ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist® — Requirements & Free Practice

US · License preparation

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ACSM professional certification for clinical exercise physiologists serving people with chronic diseases or conditions.

Initial by examination

Eligibility: Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology or equivalent and 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience, or bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or equivalent and 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical experience; current Basic Life Support or CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification with a hands-on skills component; candidates submit an application and documentation before exam registration.

Provider: Pearson
Format: Multiple-choice computer-based examination
Exam questions: Total questions: 115; Scored questions: 100; Unscored questions: 15; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Time limit: 210 minutes
Passing score: Scaled score 550 on a 200–800 scale

Examination outline

Patient Assessment (18%)
- Assess medical record
- Interview patient and reconcile medications
- Assess resting biometric data
- Determine monitoring and supervision
- Assess goals and readiness
Exercise Testing (18%)
- Submaximal aerobic tests
- Musculoskeletal fitness, mobility and balance tests
- Maximal symptom-limited tests
- Evaluate and report maximal test results
- Test termination indications
Exercise Prescription (22%)
- Develop individualized prescription
- Communicate prescription and adverse reaction reporting
- Explain and confirm exercise intensity
- Evaluate and modify prescription
Exercise Training and Leadership (24%)
- Discuss training plan and goals
- Instruct and modify exercise modes
- Monitor and supervise exercise
- Evaluate contraindications and risks
- Document clinical status and response
- Discuss response and modify program
- Report worsening symptoms and adverse events
Education and Behavior Change (13%)
- Evaluate behavioral health needs
- Disease and lifestyle education
- Motivational interviewing
- Promote adherence to healthy behaviors
Legal and Professional Responsibilities (5%)
- Inspect exercise environment and emergency equipment
- Follow professional, ethical, legal and business standards

Examination sources