• ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist
• ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist
• ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Exercise is Medicine^® Credential
• ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer
• ACSM/NCHPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer
• Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist
• ACSM Certification Statistics

ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist^SM

Make a commitment to supporting heart health by serving those coping with cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. Become an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist (CES), and build a career as a healthcare professional practicing in cardiovascular or pulmonary rehabilitation programs, as well as physicians' offices or medical fitness centers.

What will I be able to do as an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist?

The ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist^SM (CES) is a professional with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in exercise science. The CES works with patients and clients challenged with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases and disorders, as well as with apparently healthy populations in cooperation with other healthcare professionals to enhance quality of life, manage health risk, and promote lasting health behavior change.

The CES conducts pre-participation health screening, maximal and submaximal graded exercise tests, and performs strength, flexibility and body composition tests. The CES develops and administer programs designed to enhance aerobic endurance, cardiovascular function, muscular strength and endurance, balance, and range of motion. The CES educates their clients about testing, exercise program components, and clinical and lifestyle self-care for control of chronic disease and health conditions.

What qualifications are necessary?

All of the following requirements must be met*:

• Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology or Kinesiology from a regionally accredited college or university (You are eligible for the certification exam if you are in the last term or semester of your degree program.) 
• Practical experience in a clinical exercise program
• Minimum of 400 hours if a graduate of a CAAHEP Accredited program (through the CoAES) OR
• Minimum of 500 hours if a graduate of a non-CAAHEP Accredited program (through the CoAES)
• Current certification as a Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer (available through the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross) *with hands-on practical skills component

*There is no petitioning process for non-exercise science based degree programs nor consideration made for past experience. You must meet the above criteria.

What study materials are available to help me prepare?

For candidates taking their exam AFTER July 1, 2013, the following materials are recommended:

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 9th editionACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 7th editionACSM's Certification Review, 4th edition

ACSM CES Study Kit: Order all three books together

Study materials are available through our publisher, LWW, by calling
800-486-5643 or by visiting the LWW e-Store.

Are workshops available?

The ACSM CES Two-Day Workshop is a blend of classroom lecture and hands-on practicum designed to help prepare you for the certification exam. The workshop includes a high-level review of exercise physiology, exercise prescription and cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases. Case studies and practical sessions include ECG interpretation, stress testing protocols and exercise programming.

Click here to learn more about CES Workshops

Are webinars available?

To meet your busy lifestyle, we now offer exam preparation webinars; a virtual classroom from your personal computer. For your convenience, you can sign up for a single session or the full six week series.

Six-session webinar series fee: $240

Individual webinar session fee: $45

Click here to learn more about CES Webinars

What are the costs for the exam?

How do I register to take the exam?

All ACSM certification examinations are administered by our testing partner, Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE provides over 5,000 computer-based testing centers throughout the world.

Click here to register for any ACSM exam with Pearson VUE

ACSM members - be sure to get your member discount voucher before registering for the exam by emailing the ACSM Certification Department at certification@acsm.org.

If you are not already an ACSM member, click here to join now!

Once you've received your discount exam voucher, visit Pearson VUE to schedule a time to take your exam, or call 888-883-2276.

What other information do I need to be aware of?

The ACSM Candidate Handbook has information about, but not limited to, the following:

• Exam administration
• Code of Ethics
• Non-discrimination policy
• Disability policy
• Complaint policy
• Appeals policy

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions

What is required to maintain my certification?

To maintain your ACSM CES certification, you will need to accumulate at least 60 CECs/CEUs within a 3-year cycle, maintain BLS certification, and pay a $45 recertification fee.

Click here for more information about recertification.