Which Certification is Right for You?

ACSM offers four health fitness certification programs, each with unique programming and/or population focus.

woman teaching group indoor cycling class

Group Exercise Instructor

An ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor^® (ACSM-GEI) has earned a high school diploma and works in a group exercise setting with apparently healthy people and those with health challenges who can still exercise independently.

Learn More

woman coaching a man with a barbell

Personal Trainer

An ACSM Certified Personal Trainer^® (ACSM-CPT) has earned a high school diploma or GED and works with apparently healthy clients and those with stable health challenges who have been cleared to exercise independently.

Learn More

man coaching woman using a medicine ball

Exercise Physiologist

An ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist^® (ACSM-EP) has a bachelor’s degree or higher in exercise science and works with healthy clients and those with medically controlled conditions to establish safe, healthy and effective exercise and lifestyle behaviors.

Learn More

woman conducting a Vo2 Max test

Clinical Exercise Physiologist

An ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist^® (ACSM-CEP) holds a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in exercise science with 1,200 hours of hands-on experience or a master’s degree in clinical exercise physiology and 600 hours of clinical experience. ACSM-CEPs use prescribed exercise and basic health behavior interventions to assist clients with chronic diseases or conditions.

Learn More

Learn more about the exam:

Download the Exam Candidate Handbook