ACSM-EP · eligibility · checked Oct 27, 2026
ACSM-EP requirements, and the 2027 rule
To sit the exam you need a bachelor’s in exercise science, exercise physiology or kinesiology, or a degree with an equivalent set of courses, and an adult CPR/AED card with a live skills check. Students can test in their final semester. Newer graduates face two more rules: CAAHEP degree from Aug 2027, and first aid.
ACSM-EP practice test Study guide
Updated Oct 27, 2026 · Not affiliated with NSCA, ACSM, BOC, CSCCa, ISSA or USAW.
- 21 semester hours in 7 areasif the major has another name
- CAAHEP degree from Aug 2027for new graduates
- 10% of applicants, 15% of passersaudited
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ACSM-EP practice questions with every answer explained, in a study app. Not affiliated with NSCA, ACSM, BOC, CSCCa, ISSA or USAW.
The requirements, sourced
| Fact | Detail | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | A bachelor’s degree in exercise science, exercise physiology or kinesiology (or an equivalent set of courses), or the final semester of one, plus adult CPR/AED with a live hands-on skills check | ACSM Candidate Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) · ACSM: updated ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP requirements and accreditation (revised Feb 6, 2026) [1][2] | |
| Required coursework | At least 21 semester or 28 quarter hours of exercise science courses covering exercise physiology (a stand-alone course of at least 3 credits), strength and conditioning, applied kinesiology or biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, exercise testing and prescription, special populations, and health risk appraisalThere is no petition for degrees outside exercise science and no credit for past experience. | ACSM: updated ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP requirements and accreditation (revised Feb 6, 2026) · ACSM: degree requirements for the ACSM-EP (PDF, Feb 2025) · ACSM Candidate Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) [1][2][3] | |
| CPR/AED requirement | Adult CPR/AED with a live hands-on skills check; standard first aid is also required from August 15, 2027 | ACSM Candidate Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) · ACSM: updated ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP requirements and accreditation (revised Feb 6, 2026) [1][2] | |
| Degree rule | Degrees awarded on or after August 15, 2027 must come from a CAAHEP-accredited program or one that has started the CAAHEP/CoAES process; ACSM will reassess in August 2029 | ACSM: updated ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP requirements and accreditation (revised Feb 6, 2026) [2] | |
| Application audits | About 10% of EP applicants are audited; every month 15% of the previous month’s passing EP candidates have their degree checked by a third party | ACSM: updated ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP requirements and accreditation (revised Feb 6, 2026) · ACSM: about ACSM certification (scoring, pass rates, audits) [2][4] | |
| When you can test | A 3-month testing window opens when your application is approved; each $50 extension adds 3 months, up to 3 times (1 year in total) | ACSM Candidate Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) [1] |
When the degree has another name
A degree in, say, health promotion or physical education can qualify, but only course by course. The transcript has to show the seven content areas in the table above, and the degree requirements add conditions that trip applicants:
- exercise physiology must be a stand-alone course of at least three credits;
- strength and conditioning must teach principles; an activity class in weight training does not count;
- exercise testing and prescription must cover special populations as well as healthy adults;
- health risk appraisal must deal with risk classification across health conditions.
There is no petition for degrees outside exercise science and no credit for past experience.
Graduating on or after August 15, 2027
Degree rule: CAAHEP degree from Aug 2027. A program counts if it is CAAHEP-accredited or has started that process, and the certifying body will look at the rule again in 2029.
Eligibility is decided by the date the degree is awarded, not the date you apply, so a December 2027 graduate falls under the new rule even if they started the program in 2023. “Has started the process” means the program has made a formal inquiry or filed a Request for Accreditation Services (RAS); the department chair can provide the RAS confirmation letter (update, revised Feb 6, 2026). The same date adds a first-aid requirement.
Audits
Who gets audited: 10% of applicants, 15% of passers.
- Before the exam, an applicant picked for audit sends all eligibility documents; course descriptions may be requested.
- After passing, every month a share of the previous month’s passing EP candidates has the degree checked through a third-party service, and any passing candidate may be asked for a current CPR card. Requested documents are due within 30 days, and a credential can be revoked if eligibility is not confirmed (scoring and audits).
Keep your transcript and CPR card where you can find them.
Experience does not replace coursework
Years of personal training or coaching do not count toward eligibility, and there is no petition for degrees outside exercise science. If a course is missing, the fix is the course itself, taken for credit and shown on a transcript.
Not eligible yet
- Bachelor’s in an unrelated field and no time for extra coursework? The NSCA CSCS, a strength-coach credential, accepts any major for now; its own accreditation rule comes later (CASCE degree from 2030).
- Working with patients in a clinical program? The ACSM-CEP asks for more (master’s + 600 h or bachelor’s + 1,200 h).
- Comparing every route? See exercise physiologist certification.
More on the ACSM-EP
- ACSM-EPWho the credential suits, the July 2025 outline, the 2027 degree rule
- ACSM-EP practice testA mixed set across the four domains, weighted like the July 2025 outline
- ACSM-EP exam factsFormat, scoring, pass rate, online testing, retakes and renewal
- ACSM-EP costMember and nonmember prices, bundles, retests and renewal
- ACSM-EP study guideThe GETP 12 edition check, the books, supplied equations, study weights
Sources
- ACSM Candidate Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM: updated ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP requirements and accreditation (revised Feb 6, 2026) acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM: degree requirements for the ACSM-EP (PDF, Feb 2025) acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM: about ACSM certification (scoring, pass rates, audits) acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
ACSM-EP eligibility questions
Is a degree required for the ACSM-EP?
Yes: an exercise science, exercise physiology or kinesiology bachelor’s, or equivalent coursework. There is no experience-only route.
Can I take the ACSM-EP before I graduate?
Yes, in the last semester of your degree program. A passing candidate’s degree can be audited after the exam, so the degree has to be completed.
Does a kinesiology degree qualify?
Yes. Exercise science, exercise physiology and kinesiology are named directly. Other majors qualify only through the seven coursework areas.
Which CPR course is accepted?
An adult CPR/AED course with a live, in-person skills check; a course without one is not enough. From August 15, 2027 a current standard first aid certification is required too.