ethics subcommittee, and if appropriate the ACSM Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct as well.
ACSMCPs shall be dedicated to providing competent and legally permissible services within the scope of the Knowledge and Skills (KSs) of their respective credential. These services shall be provided with integrity, competence, diligence, and compassion.
ACSMCPs provide exercise information in a manner that is consistent with evidence-based science and medicine.
ACSMCPs respect the rights of clients, colleagues, and health professionals, and shall safeguard client confidences within the boundaries of the law.
Information relating to the ACSMCP/client relationship is confidential and may not be communicated to a third party not involved in that client’s care without the prior written consent of the client or as required by law.
ACSMCPs are truthful about their qualifications and the limitations of their expertise and provide services consistent with their competencies.
ACSMCPs maintain high professional standards. As such, an ACSMCP should never represent themself, either directly or indirectly, as anything other than an ACSMCP unless they hold other license/certification that allows them to do so.
ACSMCPs practice within the scope of their knowledge, skills, and abilities. ACSMCPs will not provide services that are limited by state law to provision by another health care professional only.
An ACSMCP must remain in good standing relative to governmental requirements as a condition of continued Credentialing.
ACSMCPs take credit, including authorship, only for work they have actually performed and give credit to the contributions of others as warranted.
Consistent with the requirements of their certification or registration, ACSMCPs must complete approved, additional educational course work aimed at maintaining and advancing their knowledge and skills.
ACSMCPs must maintain high professional and scientific standards and should not knowingly collaborate with or support anyone who violates these fundamental principles.
ACSMCPs must safeguard the public against those whom do not demonstrate the highest ethical conduct in their professional work.
ACSMCPs have a duty to report when there are reasonable grounds to suspect unethical conduct or harassment at an ACSM location or sponsored event or a violation of this code of conduct related to any ACSM activities.
ACSM has an online portal for reporting violation of this code of ethics by a member, ACSMCP, or associate at an ACSM sponsored event or activity. Access the form here.
All reported allegations will be reviewed by the CCRB Ethics Committee. The committee may determine the need for more facts before rendering a decision regarding additional investigation. ACSM will maintain anonymity where possible to ensure a proper resolution of all reports of misconduct.
Candidates applying for a Credentialing examination must comply with all eligibility requirements and to the best of their abilities, accurately complete the application process. In addition, the candidate must refrain from any and all behavior that could be interpreted as “irregular” (please refer to the policy on irregular behavior).
Candidates and certificants may be disciplined or lose their certification or registry status for conduct which, in the opinion of the Executive Committee of the ACSM Committee on Certification and Registry Boards, goes against the principles set forth in the Code of Ethics for ACSM Certified and Registered Professionals. Such cases will be reviewed by the ACSM CCRB Ethics subcommittee, which may include a liaison from the ACSM Committee on Ethics and Professional Conduct, as needed, based on the ACSM membership status of the ACSMCP. The ACSM Ethics subcommittee will make an action recommendation to the ACSM Committee on Certification and Registry Boards Executive Council for final review and approval.
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.
An appeal to the CCRB EC must be made in writing signed by the appellant, addressed to the CCRB EC and received within thirty (30) days of the date of a decision. The written appeal must identify the applicable rules or circumstances that are the basis for the appeal.
Under circumstance of an appeal, the CCRB EC shall form an ad hoc CCRB Ethics Appeal Panel. The CCRB Ethics Appeal Panel shall consist of three (3) CCRB EC members appointed by the Chair of CCRB and the National Director shall serve as Secretary in a non-voting capacity.
The CCRB Ethics Appeal Panel shall examine the appellant’s claim, review the recommended corrective actions recommended by CCRB Ethics and Professional Conduct Subcommittee, verify that all measures of due process have been met by the appellant and the CCRB Ethics and Professional Conduct Subcommittee. The CCRB Ethics Appeal Panel must operate under conditions of confidentiality and manage all appeals so as resolution is done in an efficient and timely manner. All decisions by the CCRB Ethics Appeal Panel are final. The CCRB EC may report on the status and outcome of appeals in accordance with ACSM confidentiality policies.
Any member of the CCRB Ethics Appeal Panel with a potential conflict of interest must recuse themselves from a specific appeal where a conflict is apparent. The CCRB Chair shall then appoint an alternate to the CCRB Ethics Appeal Panel.
The following procedures allow individuals to bring complaints concerning the conduct of individuals who are candidates, registrants, or certificants of ACSM.
In the event an individual candidate, registrant, or certificant violates the Code of Ethics for ACSM Certified and Registered Professionals, certification rules, or ACSM policies the CCRB may reprimand or suspend the individual or may revoke certification.
The grounds for sanctions under these procedures may include, but are not limited to:
Information regarding the complaint process are available to the public via the ACSM website or other published documents. A complete copy of this policy will be made available to any individual upon request.
Actions taken under this policy do not constitute enforcement of the law, although referral to appropriate federal, state, or local government agencies may be made about the conduct of the candidate or certificant in appropriate situations. Individuals initially bringing complaints are not entitled to any relief or damages by virtue of this process, although they will receive notice of the actions taken.
For each compliant that the Chair concludes is a valid and actionable complaint, the CCRB authorizes an investigation into its specific facts or circumstances to whatever extent is necessary in order to clarify, expand, or corroborate the information provided by the submitter.
The Chair notifies the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee to investigate and make an appropriate determination with respect to each valid and actionable complaint; the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee may review one or more such complaints as determined by the Chair. The ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee initially determines whether it is appropriate to review the complaint under these Procedures or whether the matter should be referred to another entity engaged in the administration of law. The timeline for responses and for providing any additional information shall be established by the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee. The review and investigation will be completed in an appropriate amount of time, not to exceed six months, unless there are extenuating circumstances that require an extended time period. The ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee may be assisted in the conduct of its investigation by other members of the CCRB, ACSM staff, or legal counsel. The Chair exercises general supervision over all investigations.
Both the individual submitting the complaint and the candidate/certificant who is the subject of the investigation (or his or her employer) may be contacted for additional information with respect to the complaint. The ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee, CCRB EC, or ACSM staff on its behalf, may at its discretion contact such other individuals who may have knowledge of the facts and circumstances surrounding the complaint.
All investigations and deliberations of the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee and the CCRB are conducted in confidence, with all written communications sealed and marked “Personal and Confidential,” and they are conducted objectively, without any indication of prejudgment. An investigation may be directed toward any aspect of a complaint which is relevant or potentially relevant. Formal hearings are not held and the parties are not expected to be represented by counsel, although the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee and ACSM may consult their own counsel.
Members of the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in connection with the activities of the subcommittee.
Upon completion of an investigation, the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee recommends whether the ACSM CCRB EC should make a determination that there has been a violation of ACSM policies and rules. When the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee recommends that the CCRB EC find a violation, the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee also recommends imposition of an appropriate sanction. If the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee so recommends, a proposed determination with a proposed sanction is prepared under the supervision of the Chair and is presented by a representative of the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee to the CCRB along with the record of the subcommittee’s investigation.
If the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee recommends against a determination that a violation has occurred, the complaint is dismissed with notice to the candidate/registrant/certificant and the individual or entity who submitted the complaint.
The CCRB EC reviews the recommendation of the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee based upon the record of the investigation. The CCRB EC may accept, reject, or modify the subcommittee’s recommendation, either with respect to the determination of a violation or the recommended sanction to be imposed. If the CCRB EC makes a determination that a violation has occurred, this determination and the imposition of a sanction are promulgated by written notice to the candidate/certificant, and to the individual submitting the complaint, if the submitter agrees in advance and in writing to maintain in confidence whatever portion of the information is not made public by the CCRB EC.
In certain circumstances, the CCRB EC may consider a recommendation from the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee that the candidate/registrant/certificant who has violated the certification program policies or rules shall be offered an opportunity to submit a written assurance that the conduct in question has been terminated and will not recur. The decision of the subcommittee to make such a recommendation and of the CCRB EC to accept it are within their respective discretionary powers. If such an offer is extended, the candidate/registrant/certificant at issue must submit the required written assurance within 30 days of receipt of the offer, and the assurance must be submitted in terms that are acceptable to the CCRB EC. If the CCRB EC accepts the assurance, notice is given to the candidate/ registrant/certificant and to the submittesr of the complaint, if the submitter agrees in advance and in writing to maintain the information in confidence.
Any of the following sanctions may be imposed by the CCRB EC upon a candidate/registrant/certificant whom the CCRB EC has determined to have violated the policies and rules of its certification program(s), although the sanction applied must reasonably relate to the nature and severity of the violation, focusing on reformation of the conduct of the member and deterrence of similar conduct by others:
For sanctions that include suspension or termination, a summary of the final determination and the sanction with the candidate/registrant/certificant’s name and date is published by the ACSM. This information will be published only after any appeal has either been considered or the appeal period has passed.
Reprimand in the form of a written notice from the Chair normally is sent to a candidate/registrant/ certificant who has received his or her first substantiated complaint. Suspension normally is imposed on a candidate/registrant/certificant who has received two substantiated complaints. Termination normally is imposed on a candidate/registrant/certificant who has received two substantiated complaints within a two-year period, or three or more substantiated complaints. The CCRB EC may at its discretion, however, impose any of the sanctions, if warranted, in specific cases.
Certificants who have been terminated shall have their certification revoked and may not be considered for ACSM certification in the future. Terminated certificants must immediately cease all activity that directly states or indirectly implies active certification by ACSM.
If a certificant who is the subject of a complaint voluntarily surrenders his or her ACSM certification at any time during the pendency of a complaint under these Procedures, the complaint is dismissed without any further action by the ACSM CCRB Ethics Subcommittee, the CCRB EC, or an Appeal Committee established after an appeal. The entire record is sealed and the individual may not reapply for certification by the ACSM. However, the ACSM may authorize the Chair to communicate the fact and date of resignation, and the fact and general nature of the complaint which was pending at the time of the resignation, to or at the request of a government entity engaged in the administration of law. Similarly, in the event of such resignation, the person or entity who submitted the complaint are notified of the fact and date of resignation and that the complaint has been dismissed as a result.
Individuals beyond the six month grace period may be eligible to apply for reinstatement. Expired certificants must provide a complete history of CEC documentation, current CPR/ AED certification and pay a reinstatement fee of $150 USD per certification. All CECs must have been earned during the appropriate recertification cycle. Individuals with lapsed certification who do not have enough CECs to recertify must retake their certification examination; current eligibility rules apply. The reinstatement form is in Appendix E. Reinstatements are reviewed by the CCRB Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Subcommittee. Candidates will be notified by email if their reinstatement is approved and will be provided information on the next recertification deadline. Incomplete applications or missing CECs will result in an automatic rejection.
Reinstatement Form Appendix E page 18
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.
© ACSM. All Rights Reserved.