Question 1

How many ACSM-EP practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Are there free ACSM-EP 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-EP 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-EP cover?

Accepted Answer

Health and Fitness Assessment (33%), Exercise Prescription and Implementation (40%), Exercise Counseling and Behavior Modification (20%), Risk Management and Professional Responsibilities (7%).

Question 5

What is the ACSM-EP certification and who is it for?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-EP) certification is a professional credential from the American College of Sports Medicine designed for individuals with at least a bachelor's degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology. ACSM-EPs work with apparently healthy clients and those with medically controlled diseases to conduct fitness assessments and develop exercise prescriptions that enhance cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength and endurance, balance, and…

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-EP exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions with a seat time of 210 minutes (3.5 hours). Of the 140 questions, 125 are scored and 15 are unscored pretest items that are randomly distributed throughout the exam and do not count toward your final score. You cannot bring any outside materials; a calculator and metabolic equations are provided within the exam.

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

You need a scaled score of 550 out of 800 to pass the ACSM-EP exam. ACSM uses a scaled scoring system where your raw score (number correct) is converted to a standardized score ranging from 200 to 800. This method accounts for slight difficulty differences between exam versions. You will receive your results immediately upon completing the exam via email from Pearson VUE.

Question 8

How much does the ACSM-EP exam cost?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-EP exam costs $460 for non-members and $350 for ACSM members. Retest fees are $235. ACSM also offers bundle options: the Prep Bundle (exam + prep course) is $459 for members ($649 non-members), and the Prep Bundle Plus (exam + prep course + practice test) is $509 for members ($699 non-members). Joining ACSM for the member discount can save you over $100 on exam fees alone.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

To take the ACSM-EP exam, you must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, or kinesiology from a regionally accredited institution, plus a current adult CPR/AED certification. Starting in 2027, First Aid certification will also be required, and effective August 15, 2027, candidates will need to graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited academic program.

Question 10

What is the pass rate for the ACSM-EP exam?

Accepted Answer

The national pass rate for the ACSM-EP exam was approximately 70% in 2024 according to the ACSM Certification Annual Report. Pass rates can vary significantly by institution; some university programs with focused preparation report pass rates of 90-100%. Thorough preparation using ACSM's official resources, including the Resources for the Exercise Physiologist textbook and the exam content outline, is key to success.

Question 11

How do I maintain my ACSM-EP certification after passing?

Accepted Answer

After passing the ACSM-EP exam, you must earn 60.0 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) every 3 years, pay the applicable recertification fee, and maintain a current CPR/AED certification throughout your certification cycle. CECs do not carry over between cycles. ACSM accepts CECs from recognized fitness organizations such as ACE, NASM, and NSCA. You should retain all CEC documentation for at least one calendar year following renewal in case of audit.

Question 12

What topics are covered on the ACSM-EP exam?

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-EP exam covers four performance domains: Health and Fitness Assessment (33% of scored questions), Exercise Prescription and Implementation (40%), Exercise Counseling and Behavior Modification (20%), and Risk Management and Professional Responsibilities (7%). The exam is based on the job task analysis found in ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 12th edition, and tests knowledge at three cognitive levels: recall, application, and synthesis.

Question 13

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

Accepted Answer

The ACSM-EP (Certified Exercise Physiologist) works primarily with apparently healthy clients and those with medically controlled diseases, requiring a bachelor's degree. The ACSM-CEP (Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist) works with patients who have chronic diseases or conditions using prescribed exercise and behavioral interventions, requiring either a master's degree with 600 hours of clinical experience or a bachelor's degree with 1,200 hours of clinical experience. The ACSM-CEP is…

Question 14

What changes are coming to the ACSM-EP exam in 2025?

Accepted Answer

Effective July 10, 2025, the ACSM-EP exam will align with the 12th edition of the Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (GETP 12). Key changes include broadened resistance training principles, guidance on identifying cardiac and pulmonary limitations during cardiopulmonary exercise testing, new sections on transgender individuals, POTS, SCAD, and ME/CFS, and expanded content on behavioral theories. Additionally, commonly used metabolic equations will be provided during the exam…

ACSM-EPACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist practice test

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Practice ACSM-EP in the simulator.

ACSM-EP, by the numbers.

Everything about ACSM-EP.

Exam information

What ACSM-EP covers

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How to study for this exam?

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Three ways to practise

Study mode

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ACSM-EP questions, answered

ACSM-EPACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist practice test

Full access

Practice ACSM-EP in the simulator.

ACSM-EP, by the numbers.

Everything about ACSM-EP.

Exam information

01Exam format210 min · 550 scaled score4

02Registration$460 · Pearson VUE, online proctoring3

03Validity3 years1

04In our question bankv1 (180)

What ACSM-EP covers

01Health and Fitness Assessment33%6 topics

1.AAdminister and Apply Preparticipation Health Screening ProceduresAdminister and apply preparticipation health screening procedures to maximize client safety and minimize risk5 obj.

1.BDetermine Client Readiness to Participate in Fitness Assessment and Exercise ProgramDetermine client's readiness to participate in a health-related physical fitness assessment and exercise program8 obj.

1.CDetermine and Select Physical Fitness AssessmentsDetermine and select physical fitness assessments for apparently healthy clients and those with controlled disease8 obj.

1.DConduct and Interpret Cardiorespiratory Fitness AssessmentsConduct and interpret cardiorespiratory fitness assessments8 obj.

1.EConduct and Interpret Assessments of Flexibility, Muscular Fitness, and Neuromotor SkillsConduct and interpret assessments of flexibility, muscular fitness (including strength, endurance, power) and neuromotor skills (including balance, agility, proprioception)8 obj.

1.FConduct and Interpret Anthropometric and Body Composition AssessmentsConduct and interpret anthropometric and body composition assessments4 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakesAdministering preparticipation health screening · Failing to properly apply the preparticipation screening algorithm

02Exercise Prescription and Implementation40%8 topics

03Exercise Counseling and Behavior Modification20%4 topics

04Risk Management and Professional Responsibilities7%2 topics