EPC APPLICATION PROCESS

ASEP is providing the EPC exam throughout the U.S. via "Proctors" in your city and state. Part I (200 multiple choice exam) and Part II (10 question written exam on the applied (hands-on)laboratory aspects of EP). Please note that the document linked to this part of test indicates "actual" hands-on. That is no longer the case.

For an application to sit for the EPC exam,click on the link. EPC Application

For example hands-on experiences, click on the following link. Part II - Hands On Laboratory Stations

INTRODUCTION and BENEFITS

The information provided in this study guide is intended to help qualified candidates prepare for the Exercise Physiologist Certified (EPC) examination. The certification and the Board of Certification were first conceived and formally developed and supervised by the Board of Directors of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP). The specific objective was then and still is to develop and ensure the continuation of a credible credential. For example, the Board of Certification may revoke or otherwise take action with regard to the application or certification of an individual in the case of non-compliance with ASEP membership, annual fee, ASEP Code of Ethics, and the Exercise Physiologist's Standards of Practice. Hence, the EPC examination is designed to ensure professional competence among exercise physiology practitioners, and to promote exercise physiology professionalism.

There are other personal and professionals benefits, too.

1. Take your resume to the next level with the "EPC" - Exercise Physiologist Certified."
2. To gain professional status for a job interview or to attain promotion.
3. For prestige (e.g., to gain acceptance or a title such as "Exercise Physiologists Certified" with The Center for Exercise Physiologists-online).
4. Board Certification Registration with the ASEP organization.
5. Improve your education and resume so you can get that job you want or protect the job you have.
6. Opportunity for ASEP Committee and Board Member position
7. To obtain professional qualifications and education previously missing in exercise physiology.
8. To position yourself with the opportunity to be a paid EPC Evaluator.
9. To become a Fellow of the ASEP organization.
10. To increased self-esteem and respect from other healthcare professionals.

The examination consists of cognitive and practical competencies that are evaluated in both written and applied components. The written examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The applied part consists of hands-on demonstration of laboratory skills and abilities. The candidate must successfully complete both components to receive ASEP certification. We urge those interested in becoming EPCs to read this study guide carefully.

American Society of Exercise Physiologists
Board of Directors
1200 Kenwood Ave
Duluth, MN 55811
218-723-6297

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGISTS

Mission Statement
The ASEP Board of Certification is committed to the education of college-prepared exercise physiologists who will: (1) promote life-long optimum health, fitness, and rehabilitative policies and procedures; (2) advance the profession of exercise physiology through critical and reflective thinking; and (3) provide instructional, rehabilitative, and scientific services as educators, consultants, and researchers.

Purpose
The ASEP Board of Certification, as directed by the ASEP Board of Directors, promotes the certification of college-prepared exercise physiology graduates to access key positions in the health, fitness, rehabilitative, and research fields of professional work.

Goals
Upon passing the EPC examination, the Exercise Physiologist Certified is expected to have knowledge, skills, and ability to: (1) think critically and reflectively in the lifelong application of exercise physiology concepts and insights to work and life; (2) promote entrepreneurial creativity as it relates to the complexity of health and fitness issues and concerns; and (3) facilitate professional growth in research including scientific writing and oral communication.

THE EPC EXAMINATION

The ASEP Board of Certification of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists is responsible for preparing the EPC Examination and overseeing the grading. Candidates preparing to take the examination can be aided by knowing its purpose and general objectives. Information about the areas of academic knowledge, hands-on skills, and abilities tested is also needed to prepare properly. Successful completion of the certification examination is required to practice as a "certified" Exercise Physiologist (EPC).

Purpose of the Certification
The EPC examination is used by the ASEP Board of Certification to measure the academic and technical competence of exercise physiology candidates. To understand the importance of the examination as a prerequisite for the EPC certificate, one must recognize the significance of the certification. It is awarded to qualified candidates in accordance with the objectives of the American Society of Exercise Physiologists to professionalize exercise physiology. The certificate is a measure of academic knowledge and practical abilities and thus, ensures the professional competence of individuals offering exercise physiology services to the public as professional exercise physiologists.

The primary objective of the EPC examination is to test the candidate's competence in the profession of exercise physiology. Such professional competence includes adequate academic and technical knowledge, the ability to apply such knowledge skillfully and with good judgment, and an understanding of professional, ethical responsibility. Once a candidate has successfully completed the examination, he or she is certified as an Exercise Physiologist and can, therefore, be legally and professionally referred to as an Exercise Physiologist Certified (EPC).

Since the EPC certificate is granted under specific professional assumptions enacted in the public interest, it is issued only to properly qualified persons. The need of the public for assurance of professional competence on the part of those receiving the EPC designation must be fully satisfied. The examination is also expected to play a role in the licensing procedure by evaluating the candidate's technical competence (including academic outcome knowledge and the application of laboratory- and research-based knowledge) as professional exercise physiologists. Questions selected for the examination are at a level suitable for testing the academic and hands-on competence of th candidate.

The EPC FORMAT

The EPC examination is given at least two times a year, of which one exam will be either one day before the national meeting or the day following. Requirements and application forms can be obtained from the ASEP National Office. The written examination is taken at the same location as the applied examination. The only exception is when a candidate has successfully completed one part at that location and the other part needs to be re-taken to complete certification (which may be at a different location). Part I of the examination consists of 200 multiple choice questions that use the four-option format. Part II, the practical examination, consists of technical and hands-on laboratory knowledge. It is recommended that any candidate who fails the written examination re-take it as soon as possible. If the written examination is passed and the applied examination is failed, the written examination is valid for 2 years.

Part I: Written Examination
Part I is administered over a four-hour period. The use of multiple choice questions broadens the coverage of the examination. Each multiple choice item consists of a stem, which includes factual data or describes a situation, and four answers-options -- the best answer and three distractors. The following example illustrates a multiple choice item.

Part II: Applied Examination
This part of the examination is designed to test the hands-on knowledge and application of exercise physiology using equipment typically found in exercise physiology laboratories. Candidates are given 2 hours to complete Part II of the examination. A candidate should demonstrate competency in at least the following areas, although not every area will always be tested:

1. Implement a specific exercise stress test protocol in healthy and unhealthy populations, including an understanding of risk stratification.

2. Demonstrate an understanding of contraindications, risks, and safety precautions, along with the interpretation of appearance, symptoms and significance of resting and exercise ECG patterns.

3. Collect and analyze submaximal and maximal physiological data.

4. Determine and interpret blood pressure at rest, during exercise and recovery following exercise on different ergometers; and identify potential sources of error.

5. Demonstrate a knowledge of exercise prescription and the ability to organize and administer exercise and fitness programs.

6. Determine body composition and flexibility measurements using standard laboratory equipment.

7. Demonstrate the ability to educate and/or counsel individuals in starting fitness and endurance programs.

8. Demonstrate an effective and safe weight lifting/conditioning program for normal and special populations.

9. Demonstrate special exercises addressing the musculoskeletal and fitness needs of various age groups, obesity, and those with low back conditions.

10. Demonstrate knowledge of supervision and administration of health promotion and fitness programs.

Part I - The Written Examination
CONTENT AREAS

The multiple choice questions (Part I) represent a combination of information taught predominantly in such courses as:

1. Exercise physiology (cardiorespiratory/training): 72 questions (36%)
2. Cardiac rehabilitation (including ECGs/graded exercise testing/health fitness assessments): 37 questions (18.5%)
3. Exercise metabolism and regulation: 23 questions (11.5%)
4. Kinesiology (including neuromuscular): 21 questions (10.5%)
5. Research: 13 questions (6.5%)
6. Sports biomechanics: 12 questions (6%)
7. Environmental exercise physiology: 12 questions (6%)
8. Sports nutrition: 10 questions (5%)

GRADING THE EPC EXAMINATION

Part I : Written Examination
The score of 70% has been set as the passing score for the multiple-choice questions. All tests are mechanically graded by an optical scanning machine. Candidates are expected to answer each question correctly to obtain credit.

Part II: Applied Examination
The score of pass or fail has been set as the only acceptable analysis of a candidate's hands-on laboratory knowledge and techniques. A designated ASEP evaluator's will make the determination of pass or fail, depending upon a candidate's performance (both verbally and overtly in the laboratory setting).

RESULTS

The written and practical examinations are scored through the ASEP National Office. The results of the written and applied examinations are mailed directly to the candidate from the ASEP National Office within 8 weeks following an examination. A candidate must pass both parts to satisfy the certification requirements. If only one part of the examination is passed, a candidate is allowed to take the other part at a later date without having to retake the part already passed. The later date is defined as no more than 2 years from the date of passing a part of the examination.

CERTIFICATION PERIOD and Continuing Education Credits
A candidate is certified for 5 years. Recertification for a second 5-year period requires continuing education credits to keep up with new and emerging trends. Twenty-five (25) continuing education credits (CECs) are required to obtain recertification. Earning CECs can be accomplished in several ways:

1. By earning five (5) CECs for attendance at an ASEP National Meeting for a maximum of 15 CECs in any one 5-year period;

2. By earning five (5) CECs for attendance at other professional (or related) meetings (known otherwise as conferences or conventions) for a maximum of 10 CECs in any one 5-year period;

3. By earning five (5) CECs for successfully passing a continuing education self-test (found in the ASEP electronic journals) for a maximum of 10 CECs in any one 5-year period; and

4. By earning five (5) CECs for taking and receiving a passing grade in a college or university graduate level exercise physiology course for a maximum of 10 CECs in any one 5-year period.

To keep current, a $50 renewal fee will be assessed for each 5-year period. Specific documents should be sent to the ASEP National Office.

PREPARING FOR AND WRITING THE EXAMINATION

Step 1
Educational Requirements
To be eligible to sit for the EPC examination, the candidate must have:

1. An academic degree with a major in exercise physiology, or

2. An academic degree with a major in exercise science, or

3. An academic degree with a concentration in exercise physiology or exercise science, and

4. A passing grade of "C" or better in the following nine academic courses (listed on an official college transcript):

4a. Exercise physiology (including but not limited to titles: physiology of exercise and sport; advanced exercise physiology; cardiovascular physiology; and physiology of exercise);

4b. Fitness assessment and prescription (including but not limited to titles: health and fitness testing; cardiopulmonary rehabilitation; exercise prescription; exercise testing; exercise electrocardiography);

4c. Exercise metabolism (including but not limited to titles: exercise biochemistry and exercise regulation and metabolism);

4d. Kinesiology (including but not limited to titles: anatomical kinesiology; applied anatomy; neuromuscular kinesiology; and advanced kinesiology);

4e. Research design (including but not limited to titles: research; research design; test and measurements; and statistics);

4f. Biomechanics (including but not limited to titles: biomechanics; and mechanical kinesiology);

4g. Environmental physiology (including but not limited to titles: environmental exercise physiology; applied exercise physiology; and altitude training); and

4h. Nutrition (including but not limited to titles: sports nutrition and ergogenic aids; and exercise nutrition); and

4i. Exercise and special populatons (including but not limited to titles: aging and xercise; pediatric exercise; and disabled and exercise).

5. Current ASEP membership.

6. Documentation of 250 hours of hands-on laboratory and/or internship experiences in exercise physiology (or related) laboratories and/or public sector facilities (e.g., gross anatomy, kinesiology, biomechanics, muscle testing, psychophysiology, clinical and/or adult fitness laboratories/fitness and/or clinical cardiac rehabilitation or other rehabilitation programs).

Step 2
Applying for the EPC Examination
An application to sit for the EPC examination can be requested from the following address or downloaded from another page. If the latter is desired, please click here.

ASEP National Office
College of St. Scholastica
Department of Exercise Physiology
1200 Kenwood Ave
Duluth, MN 55811
Phone (218)723-6297
FAX (218)723-6472

Application Requirements
When the requested application is completed and submitted to the National Office, a candidate is asked to submit the following:

1. $300 Application Fee plus $75 membership fee (if not a member): A candidate must apply and sit for both parts of the examination.

2. Picture I.D. Card: A candidate must present proof of identity (e.g., driver's license or birth certificate with picture I.D.) to sit for the examination. NOTE: This requirement is met at the time and place of the designated exam period.

3. College Transcript(s): A candidate must submit official transcript(s) with:

1) The degree title awarded,
2) The date the degree was awarded, and
3) The official school seal on the transcript.

The Board will hold a review of all complete files one month prior to the examination. Candidates will be notified in writing of the Board's determination. NOTE: Falsified documents, fraud, or misrepresentation of identity at the exam will result in expulsion from ASEP and forfeiture of EPC status.

Application DatesCancellation Policy
A 50% refund will be returned if cancellation is received no later than 15 days prior to the designated test date. The complete application fee will be forfeited if the notice of cancellation is within 15 days of the test date. Notice of cancellation must be in writing (either regular mail or email).

Step 3
Preparing for the EPC Examination
Several factors should be considered in preparation for the examination. For example, a candidate:

1. Should have a positive attitude toward the examination. Passing the examination is an attainable goal, but it does require substantial effort.

2. Should be motivated and disciplined to review broadly via self-study and application of university core content.

3. Should take the examination as early as possible after becoming eligible.

4. Should determine strengths and weaknesses in the different parts of the examination and study accordingly.

5. Should formulate a rigorous plan of study and review, setting forth the areas, parts, and topics to be covered and the time to be spent on each.

6. Should acknowledge that daily short study periods of two or three hours may be more productive than a weekend marathon.

7. Should look to study all areas of the examination and especially the parts with demonstrated inter-relatedness where review for one enhances the preparation for the others.

8. Should study the example questions and answers at the end of the booklet.

9. Should read and re-read the major parts of the examination that are typical chapters in exercise physiology, kinesiology, and sports nutrition textbooks.

10. Should not spend excessive review time studying subjects that are considered strengths, but should concentrate on the weakest areas.

Suggestions for Taking the Examination
The following are several suggestions for improving examination performance, for example:

1. Be punctual. Arrive at the examination room well in advance of the starting time.

2. Take supplies. Bring an adequate number of pencils and erasers, including a calculator.

3. Budget time. Limit the time spent on a single question and, if necessary, return to the question if time permits.

4. Multiple choice answers. All multiple-choice items should be answered because there is no penalty for incorrect responses, and grades are based solely on the total number of correct answers. It is important to pay strict attention to the manner in which the multiple-choice question is written.

5. Read the question. Read the entire question carefully. Underscore important data or facts in the examination booklet before answering.

6. Fixed time for each session. It is the candidate's responsibility to be ready at the start of the period and to stop writing when told to do so.

Penalties
Penalties will be imposed on any candidate who is caught cheating before or during an examination. These penalties may include expulsion from this and future examination sessions. A candidate must hand in the examination handbook and answer papers before leaving the examination room. The examination will not be graded unless everything is handed in to the attending ASEP official.

Step 4
Passing the Examination
A candidate will receive the examination grade approximately eight weeks after the examination. To pass an examination, a candidate must receive a grade of at least 70% on Part I (the multiple choice questions), and a pass on Part II (the hands-on laboratory session). If a candidate passes both parts of the examination and complies with all applicable ASEP examination rules, a certificate will be issued to the candidate. The candidate's name will be entered into the ASEP web page designated for the EPC (Exercise Physiologist Certified). If a candidate does not pass the examination, an application for reexamination is possible the following year.

To protect the confidentiality of a candidate, the score will be sent to the designated address given to the ASEP official by the candidate at the time of testing. At no time will a score be released by telephone, FAX, or email.

Failing Scores
Requests for rescoring a candidate's failing score must be made in writing to the ASEP National Office within 60 days following the release of the scores. Requests made after 60 days will not be honored.

The Center for Exercise Physiology-online
The "Partner Organization" with ASEP in the pursuit of the professional development of exercise physiology. The Center is the responsible "certifying body" of the EPC exam in the United States and worldwide.