Question 1

How many ACSM-CEP practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

135 questions across 1 version, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

Question 2

Are there free ACSM-CEP sample questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 12 sample questions are free; 6 are open to everyone and the rest unlock with a free account.

Question 3

What does full access include?

Accepted Answer

Every ACSM-CEP question in study, timed and flashcard modes, explanations for each answer, and progress that saves so you can resume.

Question 4

What topics does ACSM-CEP cover?

Accepted Answer

Patient Assessment (18%), Exercise Testing (18%), Exercise Prescription (22%), Exercise Training and Leadership (24%), Education and Behavior Change (13%), Legal and Professional Responsibilities (5%).

Question 5

What are the prerequisites to take the ACSM-CEP exam?

Accepted Answer

To take the ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) exam, candidates need either a Master's degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology or equivalent with 600 hours of hands-on clinical experience, OR a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, Exercise Physiology, or equivalent with 1,200 hours of hands-on clinical experience. Additionally, a current Basic Life Support Provider or CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification is required. A completed application with required…

Question 6

How many questions are on the ACSM-CEP exam and how long do I have?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-CEP exam consists of 115 total items, of which 100 are scored and 15 are unscored pretest items. Pretest items are randomly distributed and indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts. The total seat time is 210 minutes (3.5 hours). All questions are multiple choice format.

Question 7

What score do I need to pass the ACSM-CEP exam?

Accepted Answer

To pass the ACSM-CEP exam, you need a scaled score of 550 or above on a scale from 200 to 800. ACSM uses a compensatory scaled scoring model rather than a simple percentage of correct answers. This scaled scoring accounts for slight differences in difficulty between exam forms through a process called equating, ensuring the passing standard remains consistent and fair regardless of which exam form is taken.

Question 8

How much does the ACSM-CEP exam cost?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-CEP exam costs $350 for ACSM members and $460 for non-members. ACSM members save $110 on the exam fee. A retest attempt costs $235. ACSM also offers a Prep Bundle that includes both the exam and the CEP Exam Prep Course for $499 (members) or $629 (non-members), offering significant savings compared to purchasing separately.

Question 9

What topics are covered on the ACSM-CEP exam?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-CEP exam covers six performance domains: Patient Assessment (18%), Exercise Testing (18%), Exercise Prescription (22%), Exercise Training and Leadership (24%), Education and Behavior Change (13%), and Legal and Professional Responsibilities (5%). The exam is based on the official Job Task Analysis and covers knowledge and skills for working with chronic disease patients across cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, orthopedic, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic, and hematologic…

Question 10

Can I take the ACSM-CEP exam online?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ACSM-CEP exam is available through OnVUE online proctoring 24/7, as well as at over 5,000 Pearson VUE in-person testing centers worldwide. However, online proctored exams do not include scheduled breaks (leaving your computer terminates the exam), special accommodations are not available for online testing, and you must have a reliable wired internet connection. OnVUE testing is not offered in China, Cuba, India, Iran, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, and Sudan.

Question 11

How do I recertify my ACSM-CEP certification?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-CEP certification is valid for 3 years. To recertify, you must earn 60.0 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) during your certification cycle. CECs can be earned through distance education programs, professional education meetings, CPR/AED/First Aid certifications (max 5 CECs per year), and ACSM Committee volunteering (max 8 CECs per year). ACSM conducts audits on 10% of all recertification submissions, and audited individuals must submit documentation within 30 days.

Question 12

What is the difference between ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) works with apparently healthy individuals and those with medically controlled diseases, conducting fitness assessments and developing exercise prescriptions. The ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) works specifically with patients who have chronic diseases or conditions in clinical settings, including cardiac rehabilitation, pulmonary rehabilitation, and cancer exercise programs. The ACSM-CEP requires either a Master's…

Question 13

What study materials should I use to prepare for the ACSM-CEP exam?

Accepted Answer

ACSM recommends two primary texts: ACSM's Clinical Exercise Physiology (2nd edition) and ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (12th edition, effective July 10, 2025). Additional resources include ACSM's Certification Review (6th edition) and the ACSM-CEP Exam Prep Course available online through PathLMS. You should also download the official Exam Content Outline, which serves as the blueprint for the exam, and join the ACSM Certification Facebook Study Group for peer support.

Question 14

How long should I study for the ACSM-CEP exam?

Accepted Answer

Study duration varies by individual experience and educational background, but most candidates with the required clinical experience benefit from 8-12 weeks of dedicated study. Focus your preparation on the Exam Content Outline, prioritizing the highest-weighted domains: Exercise Training and Leadership (24%), Exercise Prescription (22%), Patient Assessment (18%), and Exercise Testing (18%). Use the recommended textbooks and practice applying concepts to clinical scenarios with chronic disease…

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ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist practice test

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What ACSM-CEP covers

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ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist practice test

Full access

Practice ACSM-CEP in the simulator.

ACSM-CEP, by the numbers.

Everything about ACSM-CEP.

Exam information

01Exam format210 min · 550 (scaled score)5

02Registration$350 · Pearson VUE, online proctoring3

03Validity3 years2

04In our question bankv1 (135)

What ACSM-CEP covers

01Patient Assessment18%5 topics

1.AAssess a patient's medical record for information related to their visitApply knowledge of HIPAA/HITRUST to properly obtain and store patient medical histories5 obj.

1.BInterview patient regarding medical history and reconcile medicationsConduct patient interviews using open-ended inquiry and active listening5 obj.

1.CObtain and assess resting biometric data (oxygen saturation, blood pressure, body composition, ECG)Obtain and interpret resting biometric data including ECG, blood pressure, SpO2, and body composition5 obj.

1.DDetermine sufficient level of monitoring/supervision based on preparticipation health screeningApply preparticipation health screening tools (PAR-Q+, ACSM algorithm) to determine monitoring needs5 obj.

1.EAssess patient goals, needs and objectives based on health/exercise history, motivation level and physical activity readinessAssess patient goals, motivation, and readiness for physical activity6 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakes12-lead ECG interpretation · Confusing normal vs. abnormal ECG patterns

02Exercise Testing18%5 topics

03Exercise Prescription22%4 topics

04Exercise Training and Leadership24%7 topics

05Education and Behavior Change13%4 topics

06Legal and Professional Responsibilities5%2 topics