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ACSM Recertification

Purpose of Recertification
Recertification/Renewal Policies
ACSM Recertification Requirements  
Random Auditing Process
CEC Requirements and Fees (for those certified prior to 2005)
CEC Requirements and Fees (for those certified in or recertified in 2005 or after)

Purpose of Recertification:

The purpose of periodic recertification occurs through the documentation of (and confirmation, when required) of required continuing educational activities, to ensure competency and maintain a high standard for certified professionals beyond the initial three-year period following successful passing of an ACSM certification exam.

Recertification/Renewal Policies:

All ACSM certified and registered individuals must maintain current certification/registration by earning Continuing Education Credits accumulated during the recertification cycle.

*Beginning January 1, 2005, newly certified individuals will begin a new, three-year recertification cycle. Those currently certified on the four-year cycle will complete that cycle and begin the three-year cycle when they renew.

ACSM Recertification Requirements:

Recertification will be granted if each of the following criteria is met:

1. The candidate accumulates the required number of Continuing Education Credits (CECs), Continuing Medical Education (CMEs), Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and/or the equivalent,
(please see examples below)

2. The candidate maintains a current CPR Certification and

3. The candidate pays the required recertification fee

OR, a credentialed professional has the option to repeat the certification testing of that particular level of certification of which they wish to be recertified. The current cost of taking the examination for the first time will apply. If the exam is no longer offered then this option does not apply.

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Random Auditing Process:

At the time of recertification/renewal, you are only required to submit the ACSM Recertification/Renewal Form, but you must retain all documented proof of obtained credits for one year. Examples of documented proof would include certificate copies, letters of attendance with CEC verification, transcripts, copy of first page of article or manuscript showing author, title, publication name, etc. ACSM will audit a percentage of randomly selected ACSM Recertification/Renewal Forms. This audit will be conducted at each credential level. If audited, you will be required to provide documented proof of all CECs to the ACSM National Office within 30 days. If you are unable to provide documented proof within 30 days, your certification will be considered “inactive” and you will have one year to complete the recertification process by providing the documentation or by obtaining new CECs.

All audit paperwork will be reviewed for validity by the CCRB Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Subcommittee. If all paperwork is complete and the appropriate number of CECs are earned, the professional will be notified that his credential is valid until the next recertification due date. If after submission of CECs, it is determined that some CECs are not applicable, an appropriate amount of time will be allowed for the professional to earn additional replacement CECs.

CEC Requirements and Recertification Fees (for professionals certified prior to 2005):

CEC Requirements and Recertification Fees (for professionals certified in 2005 or recertified in 2005 and after):

*Any candidate passing an ACSM exam in 2005 and after will use this chart for number of CECs needed and fees for recertification during the three-year recertification cycle.