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American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

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About
The American College of Sports Medicine is the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world. More than 40,000 international, national and regional members and certified professionals are dedicated to advancing and integrating scientific research to provide educational and practical applications of exercise science and sports medicine.
Websitewww.acsm.org
Address
401 W Michigan St
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Phone Number317-637-9200

Certification/Training Types

ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor

DescriptionThe ACSM Certified Group Exercise InstructorSM (GEI) possesses a minimum of a high school diploma, and works in a group exercise setting with apparently healthy individuals and those with health challenges who are able to exercise independently to enhance quality of life, improve health-related physical fitness, manage health risk, and promote lasting health behavior change. The GEI leads safe and effective exercise programs using a variety of leadership techniques to foster group camaraderie, support, and motivation to enhance muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, body composition, and any of the motor skills related to the domains of health-related physical fitness.
Course Material Price $0.00 Note: Test prep material is available, but not required.
Exam Price $279.00
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteHigh school diploma or equivalent, current adult CPR, 18 year of age or older
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategoryGroup Fitness

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

NCCA-Accredited Cert.
DescriptionThe ACSM Certified Personal Trainer® (CPT) 1) Possesses a minimum of a high school diploma, and 2) Works with apparently healthy individuals and those with health challenges who are able to exercise independently to enhance quality of life, improve health-related physical fitness, performance, manage health risk, and promote lasting health behavior change. The CPT conducts basic preparticipation health screening assessments, submaximal cardiovascular exercise tests, and muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, and body composition tests. The CPT facilitates motivation and adherence as well as develops and administers programs designed to enhance muscular strength/endurance, flexibility, cardiorespioratory fitness, body composition, and/or any of the motor skill related components of physical fitness (i.e., balance, coordination, power, agility, speed, and reaction time).
AccreditationNCCA
Course Material Price $128.00 Note: This material is recommended, but not required.
Exam Price $279.00
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteHigh school diploma, current adult CPR with practical skills component, 18 years of age or older
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee30
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategoryPersonal Trainer

ACSM Certified Health Fitness Specialist

NCCA-Accredited Cert.
DescriptionThe ACSM Certified Health Fitness SpecialistSM (HFS) is a health/fitness professional with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science. The HFS performs pre-exercise health risk assessments, conducts physical fitness assessments, interprets results, develops Ex Rx, and applies behavioral and motivational strategies to apparently healthy individuals and individuals with medically controlled diseases and health conditions to support clients in adopting and maintaining healthy lifestyle behaviors. The academic preparation of the HFS also includes fitness management, administration, and supervision. The HFS is typically employed or self-employed in commercial, community, studio, corporate, university, and hospital settings.
AccreditationNCCA
Course Material Price $128.00 Note: Test prep material is available, but not required.
Exam Price $279.00
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteExercise science-based Bachelor's degree, current adult CPR certification
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategoryExercise Physiology, Personal Trainer, Special Populations

ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist

NCCA-Accredited Cert.
DescriptionThe ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise SpecialistSM (CES) is an allied health professional with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science. The CES works with patients and clients challenged with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases and disorders, as well as with apparently healthy populations in cooperation with other healthcare professionals to enhance quality of life, manage health risk, and promote lasting health behavior change. The CES conducts pre-participation health screening, maximal and submaximal graded exercise tests, and performs strength, flexibility and body composition tests. The CES develops and administer programs designed to enhance aerobic endurance, cardiovascular function, muscular strength and endurance, balance, and range of motion. The CES educates their clients about testing, exercise program components, and clinical and lifestyle self- are for control of chronic disease and health conditions.
AccreditationNCCA
Course Material Price $0.00 Note: Test prep material is available, but not required.
Exam Price $299.00
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteBachelor's degree in exercise-based curriculium, clinical experience, CPR
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee45
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategoryExercise Physiology, Personal Trainer, Special Populations

ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist®

NCCA-Accredited Cert.
DescriptionThe ACSM Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist® (RCEP) is an allied health professional with a minimum of a Master’s degree in exercise science who works in the application of physical activity and behavioral interventions for those clinical diseases and health conditions that have been shown to provide therapeutic and/or functional benefit. Persons that RCEP services are appropriate may include, but are not limited to, individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic, and hematologic disease. The RCEP provides primary and secondary prevention and rehabilitative strategies designed to improve physical fitness and health in populations ranging across the lifespan. The RCEP performs exercise screening, exercise and physical fitness testing, Ex Rx, exercise and physical activity counseling, exercise supervision, exercise and health education/promotion, and measurement and evaluation of exercise and physical activity related outcome measures. The RCEP works individually or as part of an interdisciplinary team in a clinical, community, or public health setting. The practice and supervision of the RCEP is guided by published professional guidelines, standards, and applicable state and federal laws and regulations.
AccreditationNCCA
Course Material Price $128.00 Note: Test prep material is available, but not required.
Exam Price $299.00 Note: Discounted for ACSM members
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteA Master's degree in an exercise science-based program, 600 hours of clinical experience, current CPR certification
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee45
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategoryExercise Physiology, Personal Trainer, Special Populations

ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer

DescriptionA CET is a fitness professional who trains men and women who were recently diagnosed with cancer and have not yet begun treatment, are receiving treatment, have completed treatment or are a survivor experiencing chronic or late effects from disease or treatment; and are apparently healthy or have the presence of known stable cardiovascular disease with low risk for complications with vigorous exercise and do not have any relative or absolute contraindications for exercise testing. Additionally, the CET performs appropriate fitness assessments and makes exercise recommendations while demonstrating a basic understanding of cancer diagnoses, surgeries, treatments, symptoms and side effects.
Course Material Price $0.00 Note: Test prep material is available, but not required.
Exam Price $195.00
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteNone
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategorySpecial Populations

ACSM/NCPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer

DescriptionA CIFT is a fitness professional who assesses, develops and implements an individualized exercise program for persons with a physical, sensory or cognitive disability, who are healthy or have medical clearance to perform independent physical activity. CIFT professionals hold a current NCCA-accredited health/fitness certification and CPR and AED certifications. In addition to knowledge of exercise physiology, exercise testing and programming, a CIFT has knowledge in inclusive facility design and awareness of social inclusion for people with disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally the ACSM/NCPAD CIFT demonstrates and leads safe, effective and adapted methods of exercise; writes adapted exercise recommendations, understands precautions and contraindications to exercise for people with disabilities; is aware of current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) policy specific to recreation facilities (U.S. Access Board Guidelines) and standards for accessible facility design and can utilize motivational techniques and provide appropriate instruction to individuals with disabilities to enable them begin and continue healthy lifestyles.
Course Material Price $0.00 Note: Test prep material is available, but not required.
Exam Price $195.00
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteNone
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategorySpecial Populations

ACSM/NSPAPPH Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist

DescriptionA PAPHS is a professional who promotes physical activity in public health at the national, state and/or local level. The PAPHS engages and educates key decision makers about the impact of, and need for legislation, policies and programs that promote physical activity. Additionally, the PAPHS provides leadership and develops partnerships with private and public associations to catalyze the promotion of population-based physical activity.
Course Material Price $0.00 Note: Test prep material is available, but not required.
Exam Price $195.00
Exam Delivery Method Proctored Online
Practical Exam RequiredNo
PrerequisiteNone
Renewal Period3 years
CECs/CEUs per renewal period0
Renewal Fee
Term Used for Continuing EducationContinuing Education Credit (CEC)
One Hour of Continuing Education Equals0 CEC
CategorySpecial Populations

Questions and Answers About American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Are there any ACSM-certified personal trainers in NYC willing to mentor?

3 Answers | Asked by Izabela Milanov 6 days ago

what is the best personal training certificate

13 Answers | Asked by Kim Huffman 18 days ago

Seeking ACSM Clinical Exercise Physiologist?????

3 Answers | Asked by Louie Arias 58 days ago

hi i did certified personal trainer exam in USA ,which is certified by W.I.T.S. Anyone know how valuable this certification is.

6 Answers | Asked by ganesh kumar 72 days ago
View all 33 Questions

IDEA Continuing Education Approved By ACSM

Boot Camp Complete - CEC Course
ACSM 4.00, and 25 other agencies
Extreme Interval Training - CEC Course
ACSM 3.00, and 21 other agencies
September 2011 <i>IDEA Fitness Journal</i> Quiz 4: Plyometric Training
ACSM 1.00, and 6 other agencies
Cut to the Core - CEC Course
ACSM 2.00, and 14 other agencies
View all 351 CEC/CEU Courses
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Reviews/Comments

7 reviews
  • Write a review
Maria Beall
On Mar 08, 2013
Verified ACSM Pro
I hoping that ACSM will come out with their opinion on Body Pump. As a HFI with ACSM AND a Body Pump instructor, I have many questions and was told that ACSM had not conducted any research yet. This trend is gaining steam and we are experiencing different issues in the fitness world and need answers. I look forward to ACSM being the leader and aiding us instructors, thank you!
Ojo Rufus Ajayi
On Jan 25, 2012
I am a Nigerian. I have B.Sc.(PHE), M.Ed.(Exercise Physiology), Ph.D(Exercise Physiology). I want to sit for ACSM(RCEP) Examination.How do l pay and sit for the examination? I want to be a member of ACSM- how do l pay my membership fees? I want to attend the world conference coming up in San Francisco, California(29May-2June,2012)-how do l apply for this. However, ACSM is known all over the world as the only body that understands the language of ideal healthy living and prolong life expectancy via fitness training. The good quality and recognition of ACSM Certificates all over the world authenticate this claim. So, l want to join the group of this great achiever. Ojo, Rufus Ajayi(Ph.D). E-mail: ojo.ajayi@kwasu.edu.ng Cell Phone +2348036792839.
Esta Morenikeji
On Oct 07, 2011
I'm preparing for The ACSM GEI exams I plan to write it in the first week of December.
David Seigneur
On Aug 25, 2011
Verified ACSM Pro
The ACSM CES (Clinical Exercise Specialist) examination has changed since I took it, but primarily I think for the better. This certification is very clinical, intended for individuals working with clients at high risk for, or recovering from, cardiovascular, pulmonary or metabolic diseases. The exam has become more job focused, testing for the knowledge needed and used routinely by CES professionals in the field. Obtaining CES certification means you meet a set standard of knowledge needed in this field, which is appealing for employers. I would suggest looking at acsm.org for additional information and resources.
Mindy Caplan
On Aug 08, 2011
Verified ACSM Pro
I was certified by ACSM as a HFI in the mid-90's. Not only were the exams challenging but I learned a lot, especially on the practical exam. Having an ACSM certification has proved to be a valuable certification, and the fitness centers as well as the public recognize ACSM as a leader in the industry. As an ACSM member I receive monthly newsletters that provide updates, reviews and opportunities to earn CEC's without attending long workshops and the material is always interesting and informative.
Cynthia Geraud
On Jul 14, 2011
Verified ACSM Pro
The ACSM-HFS (Health Fitness Specialist) is also a challenging exam. I obtained a Bachelor's in Exercise Science, which was geared towards the HFS exam, so near graduation, I was ready to sit for exam and felt prepared. I agree with Gale in that you have to learn a whole lot to prep for these exams, and that there is always more to learn! ACSM is great at providing ongoing CEC opportunities for their certified professionals as well as educational support materials. Love this organization! Very high standards, and well worth the work it takes to earn the credentials.
Gale Marchand
On Jul 14, 2011
Verified ACSM Pro
ACSM CPT is a challenging exam. I spent many hours preparing for the exam, and yet, even after passing left with the feeling I need to continue to know more. I think that is spectacular! This is much more challenging that the 2 other CPT exams I have taken or any of the Group Fitness certifications I have taken 3+). I think it is no wonder that ACSM claims it's certification 'has achievement written all over it.' That is not a big fat claim. It is a fact.
The ACSM resource, materials, certification and credential are indispensible to me in my Fitness Practice both as a Manager, Owner of my own separate company, in personal training sessions and in group classes. Maintaining membership with ACSM has also been an invaluable resource as well.

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