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ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) Exam
Find the current format, timing, scoring, fees, eligibility, and testing options for ACSM-EP, with direct links to official sources.
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Questions140 items; 125 scored and 15 non-scored (pretest)
Testing time210 minutes (seat time)
ScoringScaled score 200–800 with the passing point set at 550; the passing standard is set by standard-setting study, not a fixed percentage
Exam feeUSD 350 ACSM member / USD 460 non-member; USD 235 re-test; exam fees include a USD 50 non-refundable application fee (Exam Only Fees effective January 1, 2025)
Prep options
Study resources for ACSM-EP
Independent prep
Courses and study resources
Exam overview
What to know before choosing your prep
- Who runs it
- ACSM
- Category
- Fitness
- Current version
- Exam Content Outline effective July 10, 2025 (aligned to the 12th edition of ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, GETP 12)
- Where it applies
- United States — national
- Exam languages
- English
- Score scale
- 200–800
- Testing provider
- Pearson VUE
- Format
- Computer-based at Pearson VUE test centers; OnVUE online proctoring also available (not offered in some countries, e.g. China, Cuba)
- Availability
- Year-round by appointment at Pearson VUE test centers (dates and locations subject to availability)
- Results
- Score and pass/fail status provided immediately upon exam submission
- Remote testing
- Available
Exam structure
One 140-item multiple-choice exam (125 scored) built from four performance domains: Health and Fitness Assessment (33%), Exercise Prescription and Implementation (40%), Exercise Counseling and Behavior Modification (20%), Risk Management and Professional Responsibilities (7%)
Where rules vary
A U.S. professional certification of the American College of Sports Medicine (headquartered in Indianapolis, IN); delivered at Pearson VUE test centers across the globe and via OnVUE online proctoring, but the exam specification is the single U.S. national one.
Eligibility
Minimum of a bachelor's degree in exercise science, exercise physiology or kinesiology; current Adult CPR/AED certification (First Aid starting 2027); application with documentation submitted via the MyACSM portal before scheduling
Retake policy
Retake allowed 15 days after a failed attempt; up to 4 attempts in a 12-month period, then a 12-month wait after the 4th attempt