Clinical exercise physiologist

ACSM describes its clinical exercise physiologist credential around individualized education, behavior change and prevention in a healthcare context. It is distinct from ACSM-EP, with a separate application and clinical-experience requirements. A clinical credential should not be treated as interchangeable with a personal-training credential or another licensed profession. [2][1]

BLS’s exercise physiologist occupation includes exercise-risk assessment, physiological testing and work with people who have chronic conditions. It also describes collaboration with physicians. Those are occupational examples, not a legal scope list for an individual credential holder or a substitute for setting-specific supervision and emergency policies. [6]

ACSM currently lists a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology or an equivalent field with 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience, or a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology or an equivalent field with 1,200 hours. It lists Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification. Candidates submit an application and supporting documentation before registering for the examination. [2]

Use ACSM’s qualification documents to confirm which experiences count before arranging placements. For program research, CAAHEP and its exercise-sciences committee provide the programmatic accreditation framework and directory. A clinical placement and an academic program are related decisions with separate checks. [2][4][5]

For degrees awarded on or after August 15, 2027, ACSM’s revised policy accepts the relevant CAAHEP-accredited program or one formally entering that process through an inquiry or Request for Accreditation Services. It adds first aid. Verify how your degree date fits; beginning accreditation is not the same as holding accreditation. [3]

Louisiana’s medical board has a specific clinical exercise physiology licensing page with application, legal and verification resources. National certification is therefore not the whole authority check. This profile has not determined which activities are permitted in every state, or which supervision, ordering or payment rules apply to a particular service. [7][6]

1. Compare the bachelor’s and master’s certification routes against your actual education.
2. Confirm eligible clinical experience and documentation before selecting a placement.
3. Verify state authority, the clinical setting and employer requirements separately from certification.

Compare the role

• Exercise physiologist
• Physical therapist
• Athletic trainer

Explore the activity

• Therapeutic exercise
• Direct access
• Telehealth

Related pages explain terminology and existing research coverage. A link does not establish this role’s authority to perform an activity.

1. 1. Exercise Physiologist acsm.org (official site)

   American College of Sports Medicine · Checked October 15, 2026

   ACSM-EP role, current degree and adult CPR/AED qualifications; not a state licensing determination.

2. 2. Clinical Exercise Physiologist acsm.org (official site)

   American College of Sports Medicine · Checked October 15, 2026

   Current ACSM-CEP degree/clinical experience alternatives, resuscitation certification and application process.

3. 3. Updated ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP Certification Eligibility Requirements acsm.org (official site)

   American College of Sports Medicine · Checked October 15, 2026

   Degree-date policy for August 15, 2027: accreditation/in-progress eligibility and first aid; revised February 2026.

4. 4. Exercise Sciences caahep.org (official site)

   Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs · Checked October 15, 2026

   CoAES reviews Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology and Personal Fitness Training programs and recommends accreditation to CAAHEP.

5. 5. Find an Accredited Program caahep.org (official site)

   Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs · Checked October 15, 2026

   Directory lists currently accredited programs or programs with a Letter of Review; older/closed-program verification is separate.

6. 6. Exercise Physiologists: Occupational Outlook Handbook bls.gov (official site)

   U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Checked October 15, 2026

   Occupation-level duties, settings, education and variable licensing; not separate ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP wage series.

7. 7. Clinical Exercise Physiologists lsbme.la.gov (official site)

   Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners · Checked October 15, 2026

   A real state licensing route exists for clinical exercise physiologists; board links applications, laws, rules and verification.