Revised Feb. 6, 2026
Effective Aug. 15, 2027, candidates for the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM-EP)® and ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (ACSM‑CEP®) credentials must graduate from an Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology program that is accredited by Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or has initiated the CAAHEP accreditation process through a formal inquiry or submission of a Request for Accreditation Services (RAS).
This policy update expands the eligibility pathway and preserves alignment with accreditation practices followed in adjacent health occupations. The ACSM Certification Board’s CAAHEP programmatic accreditation implementation date of August 15, 2027, remains unchanged.
The ACSM Certification Board will monitor accreditation activity and reassess eligibility requirements in August 2029.
Requirements by Certification Type
Select the credential below to review its specific degree and eligibility requirements:
- ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) Requirements
- ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) Requirements
ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) Requirements
Eligibility for the ACSM‑EP is determined by the date the degree is awarded. The table below outlines the requirements for candidates graduating prior to August 15, 2027 and for those graduating on or after that date.
| Category | Current Requirements | Effective Aug 15, 2027 |
| Degree Requirement | Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science (or equivalent) from a regionally accredited institution. | Bachelor’s degree from a CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science program or a program that has formally initiated the CAAHEP/CoAES accreditation process through a formal inquiry or RAS. (NEW) |
| Degree Verification | Submit an official transcript. Select from a CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science program list. | Submit an official transcript. Select from a CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science program list. * Candidates from programs with CAAHEP accreditation in progress must provide verification of the program’s status. (NEW) |
| Requirement Audit | 10% | 10% |
| Degree Status | Candidates are eligible to apply and test in the final semester of their degree program. | Candidates are eligible to test in the final semester of their degree program. |
| CPR & First Aid | Current adult CPR/AED certification at the time of application. | Current adult CPR/AED certification at the time of application. Current standard first aid certification at the time of application. (NEW) |
| International Applicants | Demonstrate the exercise science (or equivalent) degree meets all course requirements. | **Programs must demonstrate international equivalence of CAAHEP Exercise Science Standards and Guidelines. (NEW) |
* RAS confirmation letters may be obtained from the Exercise Science Department Chair or their designee.
** International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Science Practice resources: International Standards and Guidelines
Course Requirements
Candidates must document completion of at least 21 semester hours (or 28 quarter hours) of Exercise Science coursework as reflected on the official academic transcript. Coursework must demonstrate formal academic preparation in the following content areas:
- Exercise Physiology (minimum 3‑credit stand‑alone course or equivalent)
- Strength and Conditioning (principles‑based; activity-only courses do not qualify)
- Applied Kinesiology or Biomechanics
- Anatomy and Physiology (combined or separate courses)
- Exercise Testing and Prescription (must include healthy and special populations)
- Special Populations (e.g., pathophysiology content across CVD, pulmonary, metabolic, older adults, pregnancy).
- Health Risk Appraisal (i.e., risk stratification and classification across varied health conditions)
Degree Status
Candidates are permitted to apply and test for the examination during the final semester of their degree program. Candidates must upload an official transcript that reflects active enrollment at the time of application. Upon completion of the degree, a final, official transcript that indicates the conferred graduation date should be sent directly to certification@acsm.org.
Audits
ACSM audits approximately 10% of ACSM‑EP candidates. Candidates selected for audit must submit all eligibility documents for review by ACSM staff. Course descriptions or supporting materials may be requested if further verification of eligibility is necessary.
CPR/AED and First Aid Requirements
Candidates must hold a current adult CPR/AED certification that includes a live, in‑person practical skills assessment. Effective August 15, 2027, candidates will also be required to maintain a current first aid certification that provides essential training to recognize and respond to common injuries and sudden illnesses. All required certifications must be valid at the time of application.
International Candidates
Candidates who completed a degree outside the United States must provide an official transcript and supporting documentation demonstrating that their academic preparation aligns with the core content requirements for the ACSM-EP. Additional materials may be requested to verify alignment with ACSM eligibility criteria. Candidates residing in countries served by an ACSM international strategic partner must complete all certification steps through that partner organization as outlined in ACSM’s international credentialing process. For additional information, visit: https://acsm.org/certification/get-certified/international/.
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) Requirements
Eligibility for the ACSM‑CEP is determined by the date the degree is awarded. The tables below outline the requirements for candidates graduating prior to August 15, 2027 and for those graduating on or after that date.
ACSM-CEP Master’s Degree Pathway
| Requirement Category | Current | Effective Aug 15, 2027 |
| Degree Requirement | Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology or an equivalent field from a regionally accredited institution. | Master’s degree from a CAAHEP‑accredited Exercise Physiology program or a program that has formally initiated the CAAHEP/CoAES accreditation process through a formal inquiry or RAS. (NEW) |
| Degree Verification | Submit an official transcript. Select from a CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Physiology program list. | Submit an official transcript. Select from a CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Physiology program list. * Candidates from programs with CAAHEP accreditation in progress must provide verification of the program’s status. (NEW) |
| Clinical Experience Requirement | Minimum 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience in qualified clinical exercise settings. | Minimum 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience in qualified clinical exercise settings. |
| Degree Status | Candidates are eligible to apply and test in the final semester of their degree program. | Candidates are eligible to test in the final semester of their degree program. |
| CPR & First Aid | Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or CPR for the Professional Rescuer at the time of application. | Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or CPR for the Professional Rescuer at the time of application. Current standard first aid certification at the time of application. (NEW) |
| International Candidates | Master’s degree in exercise physiology (or an equivalent field) that meets all course requirements. | ** Programs must demonstrate international equivalence to the CAAHEP Exercise Physiology Standards and Guidelines. (NEW) |
* RAS confirmation letters may be obtained from the Exercise Science Department Chair or their designee.
** International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Science Practice resources: International CEP Standards and Guidelines and International CEP Qualification Application Pathways
ACSM-CEP Bachelor’s Degree Pathway
| Requirement Category | Current Requirements | Effective Aug 15, 2027 |
| Accreditation Requirement | Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or equivalent from a regionally accredited institution. | Bachelor’s degree from a CAAHEP‑accredited Exercise Science program or a program that has formally initiated the CAAHEP/CoAES accreditation process through a formal inquiry or RAS. (NEW) |
| Degree Verification | Submit an official transcript. Select from a CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science program list. | Submit an official transcript. Select from a CAAHEP-accredited Exercise Science program list. * Candidates from programs with CAAHEP accreditation in progress must provide verification of the program’s status. (NEW) |
| Clinical Experience Requirement | Minimum of 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical experience in qualified clinical exercise settings. | Minimum of 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical experience in qualified clinical exercise settings. |
| Degree Status | Candidates are eligible to apply and test in the final semester of their degree program. | Candidates are eligible to test in the final semester of their degree program. |
| CPR & First Aid | Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or CPR for the Professional Rescuer at the time of application. | Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or CPR for the Professional Rescuer at the time of application. Current standard first aid certification at the time of application. (NEW) |
| International Candidates | Bachelors in exercise science (or equivalent) must include all course requirements. | **Programs must demonstrate international equivalence of the applicable CAAHEP Exercise Science Standards and Guidelines. Courses must include all course requirements. (NEW) |
**RAS confirmation letters may be obtained from the Exercise Science Department Chair or their designee.
** International Confederation of Sport and Exercise Science Practice resources: International CEP Standards and Guidelines and International CEP Qualification Application Pathways
Degree Status
Candidates are permitted to apply and test for the examination during the final semester of their degree program. Candidates must upload an official transcript that reflects active enrollment at the time of application. Upon completion of the degree, a final, official transcript that indicates the conferred graduation date should be sent directly to certification@acsm.org.
CPR/AED and First Aid Requirements
Candidates must hold a current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), or CPR for the Professional Rescuer which include a live, in‑person practical skills assessment. Effective August 15, 2027, candidates will be required to maintain a current first aid certification that includes essential training to recognize and respond to common injuries and sudden illnesses. All required certifications must be valid at the time of application.
Application Audit Process
All ACSM‑CEP applications undergo a 100% audit review conducted by the CEP External Review Board. The CEP External Review Board verifies the candidate’s official academic transcript and clinical experience documentation submitted with each application. Candidates may be required to provide additional course descriptions or supporting materials if further verification is needed.
Clinical Exercise Physiology Course Requirements
Candidates must document completion of the required Exercise Science or Exercise Physiology coursework listed below. These courses must appear on the candidate’s official academic transcript and may be subject to additional review during the audit process, including requests for course descriptions or supporting materials to verify alignment with ACSM eligibility requirements.
Clinical exercise testing and prescription
- Pre-exercise screening procedures
- Indications and contraindications for exercise testing
- Exercise testing procedures and protocols
- Interpretation of the exercise response
- Exercise prescription for clinical diseases or conditions (e.g., cardiovascular, pulmonary, obesity/metabolic, orthopedic/musculoskeletal, neoplastic, frailty, neuromuscular)
Advanced exercise physiology
- Musculoskeletal system, structure and plasticity
- Cardiopulmonary structure, function and dynamics
- Nervous system and neuromuscular function
- Macronutrient metabolism, bioenergetics, and mitochondrial biogenesis
- Endocrine and immune systems
- Integrated exercise responses
- Environmental exercise physiology
Clinical exercise physiology/pathophysiology
- Pathophysiology of common cardiovascular diseases, obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases, metabolic diseases, neoplastic, immunologic/hematologic disorders and neuromuscular diseases.
- ECG interpretation involving the recognition of the most common abnormalities
- Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of commonly prescribed drugs (e.g., antibiotics/antivirals, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medications, muscle relaxers, asthma medications, antihistamines, GI tract medications, hypertension and heart disease medications, antipsychotic medications, diabetes medication)
Clinical Exercise Physiology Experience Requirements
Candidates must complete hands‑on clinical experience in settings that provide direct exposure to medically complex populations.
Minimum Hours
- 600 hours — for candidates with a master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology (or equivalent)
- 1,200 hours — for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or equivalent
Clinical Experience
Practical experience must reflect direct, supervised engagement in patient‑centered clinical activities aligned with established clinical exercise physiologist competencies and include meaningful participation in core clinical functions delivered within an appropriate medical‑based setting.
| Applicable | Non‑Applicable |
| Clinical assessment and patient interviewing | Observation‑only hours |
| Exercise testing (submaximal, maximal, functional, musculoskeletal, balance) | Non‑clinical experiences |
| Exercise prescription and progression for chronic diseases and conditions | Hours with athletes or apparently healthy populations |
| Exercise training and supervised patient monitoring (e.g., ECG, vitals, pulse oximetry) | Personal training activities |
| Patient education, counseling, and behavior‑change support | |
| Disease management experience involving cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic/musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic, or hematologic conditions | |
| Assisted or direct role in: exercise assessment, prescription, supervision, counseling, or education |
Recommended Exposure
Candidates are strongly advised to build clinical experience that spans multiple disease areas and patient needs to ensure robust professional preparation.
International Candidates
Candidates who completed a degree outside the United States must provide an official transcript and supporting documentation demonstrating that their academic preparation aligns with the core content requirements for the ACSM-CEP. Additional materials may be requested to verify alignment with ACSM eligibility criteria. Candidates residing in countries served by an ACSM international strategic partner must complete all certification steps through that partner organization as outlined in ACSM’s international credentialing process. For additional information, click here.
