A clinical exercise physiologist (CEP) is a healthcare professional who is trained to work with patients with chronic diseases where exercise training has been shown to be of therapeutic benefit, including but not limited to cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease and metabolic disorders.

CEPs work primarily in a medically supervised environment that provides a program or service that is directed by a licensed physician. A CEP holds a minimum of a master’s degree* in exercise physiology, exercise or movement science, or kinesiology AND is either licensed under state law or holds a professional certification from a national organization that is functionally equivalent to either the ACSM’s Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist® or ACSM’s Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist® credentials. An individual with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, exercise or movement science, or kinesiology and certified as an ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Specialist® is also considered qualified to perform exercise physiology services.

(* individuals with bachelors degrees in exercise science AND who hold the ACSM CES or RCEP® certification or equivalent prior to July 1, 2010 are considered Clinical Exercise Physiologists).

May 29, 2008: CEPA Executive Board approved