ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) Practice Exam

ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) Practice Exam

About ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) Exam

The ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) credential signifies expertise in exercise science and its applications in promoting health, preventing disease, and optimizing physical performance. This globally recognized certification empowers individuals to design, implement, and monitor safe and effective exercise programs for diverse populations, making them valuable assets in various healthcare and fitness settings.

Who should take the ACSM-EP exam?

This certification caters to a diverse group of professionals seeking to:

• Advance their career: Exercise professionals like personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and fitness instructors can deepen their knowledge and enhance their marketability.
• Transition into a new career: Allied health professionals, kinesiologists, and other healthcare professionals can leverage this certification to pursue careers in exercise physiology.
• Support clinical exercise interventions: Integrate exercise into treatment plans for individuals with chronic health conditions under physician supervision.
• Conduct research and education: Contribute to the advancement of exercise science through research, teaching, and public health initiatives.

Responsibilities of an ACSM-EP

• Conduct comprehensive fitness assessments: Evaluate physical fitness, health status, and risk factors to tailor exercise programs.
• Design and implement individualized exercise programs: Prescribe safe and effective exercise based on individual needs and goals.
• Monitor and modify exercise programs: Track progress, adjust programming, and address any concerns.
• Provide education and counseling: Motivate clients, educate them on exercise principles, and promote behavior change.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals: Work with physicians, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to ensure coordinated care.

Exam Details:

• Format: 150 multiple-choice questions (ACSM-EP) 
• Time Limit: 3 hours
• Languages: English
  
• Passing Score: 70%

Course structure

The ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP) Exam covers the following topics - 

Domain 1 -  Health and Fitness Assessment

• Administering and interpret pre-participation health screening procedures to maximize client safety and minimize risk.
• Determining client’s readiness to participate in a health-related physical fitness assessment and exercise program.
• Determining and administer physical fitness assessments for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease.
• Conducting and interpret cardiorespiratory fitness assessments.
• Conducting and interpret assessments of muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility.
• Conducting and interpret anthropometric and body composition assessments.

Domain 2 - Exercise Prescription and Implementation

• Determining safe and effective exercise programs to achieve desired outcomes and goals, and translate assessment results into appropriate exercise prescriptions.
• Implementing cardiorespiratory exercise prescriptions for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease based on current health status, fitness goals and availability of time.
• Implementing exercise prescriptions for flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, balance, agility, and reaction time for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease based on current health status, fitness goals and availability of time.
• Establishing exercise progression guidelines for flexibility, muscular strength, muscular endurance, balance, agility, and reaction time for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease based on current health status, fitness goals and availability of time.
• Implementing a general weight management program as indicated by personal goals, as needed.
• Modifying exercise prescriptions based on various environmental conditions.

Domain 3 - Exercise Counseling and Behavior Modification

● Optimizing adoption and adherence of exercise and other healthy behaviors by applying effective communication techniques.

● Optimizing adoption and adherence of exercise and other healthy behaviors by applying effective behavioral strategies and motivational techniques.

● Providing educational resources to support clients in the adoption and maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors.

● Providing support within the scope of practice of an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist and refer to other health professionals as indicated.

Domain 4 - Risk Management and Professional Responsibilities

• Developing and disseminate risk management guidelines for a health/fitness facility to reduce member, employee, and business risk.
• Ensuring that emergency policies and procedures are in place.