Top 11 Exercise Physiologist Certifications

Certifications are important for an exercise physiologist in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and expertise. A certification indicates that the individual has taken the time and effort to become knowledgeable and proficient in a specific area of practice. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire individuals with certifications as it demonstrates a commitment to excellence and a dedication to continuing education. Furthermore, certifications can open up opportunities for higher pay or promotions as certified exercise physiologists are often seen as more qualified than their non-certified counterparts.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Exercise Physiologists and explain how they can help to advance their career.

What are Exercise Physiologist Certifications?

Exercise physiologist certification is a formal recognition of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area of exercise physiology. This certification is typically obtained by completing a specific program or course of study, passing an exam, and meeting other requirements established by the certifying body. Exercise physiologists are experts in human movement and have a comprehensive understanding of how physical activity affects the body. They are trained to assess, design, implement, and monitor therapeutic exercise programs for individuals with acute or chronic medical conditions.

Having an exercise physiologist certification can help individuals become more marketable in the field. It provides a form of recognition that demonstrates expertise in the field and can be used as evidence when applying for jobs or promotions. It also gives professionals the opportunity to network with other certified professionals who may be able to provide insight into job opportunities or resources related to their profession. Additionally, having this certification can give individuals access to continuing education opportunities and specialized workshops that can help them stay up-to-date on new developments in the field. Ultimately, having an exercise physiologist certification can help individuals build credibility within their field and provide them with greater career opportunities.

Pro Tip: If you're looking to become an exercise physiologist, make sure to research the different certification options available in your area. Many certifications require continuing education and additional exams, so it's important to find out which certification best fits your career goals. Additionally, consider joining a professional organization such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and networking opportunities.

Related: What does an Exercise Physiologist do?

Top 11 Exercise Physiologist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Exercise Physiologists today.

1. American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist

The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in exercise physiology. The EP-C credential is designed to recognize the expertise of professionals who specialize in exercise physiology and the scientific basis of physical activity.

To become ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologists, individuals must meet the following requirements:

1. Bachelor’s degree or higher in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Physical Education, or related field from an accredited college or university.

2. Minimum of 1 year of experience working with clients/patients in a health/fitness setting OR completion of an ACSM approved clinical exercise physiology internship program.

3. Pass the ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The exam costs $300 for members and $400 for non-members and consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as cardiovascular physiology, metabolism, nutrition, resistance training principles, program design/implementation/evaluation and more. The exam takes approximately 3 hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide.

Upon successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their EP-C certification which is valid for 4 years before needing to be renewed through continuing education credits.

2. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification is a professional certification for strength and conditioning professionals. It is the most respected certification in the field of strength and conditioning, and is held by many of the top professionals in the field.

To become a CSCS, an individual must meet certain educational, experience, and examination requirements. The educational requirement includes either a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, physiology, recreation or another related field; OR a bachelor’s degree or higher in any field plus an NSCA-approved coursework program.

In addition to meeting the educational requirement, applicants must also have at least three years of full-time experience as a certified strength and conditioning coach or personal trainer; OR two years of full-time experience as a certified strength and conditioning coach plus one year of graduate study in exercise science or related field; OR five years of full-time experience as a certified strength and conditioning coach.

Applicants must also pass the NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist exam which consists of 170 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy & physiology; biomechanics; exercise physiology; nutrition & dietetics; testing & evaluation; program design & implementation; organization & administration; and professional responsibility.

The cost to take the CSCS exam varies depending on whether you are an NSCA member ($395) or nonmember ($595). The exam fee includes access to study materials such as practice tests, textbooks, online resources, etc., as well as access to webinars to help prepare for the exam. The exam can be taken at any Prometric Test Center worldwide.

Once all requirements have been met successfully, individuals will receive their CSCS credential which is valid for four years before renewal is required.

3. American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Certified Personal Trainer is a certification that demonstrates a personal trainer has achieved the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of exercise science and personal training. This certification is designed to help ensure that personal trainers are qualified to provide safe, effective, and quality instruction for their clients.

To become an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise programming and safety. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within three hours.

In order to sit for the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least 18 years of age; a high school diploma or GED; current CPR/AED certification; and completion of an approved ACE program or equivalent experience in the fitness industry.

The cost of the ACE Certified Personal Trainer Exam varies depending on where you take it. The cost typically ranges from $399-$499 USD. Additional fees may apply for retakes or other special circumstances.

Once certified, ACE Certified Personal Trainers must complete continuing education credits every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

4. National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Performance Enhancement Specialist

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) is a certification program designed to help fitness professionals develop the skills necessary to assess and improve an athlete’s performance. The PES certification provides fitness professionals with the knowledge and tools to design effective training programs for athletes that will help them reach their goals.

The PES certification requires a total of 16 hours of coursework and study, which can be completed online or in-person at an NASM-approved facility. The coursework covers topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, sports psychology, program design, and more. After completing the coursework, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the PES certification varies depending on how you choose to take the coursework and exam. Online courses typically range from $499 - $799 USD while in-person courses may cost upwards of $1,000 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $99 USD for the exam itself.

Once certified as an NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, fitness professionals are able to work with athletes at any level and help them achieve their performance goals.

5. American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Certified Exercise Physiologist

The American Kinesiology Association (AKA) Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of those working in the field of exercise physiology. This certification is earned by completing an AKA-approved educational program, passing a written exam, and demonstrating clinical competency in the field.

To become an EP-C, individuals must complete an AKA-approved educational program. These programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, exercise science, nutrition, and kinesiology. After completing the educational program, individuals must pass a written exam administered by the AKA to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of exercise physiology. Once they have passed the written exam, they must also demonstrate clinical competency through hands-on experience in a supervised setting.

The cost of becoming an EP-C varies depending on the individual’s educational program and other associated costs such as study materials and examination fees. Generally speaking, it takes between two to four years to complete all requirements for this certification.

6. National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) Certified Exercise Physiologist

The National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) Certified Exercise Physiologist (CEP) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of exercise physiology. The CEP credential is designed to recognize those individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the assessment, prescription, and supervision of exercise programs for healthy and diseased populations.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all the requirements necessary to become a CEP. To be eligible for the CEP certification, you must have at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science or related field from an accredited institution, as well as at least one year of full-time work experience in the field. You must also pass an exam administered by NBFE.

The cost for the CEP certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or retaking it. The fee for first-time applicants is $300, while retakers pay $200. In addition, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining transcripts and other documentation required by NBFE.

Once certified, CEPs are expected to adhere to a code of ethics established by NBFE and participate in continuing education activities to maintain their credentials.

7. International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Fitness Trainer

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Certified Fitness Trainer is a professional certification program for fitness trainers and enthusiasts. It is designed to provide the most comprehensive and up-to-date training in the fitness industry. The program provides an in-depth understanding of anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise science, sports psychology and more.

The ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete. This includes completing all coursework, passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, and submitting all required paperwork.

To become an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer, you must first enroll in the program by visiting the ISSA website or calling their customer service line. You will need to pay a one-time fee of $499 USD which covers all course materials and exams. Once enrolled, you will have access to online course materials which can be completed at your own pace. Upon successful completion of all course requirements and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your certification from ISSA.

The cost of becoming an ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer is $499 USD for the one-time enrollment fee which covers all course materials and exams.

8. American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist

The American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP) is a professional credential that recognizes the highest level of expertise in exercise physiology. It is the gold standard for exercise professionals and demonstrates a commitment to excellence in providing safe and effective exercise programming.

To become an ASEP RCEP, individuals must first complete a bachelor’s degree in exercise science or related field from an accredited college or university. They must then pass the ASEP Board Certification Exam, which covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, exercise testing and prescription, nutrition, health promotion, and risk factor management. Upon successful completion of the exam, they will be awarded their RCEP certification.

The cost to take the ASEP Board Certification Exam varies depending on whether you are an ASEP member or non-member. For members, it costs $395; for non-members, it costs $495. The exam can be taken online or at one of several test centers across the United States.

Once certified as an ASEP RCEP, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education courses every three years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with current research and trends in the field of exercise physiology.

9. National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Certified Personal Trainer

The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Certified Personal Trainer is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely and effectively as personal trainers. The NCSF Certified Personal Trainer credential is recognized by employers, health clubs, fitness centers, and other organizations as an indication of a trainer’s commitment to providing quality services.

To become an NCSF Certified Personal Trainer, individuals must complete the following steps:

1. Complete an accredited personal training program or equivalent college-level coursework in exercise science.

2. Pass the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer Exam with a score of 70% or higher.

3. Submit proof of current CPR/AED certification from an approved provider such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

4. Submit proof of liability insurance coverage for personal training services provided in any setting (e.g., home or gym).

5. Submit proof of continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification status (minimum 10 hours).

The cost for the exam is $199 USD, which includes access to the online study materials and practice tests prior to taking the exam, as well as one retake if needed ($50 fee applies). It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all requirements for certification depending on how quickly you can obtain your CPR/AED certification and liability insurance coverage.

10. Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research Professional Fitness Trainer Certification

The Cooper Institute for Aerobics Research Professional Fitness Trainer Certification is a comprehensive certification program designed to prepare individuals to become certified professional fitness trainers. The program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to work as a professional fitness trainer.

The certification requires successful completion of a three-part exam, which includes both written and practical components. The written portion of the exam covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, nutrition, exercise programming, injury prevention, and safety. The practical portion of the exam includes demonstrating proper technique in exercises such as weight training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility training, and balance/core training.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete from start to finish. To get started on the certification process you must first apply online at Cooper Institute's website or contact their office directly for more information. Once your application has been accepted you will be sent an email with instructions on how to register for the exam and submit payment for the fee ($399). After registering for the exam you will have access to all of the study materials needed to prepare for it.

Once all three parts of the exam have been successfully completed you will receive your certificate in approximately four weeks after submitting your final paperwork. You must also maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits every two years in order to remain certified.

11. National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) Personal Training Certification

The National Federation of Professional Trainers (NFPT) Personal Training Certification is a nationally recognized certification program that provides personal trainers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective exercise instruction. The NFPT certification is designed to meet the highest standards in the industry, and it is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the NFPT Personal Training Certification program, depending on how quickly you can study and complete the required coursework. To get certified, you must pass an online written exam and a practical skills assessment. You must also submit proof of current CPR/AED certification.

The cost of the NFPT Personal Training Certification program varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package costs $399, while the premium package costs $599. Both packages include access to online study materials, practice tests, and other resources needed to prepare for your exams.

In addition to these fees, there is also a one-time application fee of $50 that must be paid when you submit your application for certification. Once you have passed both exams and submitted all required documents, there is an additional fee of $100 for processing your application.

Overall, getting certified as a personal trainer through NFPT can cost anywhere from $499-$699 depending on which package you choose.

Do You Really Need a Exercise Physiologist Certificate?

No, you do not necessarily need an Exercise Physiologist Certificate in order to provide services related to exercise physiology. However, it is important to note that having a certificate can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.

First and foremost, having a certificate from an accredited program can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the field of exercise physiology. It shows that you have taken the time and effort to gain the necessary qualifications required to provide effective and safe exercise advice. Additionally, having an Exercise Physiologist Certificate can make you more marketable as a professional exercise provider. Potential employers may be more likely to hire someone with a recognized certification than someone without one.

Furthermore, possessing a certificate can also help you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of exercise physiology. This is especially important if you plan on providing advice or treatment for clients who are dealing with certain medical conditions or injuries that require specialized knowledge beyond what is typically taught in traditional courses or workshops. Finally, having an Exercise Physiologist Certificate may also open up opportunities for career advancement and higher pay grades within the field of exercise physiology.

In short, while there is no requirement for obtaining an Exercise Physiologist Certificate, it can certainly give you an advantage when seeking employment or advancing your career within the field of exercise physiology.

Related: Exercise Physiologist Resume Examples

FAQs About Exercise Physiologist Certifications

Q1: What is an Exercise Physiologist Certification?

A1: An Exercise Physiologist Certification is a credential that demonstrates expertise in exercise physiology, the science of developing and managing physical activity programs for people with chronic health conditions and disabilities.

Q2: How do I become certified as an Exercise Physiologist?

A2: To become certified as an Exercise Physiologist, you must have a bachelor's degree in exercise science or related field, pass a rigorous exam administered by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and complete continuing education requirements.

Q3: How long does it take to become certified?

A3: Depending on your educational background, it can take anywhere from one to three years to become certified as an Exercise Physiologist.

Q4: What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A4: Becoming certified as an Exercise Physiologist will enhance your career prospects and allow you to better serve your clients. It also provides recognition for the knowledge and skills you possess in exercise physiology.

Q5: Is there ongoing training required for certification renewal?

A5: Yes, continuing education is required to maintain certification as an Exercise Physiologist. The ACSM requires 30 hours of approved continuing education every three years in order to renew certification.