ACSM certifications are valid for three years. All certified professionals receive a 6-month grace period after the expiration date (December 31st) to renew. This allows certificants additional time to earn continuing education. However, during the grace period the certification is moved into an expired status. In order to move the credential into an active status, the certificant must: (1) submit at least the minimum CEC requirement, (2) pay the standard recertification fee, (3) pay a late re-certification fee. Beginning January 1, 2020, ACSM Certification will increase the renewal/recertification late fee from $25 to $75. To avoid this late fee, the certification requirements should be completed prior to December 31, 2019, by 11:59 PM (Eastern USA).
A reinstatement option will be available after the grace period ends on June 30th. Reinstatement is designed for the individual who did not successfully complete the recertification within the standard three-year recertification cycle or the 6-month extended grace period.
A complete reinstatement request will include the Certification Reinstatement Request Form, all required documentation, and payment of the non-refundable reinstatement fee of $150. Please note, only CECs earned during the lapsed certification cycle may be applied for reinstatement. New/Current CECs cannot be earned to renew a lapsed certification. Additionally, if certification reinstatement is approved, the certification cycle will begin the day the request is approved and this may result in a shortened certification cycle and less time to earn the required CECs for your next renewal. Also, certification records will show a gap in active certifications from the cycle end date to the reinstatement date.
Please note that if a certification cycle has lapsed for more than 3 years (one renewal cycle), reinstatement cannot be granted unless in the case of an unforeseen and catastrophic incident or military deployment. If no CECs were earned or proof of CECs cannot be rendered, the candidate will need to begin the testing process again.
To find out more about late recertification and reinstatement, please visit the
FAQ page.
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How to Renew Your ACSM Certification | Essential Update