Module 0: Course Introduction

Welcome to the ACSM* Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP) Exam Preparation Course! This introductory module will help you understand the qualifications needed to sit for the exam, what to expect on test day, and provide a detailed overview of the course structure.

Section 1: How to Qualify for the ACSM CEP Exam

Eligibility Requirements:

• Educational Requirements:
  • Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or a closely related field.
  • For those with a non-exercise science degree, completion of specific prerequisite courses may be required.
• Practical Experience:
  • A minimum of 400 hours of supervised clinical experience in exercise physiology.
• CPR Certification:
  • Current Adult CPR/AED certification from a recognized provider.

Application Process:

• Steps to Apply:
  • Verify that you meet the educational and practical experience requirements.
  • Obtain and fill out the ACSM CEP application form.
  • Submit official transcripts and documentation of clinical experience.
  • Pay the exam fee and schedule your exam date.

Section 2: What to Expect When Taking the ACSM CEP Exam

Exam Format:

• Structure:
  • The exam consists of approximately 125-150 multiple-choice questions.
  • You will have 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
• Content Domains:
  • The exam covers six primary domains: Patient Assessment, Exercise Testing, Exercise Prescription, Exercise Training and Leadership, Education and Behavior Change, and Legal and Professional Responsibilities.

Exam Day Logistics:

• Before the Exam:
  • Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.
  • Bring a valid photo ID and your exam confirmation letter.
• During the Exam:
  • Follow the instructions provided by the proctor.
  • You will have access to a calculator and scratch paper if needed.
• After the Exam:
  • Preliminary results may be available immediately after completing the exam.
  • Official results will be sent via email within a few weeks.

Scoring and Results:

• Passing Score:
  • The passing score for the ACSM CEP exam is determined by a panel of experts and varies slightly from year to year.
• Results Notification:
  • You will receive a detailed score report outlining your performance in each content domain.

Section 3: Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Clinical Exercise Physiology

• Overview of the CEP role and responsibilities
• Preparation strategies for the ACSM-CEP exam

Module 2: Benefits and Risk Assessment

• Analyzing the benefits of exercise for clinical populations
• Risk assessment procedures

Module 3: Risk Management and Stratification

• Identifying and managing risks in clinical exercise settings
• Risk stratification and behavior assessment

Module 4: Clinical GXT Procedures and ECG Interpretation

• Indications, contraindications, and testing protocols for GXT
• Test termination criteria and interpreting results
• Basics and advanced ECG interpretation skills

Module 5: Cardiorespiratory Pathophysiology and Pharmacology

• Pathophysiology of cardiorespiratory diseases, obesity, and diabetes
• Exercise considerations for individuals with these conditions
• Mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and exercise implications for various medications

Module 6: Resistance Training and Frailty Assessment

• Techniques for resistance training in clinical populations
• Assessing and prescribing exercise for frailty

Module 7: Special Considerations for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)

• Techniques and considerations for exercise in CVD populations
• Detailed case studies and special population scenarios

Module 8: Diabetes Management and Exercise Prescription

• Pathophysiology, classification, and diagnostic criteria for diabetes
• Exercise prescription and management for diabetes and obesity

Module 9: Special Populations

• Exercise testing, prescription, and special considerations for cancer, kidney, neuromuscular, and pulmonary diseases

Module 10: Legal and Professional Responsibilities

• Understanding legal responsibilities and professional conduct
• Ethical considerations in clinical practice

Module 11: Practical Skills and Exam Strategies

• Practical application of exercise testing and prescription
• Review sessions, practice exams, and exam strategies

Study Plan and Resources

Weekly Focus:

• Allocate study weeks to each module based on the exam weightage.

Daily Study Tasks:

• Break down modules into manageable daily tasks for effective learning.

Regular Review Sessions:

• Integrate review sessions and practice exams periodically to reinforce learning.

Hands-on Practice:

• Emphasize the practical application of skills with real-world scenarios and case studies.

Textbook References:

• “ACSM’s Clinical Exercise Physiology, 2nd Edition“
• “ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 11th Edition“
• “ACSM’s Certification Review, 6th Edition“

By following this structured course outline and utilizing the recommended textbooks, you will be well-prepared to succeed in the ACSM CEP exam and advance your career in clinical exercise physiology. Let’s get started!

*Coy Academy is not affiliated with ACSM, but our content is extremely thorough and written by kinesiologists and physiologists.