Exercise physiologist

Exercise physiology is an occupation and field of study; ACSM-EP is a particular certification. ACSM describes its certified exercise physiologist working with healthy people and people whose disease is medically controlled, using fitness assessment and exercise prescription. A degree, an occupation and a certification are different things. [1]

BLS describes exercise physiologists developing exercise programs and working in settings such as hospitals, fitness centers and schools, including self-employment. Its occupational description is broader than the ACSM-EP credential and should not be read as permission for every worker to perform every listed duty. [5]

The occupation-level BLS description includes reviewing medical history and assessing exercise risk. ACSM’s EP description identifies the population its credential addresses. Read those together when comparing a fitness-oriented job with a clinical role: the work, population and employer requirements matter as well as the job title. [5][1]

For ACSM-EP, the current certification page lists a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology or kinesiology and adult CPR/AED certification. The detailed degree requirements and candidate materials remain the place to check course equivalence and application conditions. This is an ACSM pathway, not a statement that all exercise physiology jobs require the same certification. [1]

CAAHEP’s exercise-sciences committee describes program review in Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology, among other areas. Use the CAAHEP directory to check the actual program and status rather than treating an institution’s accreditation or its degree title as proof of programmatic accreditation. [3][4]

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. [2]

BLS says licensing requirements vary and points to Louisiana as an example. The Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners publishes a clinical exercise physiology licensing route. Those sources establish why a nationwide “unlicensed profession” label would be misleading; they do not establish the legal answer for a different state, job or activity. [5][6]

1. Describe the population and duties of the role you want.
2. Check the certification route against your transcript and degree-award date.
3. Ask the relevant state agency and employer what authority and qualifications the actual work requires.

Compare the role

• Clinical exercise physiologist
• Personal trainer
• Strength and conditioning specialist
• Physical therapist

Explore the activity

• Therapeutic exercise
• Direct access

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. 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.

3. 3. 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.

4. 4. 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.

5. 5. 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.

6. 6. 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.