PEPonline
Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline

An international electronic
journal for exercise physiologists
ISSN 1099-5862

Vol 5 No 3 March 2002

 


The Dissection Of Exercise Certifications 
Matthew G. Wattles, MS
Exercise Physiologist
Boise, ID 83709



THE PROFESSON of Exercise Physiology does not have to fail. It is our choice.  The goal of this article is to wake people up to the insanity of our field and to encourage people to support the Exercise Physiology profession by supporting certification that will benefit our field and not jeopardize it.  I want Exercise Physiologists to start asking questions and then to DEMAND answers.  In this article, I give a brief description of each certification, the minimum requirements to sit for the certification and an analysis of the value of the certification to the Exercise Physiology profession.

Currently, very few people with degrees in our field understand the importance of certification.  It is in my opinion that our field has not moved forward because the majority of Exercise Physiologists have not researched other successful allied health professions nor followed their models.  In fact, the majority of Exercise Physiologists have done nothing to promote the field. 

“The problem with doing nothing is you never know when you’re finished”  -- J.P. Svientek
Be Prepared to Fight
What do we have to do if we want to change things?  We have to have the strength of our convictions.  We have to be prepared to fight for them.  We have to be in the fight for the long haul.

Let me jump right in a take a look at various certifications available in our field.  I will provide a brief description of each of the certifications and how it impacts the Exercise Physiology profession as a whole.  The certifications I will concentrate on are through three different associations: 

1. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
2. American Council on Exercise (ACE), and 
3. American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP). 
These certifications were chosen because they fall under the Exercise Physiologist’s scope of practice as defined by ASEP.  Therefore, these three certifications will be scrutinized for professional benefit to the Exercise Physiologist (1).

ACSM's Certifications
Let’s start by reviewing ACSM’s certifications.  ACSM has more certifications within the exercise science community than any other organization.  It is no secret that ACSM’s certifications are very lucrative for this sports medicine organization.  Therefore, they are marketed heavily in colleges, universities, hospitals, health clubs, fitness centers and about any where else you would find exercise professionals. 

ACSM offers two tracks for their certifications.  First, there is the health / fitness track is designed primarily for leaders of preventive health programs in corporate, commercial, and community settings aimed at low- to moderate-risk individuals or persons with controlled diseases.  Second, there is the clinical track is designed for those individuals who may work with high-risk or diseased individuals and/or those with low to moderate health risk (2).

Health / Fitness Track
ASCM awards three certifications within their Health / Fitness Track:

1. Group Exercise Leader
2. Health / Fitness Instructor
3. Health / Fitness Director
The Group Exercise Leader uses a variety of teaching techniques.  They should be proficient in leading and demonstrating safe and effective methods of exercise by applying the fundamental principles of exercise science. The Group Exercise Leader is familiar with all forms of group exercise including, but not limited to low, high, and mixed aerobics; step aerobics; slide; stationary indoor cycling; and interval, circuit, water, muscle conditioning, and flexibility classes. 

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Fitness certification from a nationally recognized organization; OR completed or current enrollment in group exercise-related college courses at a regionally accredited college/university; OR 300 hours of group exercise instruction experience.
2. Possess current CPR certification (3).
Basically, anyone off the street can sit for the exam.  Fitness certification from a nationally recognized organization can be obtained in many cases by taking a exam sent to you in the privacy of your own home (e.g., American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals,  International Sports Sciences Association, and others).  A CPR certification can be obtained by taking a 4-hour course at your local Red Cross. 

To personalize this point: I believe Exercise Physiologyists cannot find jobs after they graduate because fitness centers and hospitals feel that they will have to pay more for an educated exercise physiologist than for someone with little or no education.  My point is simply this: Anyone with a high school degree is eligible to sit for the Group Exercise Leader certification and, according to ACSM, qualified to provide group exercise instruction. 

This drastically hurts the Exercise Physiology profession because it shows no value for a "college degree" in Exercise Physiology (or even Exercise Science).  If you look at the majority of the help wanted adds for aerobic instructors or group exercise leaders, most say "degree in exercise science or certification from national organization".  The person who holds only a certification may have spent a week studying and a couple hundred dollars for the certification, while the person with the degree will have spent thousands of dollars (some as high as $100,000) and thousands of hours studying to obtain an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology.  Who would you say is more qualified?  I would not want someone teaching group aerobics to my parents who did not hold a college degree. Would you? 

The next ASCM certification is the Health / Fitness Instructor.  After passing the certification, this person will: (a)  design safe and effective exercise prescriptions; and (b) conduct individual exercise programs, fitness testing, and health education for low-to moderate-risk individuals and individuals with controlled diseases.

The minimum requirements to sit for the certification are:

1. A 2-year, 4-year, or Masters degree in a health-related field* from a regionally accredited college/university (verification by transcript or copy of the degree); OR current enrollment, as a junior or higher in a degree granting health-related field from a regionally accredited college/ university; OR a minimum of 900 hours of practical experience in a fitness setting.
2) Possess current CPR certification (4).
This is basically ACSM’s personal training certification.  Again, this certification does not help the Exercise Physiology profession.  It seems almost comical that ACSM requires a 2-year, 4-year, or Masters degree in a health-related field or 900 hours of practical experience in a fitness setting.  It would take an individual 6+ years to earn a Masters degree, but less than 6 months to earn 900 hours of experience.  That means practically anyone can sit for this exam. 

Have you ever seen some of the individuals that are working at the local gym or fitness center?  Practically speaking,  anyone can pass for a personal trainer in Idaho.  One of the only requirements is that you will work for $6 per hour.  Think about it:  Basically anyone off the street who is presently working at a fitness facility can sit for this ACSM exam.  That is, if they put in their 4 hours to earn CPR certification.  Who do you believe the health clubs will hire?  Health clubs are about turning a profit and selling memberships.  They will hire the guy they can pay less.  By having such lenient requirements, it is in my opinion that ASCM is hurting the profession of Exercise Physiology.  They are putting their own profits over the development the field. 

The final certification in ACSM’s Health / Fitness track is the Health / Fitness Director.  This candidate will demonstrate administrative leadership skills for health and fitness programs.  Program, staff, and financial management skills, as well as a strong understanding of exercise and exercise science principles are important parameters for the Health / Fitness Director.

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. A 2-year, 4-year, or Masters degree in a health related field from a regionally accredited college or university;
2. A minimum of 2 years (full time) or 4000 hours of experience as a fitness manager or director; 
3. Current ACSM Health / Fitness Instructor certification
4. Possess current CPR (5).
Here, ACSM gets a little better on the educational requirements.  But, still, the require is only a 2-year degree.  Once again, this  greatly hurts the value of a college education for students who are enrolled in Exercise Physiology. 

Clincial Track
What about the clincal track?  ACSM’s clinical track offers three certifications:

1. Exercise Specialist
2. Program Director, and 
3. Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
The ACSM Exercise Specialist candidate demonstrates competence in graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise leadership, emergency procedures, patient counseling, and health education for individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or metabolic diseases as well as healthy individuals.

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Baccalaureate degree in an allied health field or the equivalent (e.g., 2-yr degree plus a minimum of 2 years experience in cardiac rehabilitation/clinical exercise testing environment).
2. Minimum of 600 hours of practical experience in a clinical exercise program (e.g., cardiac/pulmonary) including exercise testing; and
3. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) (6).
This certification is generally required for an entry-level Exercise Physiologist working in a cardiac rehabilitation setting.  ASCM has once again opened the door to anyone with a two year “allied health degree” and experience in a clinical testing environment. 

In Idaho, if you are an Exercise Physiologist, you will not work in cardiac rehabilitation.  Those positions are only available to licensed staff, such as associate degree level RNs and RTs.  In many cases, these individuals end up in Exercise Physiology positions simply because they were looking to make a career change.  There is no way a nurse with a 2-year degree could possibly have the knowledge base that a Master-level Exercise Physiologist has.  This seems to be fine with ACSM.  Why? Because it seems to open the door to more people eligible to sit for the exam.  It puts more money in ACSM’s pockets. 

The next ACSM certification is the Program Director.  This candidate is primarily responsible for developing and directing safe and effective clinical exercise programs.

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Post-baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) training in exercise science, medicine, or an allied health field plus 2 years of clinical experience.
2. Minimum 1-year recent experience administering/managing a clinical exercise program. (Note: This 1-year can be included in the 2-year requirement above).
3. Current BCLS certification
4. Current ACSM Exercise Specialist certification OR successful completion of the ACSM Exercise Specialist practical examination
5. Complete a Program Director candidate's checklist, which documents administrative and clinical experience (7).
This certification does seem to value education, but again it does open the door to any allied health care professional.  You can be a nurse, a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist and sit for the exam.  Therefore, I cannot see the value of the certification (within the context of the Exercise Physiology profession).  Why?  Because you would never find a physical therapy exam that was opened anyone but a physical therapist.  You would not find these requirements (or the lack of them) in any other professional association because it would hurt their field and their members' career and income potential.  When exercise physiologists support these exams, they are directly hurting the field of Exercise Physiology and slowly making our profession extinct. 

The final ACSM certification analyzed in this article is the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP).  ASCM defines the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist as someone who works in the application of exercise and physical activity for those clinical and pathological situations where it has been shown to provide therapeutic or functional benefit. 

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Graduate degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, physiology (clinical exercise physiologists with baccalaureate degrees in exercise science, exercise physiology, and physiology and 10,000 hours of clinical experience may sit for the Registry exam until December 31, 2002).
2. Minimum, 1200 hours, relevant clinical experience (8). 
Here, ACSM defines the educational level of the candidate and requires that the candidate has a "degree" in exercise science, exercise physiology, or physiology.  Off to a good start but, again, the thinking behind the certification  seems to fall short of helping to promote the profession of Exercise Physiology.  First, why on earth would an Exercise Physiologist be required to have a graduate degree (especially if the exercise physiologist has an academic degree in Exercise Physiology)?  ACSM states that “The Clinical Exercise Physiology Board believes that the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be a competent Clinical Exercise Physiologist require a minimum of a Master’s degree in Exercise Science or Physiology ” (9).

What about our undergraduate students?  If the RCEP is going to be such a hot certification and create a boom in the job market, why is it that the undergraduate-prepared professional cannot sit for the exam?  We are not licensed staff and make a fraction of the salary that other allied health care professional make.  I find it amusing that ASCM would allow the poor sap with a bachelor-degreed person to sit for the exam if he/she possessed 10,000 hours of clinical experience.  That is the equivalent of 5 years of clinical experience.  Physicians only have to do a 4-year residence to earn the MD degree.  It makes no sense at all, especially since somone with the certification is likely to get paid at $12 per hour (on the average)!  An RN with a 2-year degree has tremendously more responsibility than any Exercise Physiologist in this country.  They make almost doubled the Exercise Physiologist's salary, and they are only required to spend 2 years in school.  Again, it makes no sense at all.  I believe that if you are a bachelor-prepared iExercise Physiologist, you should be permitted to call yourself an Exercise Physiologist and be able to work as an Exercise Physiologist. 

The Problem: ACSM's Eligibility Requirements
The problem is not ASCM’s actual exams.  Rather, the problem is the "eligibility requirements" for the exams.  As stated earlier in the article, this is an analysis on the benefit of exercise certifications for the Exercise Physiology profession.  With that in mind, it does not make sense to support the ACSM exercise certifications.  My mindset is that of promoting the profession (or, if you will, the emerging profession) of the Exercise Physiology.  For me to support the ACSM certifications would, in effect, mean that I support the extinction of the professionizaton of Exercise Physiology.

Let me give you my opinion of what ACSM is doing or, perhaps, more precisely, what the PhD exercise physiologists in ACSM are doing.  What is happening is really a simple matter of power:  It is the way of keeping the almighty PhD the only true “Exercise Physiologists”.  How many students will acquire the 1200 clinical hours of experience?  Very few.  I am constantly searching the country for job opportunities for Exercise Physiologists.  An internship usually ends up costing the graduate thousands of dollars in travel and living expenses.  The majority of Exercise Physiology internships that I know of do not pay a salary (and if there is a stipend, it is essentially meaningless). 

After spending 7 years to acquire an education and spending a minimum of $70,000 for an education, students are told that they are not prepared to be an Exercise Physiologists.  Now, they must acquire an additional 1200 hours of clinical experience to even be eligible to sit for the RCEP exam.  Currently, there are no accredited Exercise Physiology programs in the United States and no state licensure (except for Louisiana, which is a mess in it’s own right).  The RCEP will do little for career advancement.  Most likely, the RCEP will end up as a glorified P.T.A., but for a lesser wage.  There is a good chance, if you are one of the lucky ones, you will find work under the supervision of an associates level RN with no education or training in the field.  This is where our field stands today.

A Time for Questions
After everything that has been said, Why do nurses only require an Associates degree for an RN?  They can be very professional, and do a great many things in the healthcare field.  If you have a PhD in nursing or an Associates degree you are still considered a nurse.

Why is it that an Exercise Physiologist has to be the most educated of all the allied healthcare professionals?  We certainly do not have the responsibilities that the other allied healthcare professions have.  We make nowhere near the salary of an associate-degreed RN.  In some place, we are not respected as a profession and, currently, we have no profession.  This latter point seems consistent with the strictest definition of a profession.  Of course, some members within the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) do believe we are an emerging profession.

Why is it that Exercise Physiologists do not  see the strength of the Nursing Board or the Physical Therapist Association?  Why is it that we do not  understand that strength and power come from unification around a national professional organization.  Again, the only thing that makes sense at this point is to believe that there are those within the Exercise Physiology field who are pushing this issue for their own self-serving interests.  The other conclusion that I have come to is that many of the exercise physiologists within ACSM appear to be very uncomfortable with ASEP vision.  Part of the reason appears to stem from the fact that ASEP is very specific in its definition of who an Exercise Physiologist.  The American Society of Exercise Physiologists defines an Exercise Physiologists: 

“…a person who has completed at least an undergraduate degree (or emphasis) in Exercise Physiology (science)” (10)
So, the point is, from the ASEP perspective, ASEP members are educated professionals who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or emphasis) in Exercise Physiology (or science).

Here is The Problem
To personalize my education:  When I look back on both my undergraduate and graduate work and recall my professors, the majority of the professors possessed the PhD degree in Physical Education or Kinesiology.  It really does not matter, any way it is analyzed, it is not a doctorate in Exercise Physiology.  But, for the most part, many professors called themselves Exercise Physiologists.  They even wore name tags that distinguish them as Exercise Physiologists.  Well, the gig is up folks.  You have clung to ACSM like an infant clings to its mother not because ACSM is promoting the profession of the exercise physiologist, but because ACSM does not ask questions about your title.  The American College of Sports Medicine defines the Exercise Physiologists as someone who simply:  “… works in the application of exercise and physical activity for those clinical and pathological situations where it has shown to provide therapeutic or functional benefit” (10).

Therefore, under ACSM definition of an Exercise Physiologist, anything that wants to be an Exercise Physiologist can be!  There is no educational or professional requirements to this title.  I wonder how ACSM would define a Nurse, a Physical Therapists, or an Occupational Therapist.  Maybe I can start to call myself one and command their salary.  The truth is that many of the professors teaching the pseudo exercise science programs (at least when I was going to school) have never even taken course work in the field that they are teaching.  Furthermore, it is now cool to call yourself an Exercise Physiologist. I am seeing it more and more in health clubs, fitness centers, and the personal trainers who have never taken a college course.  They refer to themselves  as an Exercise Physiologist.  It sounds more professional, and it is better for marketing.

I am personally calling for Exercise Physiologists to boycott the ACSM certifications.  Their certifications hurt the Exercise Physiology profession because the eligibility requirements open the door for anyone to practice exercise physiology.  I will also instruct my staff that ASCM certifications will not be valued or accepted as part of their employment requirements.  I understand this may sound harsh to some of you, but the way I see it, our growth towards professionalism depends on it.  For too long, we have been taking a back seat to this so-called Exercise Physiology association (ACSM).   It is time to stand up for our rights and the opportunity to grow into a profession.  It is also my right to support certifications that will enhance the emerging professional of Exercise Physiology. 

ACE's Certifications
The next organization that markets an Exercise Physiology related certification is the American Council on Exercise (ACE).  According to ACE, the Clinical Exercise Specialist is an advanced personal trainer certification that demonstrates an ability to work with special populations.  In addition to working with physically active special populations, the Clinical Exercise Specialist can also form an important bridge between rehabilitation and a health club or home-based exercise program.  In conjunction with other healthcare professionals, Clinical Exercise Specialist will design, implement and manage exercise, physical activity and appropriate lifestyle programs for individuals following treatment or rehabilitation for clinically documented chronic disease, musculoskeletal injury and/or disability (11).

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. At least 18 years of age.
2. Have current adult CPR 
3. Have 300 hours of work experience designing and implementing exercise programs for apparently healthy individuals and/or high risk individuals, to be documented by a qualified professional (e.g., allied health professional, fitness director, club manager, professor, etc.)
4. (a) You must have a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in one of the following fields:
A. Physical Education (courses in: exercise physiology, programming, and leadership)
B. Exercise Science
C. Kinesiology
D. Exercise Physiology
E. Adapted Physical Education
F. Athletic Training, or 
G. Physical Therapy
    (b) OR, have current certification as an: 
A. ACE-certified Personal Trainer
B. ACSM Exercise Test Technologist
C. ACSM Exercise Specialist
D. ACSM Health/Fitness Director
E. ACSM Program Director
F. NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (12,13).
It is not necessary to spend a lot of time critiquing this exam.  It is not worthy of a serious critique.  The American Council on Exercise has lobbied against any licensure of fitness professionals because the majority of their certifications are held by people who do not have college degrees.   Furthermore, ACE’s cash cow comes from the money that they earn through their certifications.  The more people are able to sit for their exams, the more money earned by ACE. 

The Clinical Exercise Specialist has very few requirements.  If you simply have the ACE-certified Personal Trainer certification, then you are eligible to sit for the exam.  By the way, the requirements to sit for the ACE-certified Personal Trainer exam are: (a) you must be at least 18 years of age, and (b) have current adult CPR certification.  I believe that opens up about 70% of the US population to sit for ACE's Clinical Exercise Specialist certification.  I would encourage you to tell your employees and other Exercise Physiologists not even to look into ACE certification.

ASEP's Certification
The final certification I will review is the American Society of Exercise Physiologists certification referred to as the "Exercise Physiologist Certified" (EPC) exam.  It is without a doubt the best certification for the Exercise Physiology profession.  If we pull together and support ASEP in the development and marketing of this certification, we will end up as a true profession in which we will attain licensure and be able to secure third party reimbursement for our services. 

Let me explain exactly why this should be the only certification for Exercise Physiologists.  First, look at the requirements to sit for the EPC exam.  The requirements are extremely important to the development and success of our profession.  To be eligible to sit for ASEP-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. Completed with a grade of “C” or better, five of the nine academic courses related to exercise physiology.
A. Exercise Physiology
B. Cardiac Rehabilitation
C. Exercise Metabolism and Regulation
D. Kinesiology
E. Research
F. Sports Biomechanics
G. Environmental Exercise Physiology
H. Sports Nutrition
5. Current ASEP membership.
6. Documentation of a minimum of 400 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, psycho-physiology, clinical and/or adult fitness laboratories/fitness and/or rehabilitation programs) (14).
ASEP follows the same guidelines to sit for this exam as any other professional association.  What that means is that ASEP is very strict in who may be eligible for certification.  No one may sit for the exam unless they have a degree or a concentration in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science.  A candidate must have also taken (and passed) very specific coursework within the Exercise Physiology related courses.  The candidate must also have 400 hours of practical Exercise Physiology experience.  These requirements fulfill several different accomplishments. 

It Makes Perfect Sense
First, ASEP memers believe that only individuals with academic degrees in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science should be allowed to practice Exercise Physiology.  It makes perfect sense.  Nurses would not allow other professionals to sit for the nursing exam.  Lawyers would not allow other professionals to sit for the Bar exam, and surely Physicians would not let other professionals sit for medical boards.  This requirement alone will begin to define the profession. 

Many Exercise Physiologists have worked very hard for their degree(s) and they should mean something.  Thanks to ASEP, it does.  ASEP recognizes the Exercise Physiologist with a Bachelor's degree.  Members of ASEP see the value of promoting the field by opening it up to the majority of Exercise Physiologists.  Similar to nurses who belong their professional organization, ASEP members believe that anyone with a BS or a PhD in Exercise Physiology is eligible to the title of Exercise Physiologist.  This requirement will make our field flourish with professionals who have dreams and passion to push the field forward. 

Unlike ACSM’s 10,000 hours or 5 years of experience, ASEP requires 400 hours of practical experience.  These hours can be achieved within the academic setting or within an internship experience.  This allows our young professionals to move from the academic forum into the real world jobs.  It is absolutely insane to expect an Exercise Physiologist to gain 10,000 hours of experience before sitting for a certification.  As pointed out earlier, even physician do not have these requirements. 

ASEP is not just about fluff and marketing their certification for monetary reasons.  ASEP's main purpose for being is to advance the profession of  Exercise Physiology.  Only ASEP is actively involved in accrediting Exercise Physiology programs at colleges and universities throughout the country.  Only ASEP is involved in helping states develop licensure for Exercise Physiologists.  No other association in the world can boast that their main purpose is to promote the profession of Exercise Physiology. 

These are just a few reasons why the ASEP Board Certification represents the highest Exercise Physiology certification credential in the field.  It is based on an assessment of academic outcomes.  The consumer, whether the public or the college student, can be assured that the certified Exercise Physiologist has the academic and hands-on skills, abilities, and attributes to lead, test, and analyze health, fitness, rehabilitation, and human performance concerns (14).

The EPC exam will help promote the profession of exercise physiology.  ASEP represents the exercise physiologist, regardless of the degree (BS through PhD).  Tommy Boone, Robert Robergs, LaGary Carter, Richard Kreider, and Steve Jungbauer -- these are the type of people that the Exercise Physiology profession needs.  We need people to stand up and YELL to the world: “This is right!  You are taking Exercise Physiology in the right direction.  Thank you.”   These guys have done this and done this well.  Sure they have taken hits for it.  But, when you are passionate about something, you are willing to take the hits.  This to me is the true sign of a leader.  Putting the interest of an organization ahead of the interests of the self.  As an exercise physiologist, I am proud of these guys and their ability to stand up for the field and take the hits from the pompous elites.  If we had a couple hundred more Boones, Rogergs and Carters, Kreiders, and Jungbauers, we would be a STRONG organization. 

My Point is Simple 
We need more people to stand up and speak out.  Forget the politically correct version and speak what is on your mind.  Let me start. 

"I am mad.  I have spent 10 years educating myself and acquiring experience in a field where I am viewed lower in the healthcare field than a physical therapist assistant.  LPNs command a higher salary than I do and RNs with not a stitch of education or training in the study of Exercise Physiology are taking over my field.  I have had it and I will not take this lying down. As I recently wrote in an email to Tommy Boone:  I have too much time and energy invested in the profession of Exercise Physiology to give up.  I have spent more than $50,000 dollars on my education and spent many years in under appreciated jobs related to my field.  I have come to far and invested too much time to give up now.  I am a dangerous combination.  I am passionate about the field and I am mad as hell.  What does this master’s level Exercise Physiologist from po-dunk Idaho have.  I have a voice and I intend to use it and, at this point, I don’t really care who I offend.  The people that are sitting on the sidelines are just as guilty as the people that are crucifying our field.  You better ask yourself -- am I to blame?  What have you done to advance the profession of the exercise physiology?  Have you sat on the sideline while other allied healthcare professionals have taken over our field?  Are you one of the ones that has sold our field out for your own self-serving interests?  If you are not speaking out about the direction this field has been going, then you are to blame.  If you are not working on behalf of ASEP to help our students find respectable jobs and financial stability, then you are to blame.  Get out of my way, I have a job to do."
I am extremely passionate about our field, and I want to see it promoted in a positive way.  I am very proud of the work of ASEP and the direction that ASEP is taking the field.  I believe that from the trenches where I sit each and every day, I do have a firm understanding of the problem.  I understand the importance of the Exercise Physiologist within the healthcare field, and it saddens me to have watched the field head down a dead end street.  It is time to support ASEP.  Start by taking the ASEP-EPC exam, and then require your staff to do the same. 

Get involved, speak up, and make yourself heart.

“In Germany, they first came for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist.  Then  they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because  I wasn’t a Jew.  Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a  trade unionists.  Then they came for the Catholic and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Catholic. Then they came for me – and by that time there was nobody left to speak up.”  -- Martin Niemoller


References
1. ASEP Board of Certification  STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:  Standard 6: The EPC Purpose and Scope of Practice.  American Society of Exercise Physiologists Website.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] 
http://www.css.edu/ASEP/StandardsofProfessionalPractice.html
2. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Certification Tracks.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World 
Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/ 
3. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Group Exercise Leader Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/ 
4. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Health/Fitness Instructor Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
5. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Health/Fitness Director Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
6. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Exercise Specialist Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
7. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Program Director Leader Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
8. American College of Sports Medicine website.  Information for Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.acsm.org/Clinical_Exercise.html
9. American College of Sports Medicine website.  Information on the RCEP for Employers:  Why are these Qualifications for the RCEP SM important?  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.acsm.org/rcep_employers.html
10. Boone, T. 1999.  Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. Defining the Exercise Physiologist.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World  Wide Web] http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/may2.htm
11. American Council on Exercise website.  Information about the Clinical Exercise Specialist. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certifications.cfm#clinical 
12. American Council on Exercise website.  Information about the Clinical  Exercise Specialist Exam. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide  Web] http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/examinfo.cfm#eligibility 
13. American Council on Exercise website.  Eligibility Requirements for ACE’s   Personal Trainer certification. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/ces_examinfo.cfm
14. Information for EPC.  Exercise PhysiologistCertified Candidates - A Guide. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] 
 http://www.asep.org/epcmanual/

 


Copyright ©1997-2007 American Society of Exercise Physiologists   All Rights Reserved.
 
 


 


 
 
Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline
ISSN 1099-5862  Vol 5 No 3 March 2002

Editor-in-Chief
Tommy Boone, PhD, MPH, MA, FASEP, EPC
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The Dissection Of Exercise Certifications 
Matthew G. Wattles, MS
Exercise Physiologist
President, Idaho Association of Exercise Physiologists
Boise, ID 83709



THE PROFESSON of Exercise Physiology does not have to fail. It is our choice.  The goal of this article is to wake people up to the insanity of our field and to encourage people to support the Exercise Physiology profession by supporting certification that will benefit our field and not jeopardize it.  I want Exercise Physiologists to start asking questions and then to DEMAND answers.  In this article, I give a brief description of each certification, the minimum requirements to sit for the certification and an analysis of the value of the certification to the Exercise Physiology profession.

Currently, very few people with degrees in our field understand the importance of certification.  It is in my opinion that our field has not moved forward because the majority of Exercise Physiologists have not researched other successful allied health professions nor followed their models.  In fact, the majority of Exercise Physiologists have done nothing to promote the field. 

“The problem with doing nothing is you never know when you’re finished”  -- J.P. Svientek
Be Prepared to Fight
What do we have to do if we want to change things?  We have to have the strength of our convictions.  We have to be prepared to fight for them.  We have to be in the fight for the long haul.

Let me jump right in a take a look at various certifications available in our field.  I will provide a brief description of each of the certifications and how it impacts the Exercise Physiology profession as a whole.  The certifications I will concentrate on are through three different associations: 

1. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
2. American Council on Exercise (ACE), and 
3. American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP). 
These certifications were chosen because they fall under the Exercise Physiologist’s scope of practice as defined by ASEP.  Therefore, these three certifications will be scrutinized for professional benefit to the Exercise Physiologist (1).

ACSM's Certifications
Let’s start by reviewing ACSM’s certifications.  ACSM has more certifications within the exercise science community than any other organization.  It is no secret that ACSM’s certifications are very lucrative for this sports medicine organization.  Therefore, they are marketed heavily in colleges, universities, hospitals, health clubs, fitness centers and about any where else you would find exercise professionals. 

ACSM offers two tracks for their certifications.  First, there is the health / fitness track is designed primarily for leaders of preventive health programs in corporate, commercial, and community settings aimed at low- to moderate-risk individuals or persons with controlled diseases.  Second, there is the clinical track is designed for those individuals who may work with high-risk or diseased individuals and/or those with low to moderate health risk (2).

Health / Fitness Track
ASCM awards three certifications within their Health / Fitness Track:

1. Group Exercise Leader
2. Health / Fitness Instructor
3. Health / Fitness Director
The Group Exercise Leader uses a variety of teaching techniques.  They should be proficient in leading and demonstrating safe and effective methods of exercise by applying the fundamental principles of exercise science. The Group Exercise Leader is familiar with all forms of group exercise including, but not limited to low, high, and mixed aerobics; step aerobics; slide; stationary indoor cycling; and interval, circuit, water, muscle conditioning, and flexibility classes. 

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Fitness certification from a nationally recognized organization; OR completed or current enrollment in group exercise-related college courses at a regionally accredited college/university; OR 300 hours of group exercise instruction experience.
2. Possess current CPR certification (3).
Basically, anyone off the street can sit for the exam.  Fitness certification from a nationally recognized organization can be obtained in many cases by taking a exam sent to you in the privacy of your own home (e.g., American Academy of Health and Fitness Professionals,  International Sports Sciences Association, and others).  A CPR certification can be obtained by taking a 4-hour course at your local Red Cross. 

To personalize this point: I believe Exercise Physiologyists cannot find jobs after they graduate because fitness centers and hospitals feel that they will have to pay more for an educated exercise physiologist than for someone with little or no education.  My point is simply this: Anyone with a high school degree is eligible to sit for the Group Exercise Leader certification and, according to ACSM, qualified to provide group exercise instruction. 

This drastically hurts the Exercise Physiology profession because it shows no value for a "college degree" in Exercise Physiology (or even Exercise Science).  If you look at the majority of the help wanted adds for aerobic instructors or group exercise leaders, most say "degree in exercise science or certification from national organization".  The person who holds only a certification may have spent a week studying and a couple hundred dollars for the certification, while the person with the degree will have spent thousands of dollars (some as high as $100,000) and thousands of hours studying to obtain an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology.  Who would you say is more qualified?  I would not want someone teaching group aerobics to my parents who did not hold a college degree. Would you? 

The next ASCM certification is the Health / Fitness Instructor.  After passing the certification, this person will: (a)  design safe and effective exercise prescriptions; and (b) conduct individual exercise programs, fitness testing, and health education for low-to moderate-risk individuals and individuals with controlled diseases.

The minimum requirements to sit for the certification are:

1. A 2-year, 4-year, or Masters degree in a health-related field* from a regionally accredited college/university (verification by transcript or copy of the degree); OR current enrollment, as a junior or higher in a degree granting health-related field from a regionally accredited college/ university; OR a minimum of 900 hours of practical experience in a fitness setting.
2) Possess current CPR certification (4).
This is basically ACSM’s personal training certification.  Again, this certification does not help the Exercise Physiology profession.  It seems almost comical that ACSM requires a 2-year, 4-year, or Masters degree in a health-related field or 900 hours of practical experience in a fitness setting. 
It would take an individual 6+ years to earn a Masters degree, but less than 6 months to earn 900 hours of experience.  That means practically anyone can sit for this exam. 

Have you ever seen some of the individuals that are working at the local gym or fitness center?  Practically speaking,  anyone can pass for a personal trainer in Idaho.  One of the only requirements is that you will work for $6 per hour.  Think about it:  Basically anyone off the street who is presently working at a fitness facility can sit for this ACSM exam.  That is, if they put in their 4 hours to earn CPR certification.  Who do you believe the health clubs will hire?  Health clubs are about turning a profit and selling memberships.  They will hire the guy they can pay less.  By having such lenient requirements, it is in my opinion that ASCM is hurting the profession of Exercise Physiology.  They are putting their own profits over the development the field. 

The final certification in ACSM’s Health / Fitness track is the Health / Fitness Director.  This candidate will demonstrate administrative leadership skills for health and fitness programs.  Program, staff, and financial management skills, as well as a strong understanding of exercise and exercise science principles are important parameters for the Health / Fitness Director.

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. A 2-year, 4-year, or Masters degree in a health related field from a regionally accredited college or university;
2. A minimum of 2 years (full time) or 4000 hours of experience as a fitness manager or director; 
3. Current ACSM Health / Fitness Instructor certification
4. Possess current CPR (5).
Here, ACSM gets a little better on the educational requirements.  But, still, the require is only a 2-year degree.  Once again, this  greatly hurts the value of a college education for students who are enrolled in Exercise Physiology. 

Clincial Track
What about the clincal track?  ACSM’s clinical track offers three certifications:

1. Exercise Specialist
2. Program Director, and 
3. Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist
The ACSM Exercise Specialist candidate demonstrates competence in graded exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise leadership, emergency procedures, patient counseling, and health education for individuals with cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or metabolic diseases as well as healthy individuals.

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Baccalaureate degree in an allied health field or the equivalent (e.g., 2-yr degree plus a minimum of 2 years experience in cardiac rehabilitation/clinical exercise testing environment).
2. Minimum of 600 hours of practical experience in a clinical exercise program (e.g., cardiac/pulmonary) including exercise testing; and
3. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) (6).
This certification is generally required for an entry-level Exercise Physiologist working in a cardiac rehabilitation setting.  ASCM has once again opened the door to anyone with a two year “allied health degree” and experience in a clinical testing environment. 

In Idaho, if you are an Exercise Physiologist, you will not work in cardiac rehabilitation.  Those positions are only available to licensed staff, such as associate degree level RNs and RTs.  In many cases, these individuals end up in Exercise Physiology positions simply because they were looking to make a career change.  There is no way a nurse with a 2-year degree could possibly have the knowledge base that a Master-level Exercise Physiologist has.  This seems to be fine with ACSM.  Why? Because it seems to open the door to more people eligible to sit for the exam.  It puts more money in ACSM’s pockets. 

The next ACSM certification is the Program Director.  This candidate is primarily responsible for developing and directing safe and effective clinical exercise programs.

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Post-baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) training in exercise science, medicine, or an allied health field plus 2 years of clinical experience.
2. Minimum 1-year recent experience administering/managing a clinical exercise program. (Note: This 1-year can be included in the 2-year requirement above).
3. Current BCLS certification
4. Current ACSM Exercise Specialist certification OR successful completion of the ACSM Exercise Specialist practical examination
5. Complete a Program Director candidate's checklist, which documents administrative and clinical experience (7).
This certification does seem to value education, but again it does open the door to any allied health care professional.  You can be a nurse, a physical therapist, or an occupational therapist and sit for the exam.  Therefore, I cannot see the value of the certification (within the context of the Exercise Physiology profession).  Why?  Because you would never find a physical therapy exam that was opened anyone but a physical therapist.  You would not find these requirements (or the lack of them) in any other professional association because it would hurt their field and their members' career and income potential.  When exercise physiologists support these exams, they are directly hurting the field of Exercise Physiology and slowly making our profession extinct. 

The final ACSM certification analyzed in this article is the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist (RCEP).  ASCM defines the Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist as someone who works in the application of exercise and physical activity for those clinical and pathological situations where it has been shown to provide therapeutic or functional benefit. 

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. Graduate degree in exercise science, exercise physiology, physiology (clinical exercise physiologists with baccalaureate degrees in exercise science, exercise physiology, and physiology and 10,000 hours of clinical experience may sit for the Registry exam until December 31, 2002).
2. Minimum, 1200 hours, relevant clinical experience (8). 
Here, ACSM defines the educational level of the candidate and requires that the candidate has a "degree" in exercise science, exercise physiology, or physiology.  Off to a good start but, again, the thinking behind the certification  seems to fall short of helping to promote the profession of Exercise Physiology.  First, why on earth would an Exercise Physiologist be required to have a graduate degree (especially if the exercise physiologist has an academic degree in Exercise Physiology)?  ACSM states that “The Clinical Exercise Physiology Board believes that the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to be a competent Clinical Exercise Physiologist require a minimum of a Master’s degree in Exercise Science or Physiology ” (9).

What about our undergraduate students?  If the RCEP is going to be such a hot certification and create a boom in the job market, why is it that the undergraduate-prepared professional cannot sit for the exam?  We are not licensed staff and make a fraction of the salary that other allied health care professional make.  I find it amusing that ASCM would allow the poor sap with a bachelor-degreed person to sit for the exam if he/she possessed 10,000 hours of clinical experience.  That is the equivalent of 5 years of clinical experience.  Physicians only have to do a 4-year residence to earn the MD degree.  It makes no sense at all, especially since somone with the certification is likely to get paid at $12 per hour (on the average)!  An RN with a 2-year degree has tremendously more responsibility than any Exercise Physiologist in this country.  They make almost doubled the Exercise Physiologist's salary, and they are only required to spend 2 years in school.  Again, it makes no sense at all.  I believe that if you are a bachelor-prepared iExercise Physiologist, you should be permitted to call yourself an Exercise Physiologist and be able to work as an Exercise Physiologist. 

The Problem: ACSM's Eligibility Requirements
The problem is not ASCM’s actual exams.  Rather, the problem is the "eligibility requirements" for the exams.  As stated earlier in the article, this is an analysis on the benefit of exercise certifications for the Exercise Physiology profession.  With that in mind, it does not make sense to support the ACSM exercise certifications.  My mindset is that of promoting the profession (or, if you will, the emerging profession) of the Exercise Physiology.  For me to support the ACSM certifications would, in effect, mean that I support the extinction of the professionizaton of Exercise Physiology.

Let me give you my opinion of what ACSM is doing or, perhaps, more precisely, what the PhD exercise physiologists in ACSM are doing.  What is happening is really a simple matter of power:  It is the way of keeping the almighty PhD the only true “Exercise Physiologists”.  How many students will acquire the 1200 clinical hours of experience?  Very few.  I am constantly searching the country for job opportunities for Exercise Physiologists.  An internship usually ends up costing the graduate thousands of dollars in travel and living expenses.  The majority of Exercise Physiology internships that I know of do not pay a salary (and if there is a stipend, it is essentially meaningless). 

After spending 7 years to acquire an education and spending a minimum of $70,000 for an education, students are told that they are not prepared to be an Exercise Physiologists.  Now, they must acquire an additional 1200 hours of clinical experience to even be eligible to sit for the RCEP exam.  Currently, there are no accredited Exercise Physiology programs in the United States and no state licensure (except for Louisiana, which is a mess in it’s own right).  The RCEP will do little for career advancement.  Most likely, the RCEP will end up as a glorified P.T.A., but for a lesser wage.  There is a good chance, if you are one of the lucky ones, you will find work under the supervision of an associates level RN with no education or training in the field.  This is where our field stands today.

A Time for Questions
After everything that has been said, Why do nurses only require an Associates degree for an RN?  They can be very professional, and do a great many things in the healthcare field.  If you have a PhD in nursing or an Associates degree you are still considered a nurse.

Why is it that an Exercise Physiologist has to be the most educated of all the allied healthcare professionals?  We certainly do not have the responsibilities that the other allied healthcare professions have.  We make nowhere near the salary of an associate-degreed RN.  In some place, we are not respected as a profession and, currently, we have no profession.  This latter point seems consistent with the strictest definition of a profession.  Of course, some members within the American Society of Exercise Physiologists (ASEP) do believe we are an emerging profession.

Why is it that Exercise Physiologists do not  see the strength of the Nursing Board or the Physical Therapist Association?  Why is it that we do not  understand that strength and power come from unification around a national professional organization.  Again, the only thing that makes sense at this point is to believe that there are those within the Exercise Physiology field who are pushing this issue for their own self-serving interests.  The other conclusion that I have come to is that many of the exercise physiologists within ACSM appear to be very uncomfortable with ASEP vision.  Part of the reason appears to stem from the fact that ASEP is very specific in its definition of who an Exercise Physiologist.  The American Society of Exercise Physiologists defines an Exercise Physiologists: 

“…a person who has completed at least an undergraduate degree (or emphasis) in Exercise Physiology (science)” (10)
So, the point is, from the ASEP perspective, ASEP members are educated professionals who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (or emphasis) in Exercise Physiology (or science).

Here is The Problem
To personalize my education:  When I look back on both my undergraduate and graduate work and recall my professors, the majority of the professors possessed the PhD degree in Physical Education or Kinesiology.  It really does not matter, any way it is analyzed, it is not a doctorate in Exercise Physiology.  But, for the most part, many professors called themselves Exercise Physiologists.  They even wore name tags that distinguish them as Exercise Physiologists.  Well, the gig is up folks.  You have clung to ACSM like an infant clings to its mother not because ACSM is promoting the profession of the exercise physiologist, but because ACSM does not ask questions about your title.  The American College of Sports Medicine defines the Exercise Physiologists as someone who simply:  “… works in the application of exercise and physical activity for those clinical and pathological situations where it has shown to provide therapeutic or functional benefit” (10).

Therefore, under ACSM definition of an Exercise Physiologist, anything that wants to be an Exercise Physiologist can be!  There is no educational or professional requirements to this title.  I wonder how ACSM would define a Nurse, a Physical Therapists, or an Occupational Therapist.  Maybe I can start to call myself one and command their salary.  The truth is that many of the professors teaching the pseudo exercise science programs (at least when I was going to school) have never even taken course work in the field that they are teaching.  Furthermore, it is now cool to call yourself an Exercise Physiologist. I am seeing it more and more in health clubs, fitness centers, and the personal trainers who have never taken a college course.  They refer to themselves  as an Exercise Physiologist.  It sounds more professional, and it is better for marketing.

I am personally calling for Exercise Physiologists to boycott the ACSM certifications.  Their certifications hurt the Exercise Physiology profession because the eligibility requirements open the door for anyone to practice exercise physiology.  I will also instruct my staff that ASCM certifications will not be valued or accepted as part of their employment requirements.  I understand this may sound harsh to some of you, but the way I see it, our growth towards professionalism depends on it.  For too long, we have been taking a back seat to this so-called Exercise Physiology association (ACSM).   It is time to stand up for our rights and the opportunity to grow into a profession.  It is also my right to support certifications that will enhance the emerging professional of Exercise Physiology. 

ACE's Certifications
The next organization that markets an Exercise Physiology related certification is the American Council on Exercise (ACE).  According to ACE, the Clinical Exercise Specialist is an advanced personal trainer certification that demonstrates an ability to work with special populations.  In addition to working with physically active special populations, the Clinical Exercise Specialist can also form an important bridge between rehabilitation and a health club or home-based exercise program.  In conjunction with other healthcare professionals, Clinical Exercise Specialist will design, implement and manage exercise, physical activity and appropriate lifestyle programs for individuals following treatment or rehabilitation for clinically documented chronic disease, musculoskeletal injury and/or disability (11).

The minimum requirements to sit for this certification are:

1. At least 18 years of age.
2. Have current adult CPR 
3. Have 300 hours of work experience designing and implementing exercise programs for apparently healthy individuals and/or high risk individuals, to be documented by a qualified professional (e.g., allied health professional, fitness director, club manager, professor, etc.)
4. (a) You must have a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Arts in one of the following fields:
A. Physical Education (courses in: exercise physiology, programming, and leadership)
B. Exercise Science
C. Kinesiology
D. Exercise Physiology
E. Adapted Physical Education
F. Athletic Training, or 
G. Physical Therapy
    (b) OR, have current certification as an: 
A. ACE-certified Personal Trainer
B. ACSM Exercise Test Technologist
C. ACSM Exercise Specialist
D. ACSM Health/Fitness Director
E. ACSM Program Director
F. NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (12,13).
It is not necessary to spend a lot of time critiquing this exam.  It is not worthy of a serious critique.  The American Council on Exercise has lobbied against any licensure of fitness professionals because the majority of their certifications are held by people who do not have college degrees.   Furthermore, ACE’s cash cow comes from the money that they earn through their certifications.  The more people are able to sit for their exams, the more money earned by ACE. 

The Clinical Exercise Specialist has very few requirements.  If you simply have the ACE-certified Personal Trainer certification, then you are eligible to sit for the exam.  By the way, the requirements to sit for the ACE-certified Personal Trainer exam are: (a) you must be at least 18 years of age, and (b) have current adult CPR certification.  I believe that opens up about 70% of the US population to sit for ACE's Clinical Exercise Specialist certification.  I would encourage you to tell your employees and other Exercise Physiologists not even to look into ACE certification.

ASEP's Certification
The final certification I will review is the American Society of Exercise Physiologists certification referred to as the "Exercise Physiologist Certified" (EPC) exam.  It is without a doubt the best certification for the Exercise Physiology profession.  If we pull together and support ASEP in the development and marketing of this certification, we will end up as a true profession in which we will attain licensure and be able to secure third party reimbursement for our services. 

Let me explain exactly why this should be the only certification for Exercise Physiologists.  First, look at the requirements to sit for the EPC exam.  The requirements are extremely important to the development and success of our profession.  To be eligible to sit for ASEP-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. Completed with a grade of “C” or better, five of the nine academic courses related to exercise physiology.
A. Exercise Physiology
B. Cardiac Rehabilitation
C. Exercise Metabolism and Regulation
D. Kinesiology
E. Research
F. Sports Biomechanics
G. Environmental Exercise Physiology
H. Sports Nutrition
5. Current ASEP membership.
6. Documentation of a minimum of 400 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, psycho-physiology, clinical and/or adult fitness laboratories/fitness and/or rehabilitation programs) (14).
ASEP follows the same guidelines to sit for this exam as any other professional association.  What that means is that ASEP is very strict in who may be eligible for certification.  No one may sit for the exam unless they have a degree or a concentration in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science.  A candidate must have also taken (and passed) very specific coursework within the Exercise Physiology related courses.  The candidate must also have 400 hours of practical Exercise Physiology experience.  These requirements fulfill several different accomplishments. 

It Makes Perfect Sense
First, ASEP memers believe that only individuals with academic degrees in Exercise Physiology or Exercise Science should be allowed to practice Exercise Physiology.  It makes perfect sense.  Nurses would not allow other professionals to sit for the nursing exam.  Lawyers would not allow other professionals to sit for the Bar exam, and surely Physicians would not let other professionals sit for medical boards.  This requirement alone will begin to define the profession. 

Many Exercise Physiologists have worked very hard for their degree(s) and they should mean something.  Thanks to ASEP, it does.  ASEP recognizes the Exercise Physiologist with a Bachelor's degree.  Members of ASEP see the value of promoting the field by opening it up to the majority of Exercise Physiologists.  Similar to nurses who belong their professional organization, ASEP members believe that anyone with a BS or a PhD in Exercise Physiology is eligible to the title of Exercise Physiologist.  This requirement will make our field flourish with professionals who have dreams and passion to push the field forward. 

Unlike ACSM’s 10,000 hours or 5 years of experience, ASEP requires 400 hours of practical experience.  These hours can be achieved within the academic setting or within an internship experience.  This allows our young professionals to move from the academic forum into the real world jobs.  It is absolutely insane to expect an Exercise Physiologist to gain 10,000 hours of experience before sitting for a certification.  As pointed out earlier, even physician do not have these requirements. 

ASEP is not just about fluff and marketing their certification for monetary reasons.  ASEP's main purpose for being is to advance the profession of  Exercise Physiology.  Only ASEP is actively involved in accrediting Exercise Physiology programs at colleges and universities throughout the country.  Only ASEP is involved in helping states develop licensure for Exercise Physiologists.  No other association in the world can boast that their main purpose is to promote the profession of Exercise Physiology. 

These are just a few reasons why the ASEP Board Certification represents the highest Exercise Physiology certification credential in the field.  It is based on an assessment of academic outcomes.  The consumer, whether the public or the college student, can be assured that the certified Exercise Physiologist has the academic and hands-on skills, abilities, and attributes to lead, test, and analyze health, fitness, rehabilitation, and human performance concerns (14).

The EPC exam will help promote the profession of exercise physiology.  ASEP represents the exercise physiologist, regardless of the degree (BS through PhD).  Tommy Boone, Robert Robergs, LaGary Carter, Richard Kreider, and Steve Jungbauer -- these are the type of people that the Exercise Physiology profession needs.  We need people to stand up and YELL to the world: “This is right!  You are taking Exercise Physiology in the right direction.  Thank you.”   These guys have done this and done this well.  Sure they have taken hits for it.  But, when you are passionate about something, you are willing to take the hits.  This to me is the true sign of a leader.  Putting the interest of an organization ahead of the interests of the self.  As an exercise physiologist, I am proud of these guys and their ability to stand up for the field and take the hits from the pompous elites.  If we had a couple hundred more Boones, Rogergs and Carters, Kreiders, and Jungbauers, we would be a STRONG organization. 

My Point is Simple 
We need more people to stand up and speak out.  Forget the politically correct version and speak what is on your mind.  Let me start. 

"I am mad.  I have spent 10 years educating myself and acquiring experience in a field where I am viewed lower in the healthcare field than a physical therapist assistant.  LPNs command a higher salary than I do and RNs with not a stitch of education or training in the study of Exercise Physiology are taking over my field.  I have had it and I will not take this lying down. As I recently wrote in an email to Tommy Boone:  I have too much time and energy invested in the profession of Exercise Physiology to give up.  I have spent more than $50,000 dollars on my education and spent many years in under appreciated jobs related to my field.  I have come to far and invested too much time to give up now.  I am a dangerous combination.  I am passionate about the field and I am mad as hell.  What does this master’s level Exercise Physiologist from po-dunk Idaho have.  I have a voice and I intend to use it and, at this point, I don’t really care who I offend.  The people that are sitting on the sidelines are just as guilty as the people that are crucifying our field.  You better ask yourself -- am I to blame?  What have you done to advance the profession of the exercise physiology?  Have you sat on the sideline while other allied healthcare professionals have taken over our field?  Are you one of the ones that has sold our field out for your own self-serving interests?  If you are not speaking out about the direction this field has been going, then you are to blame.  If you are not working on behalf of ASEP to help our students find respectable jobs and financial stability, then you are to blame.  Get out of my way, I have a job to do."
I am extremely passionate about our field, and I want to see it promoted in a positive way.  I am very proud of the work of ASEP and the direction that ASEP is taking the field.  I believe that from the trenches where I sit each and every day, I do have a firm understanding of the problem.  I understand the importance of the Exercise Physiologist within the healthcare field, and it saddens me to have watched the field head down a dead end street.  It is time to support ASEP.  Start by taking the ASEP-EPC exam, and then require your staff to do the same. 

Get involved, speak up, and make yourself heart.

“In Germany, they first came for the communists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a communist.  Then  they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up because  I wasn’t a Jew.  Then they came for the trade unionists, and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a  trade unionists.  Then they came for the Catholic and I didn’t speak up because I wasn’t a Catholic. Then they came for me – and by that time there was nobody left to speak up.” 
-- Martin Niemoller


References

1. ASEP Board of Certification  STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:  Standard 6: The EPC Purpose and Scope of Practice.  American Society of Exercise Physiologists Website.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] 
http://www.css.edu/ASEP/StandardsofProfessionalPractice.html
2. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Certification Tracks.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World 
Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/ 
3. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Group Exercise Leader Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/ 
4. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Health/Fitness Instructor Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
5. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Health/Fitness Director Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
6. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Exercise Specialist Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
7. ACSM Certification Resource Center Online.  Information on ACSM’s Program Director Leader Certification.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.lww.com/acsmcrc/
8. American College of Sports Medicine website.  Information for Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologists.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.acsm.org/Clinical_Exercise.html
9. American College of Sports Medicine website.  Information on the RCEP for Employers:  Why are these Qualifications for the RCEP SM important?  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web]  http://www.acsm.org/rcep_employers.html
10. Boone, T. 1999.  Professionalization of Exercise Physiologyonline. Defining the Exercise Physiologist.  [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World  Wide Web] http://www.asep.org/asep/asep/may2.htm
11. American Council on Exercise website.  Information about the Clinical Exercise Specialist. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/certifications.cfm#clinical 
12. American Council on Exercise website.  Information about the Clinical  Exercise Specialist Exam. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide  Web] http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/examinfo.cfm#eligibility 
13. American Council on Exercise website.  Eligibility Requirements for ACE’s   Personal Trainer certification. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] http://www.acefitness.org/getcertified/ces_examinfo.cfm
14. Information for EPC.  Exercise PhysiologistCertified Candidates - A Guide. [Retrieved February 14, 2002 from the World Wide Web] 
 http://www.asep.org/epcmanual/
 


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