ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist^®

Help those living with cardiovascular, orthopedic and other chronic diseases or disabilities to lead a comfortable lifestyle. Practice individually or join a team as an ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) working in a clinical, community or public health setting.

What will I be able to do as an ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist?

The ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) is an allied health professional with a minimum of a Master's degree in exercise science, and works in the application of physical activity and behavioral interventions for those clinical diseases and health conditions that have been shown to provide therapeutic and/or functional benefit. Services provided by an RCEP include, but are not limited to, individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic, and hematologic disease. The RCEP provides primary and secondary prevention and rehabilitative strategies designed to improve physical fitness and health in populations ranging across the lifespan.

The RCEP performs exercise screening, clinical exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise and physical activity counseling, exercise supervision, exercise and health education/promotion, and measurement and evaluation of exercise and physical activity related outcome measures. The RCEP works individually or as part of an interdisciplinary team in a clinical, community, or public health setting. The practice and supervision of the RCEP is guided by published professional guidelines, standards, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

Click here for more information about the work of clinical exercise physiologists.

What qualifications are necessary?

All of the following must be met and all applications must be approved by the RCEP committee prior to sitting for the exam:

Master's or Doctorate degree from a college or university in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or Kinesiology

The degree program must include at least two graduate level courses that cover:
1) Exercise Physiology
2) Clinical exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise training and clinical assessment (baseline physiological measurements, medical record review, etc.)
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
600 hours of preceptor-supervised clinical experience

If you meet the above criteria, complete the RCEP Application and return along with an official copy of your transcripts, course descriptions, clinical hours and payment. Typed RCEP applications are preferred.

Use this example when completing your clinical hour information on your RCEP application.

Are workshops available?

Currently, there are no workshops available for the RCEP.

Are webinars available?

Currently, there are no webinars available for the RCEP.

What resources are available?

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

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 9th edition ACSM's Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 7th edition ACSM's Resources for Clinical Exercise Physiology, 2nd edition

The above resources are available through our publisher, LWW, by calling
800-486-5643 or by visiting the LWW e-Store.

ACSM's Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities, 3rd edition

Clinical Exercise Physiology, 2nd edition

The above two resources are available through Human Kinetics by calling 800-747-4457 or by visiting the Human Kinetics website.

What are the costs for the exam?

ACSM Member Candidates....................................................	$239
ACSM Non-Member Candidates (Join ACSM Now)...................	$299
Graduates from a CAAHEP Accredited MS program (CoAES)....	$175

Re-test.................................................................................	$155.50

**ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialists receive a $30 discount on the RCEP exam.

How do I register to take the exam?

Once you have submitted your RCEP Application and it has been approved, you will receive an exam voucher via email. Only then can you either 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 RCEP 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.