Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP)

To obtain certification, a CSEP certification candidate must:

  1. Pass a computer-based theory exam hosted by PearsonVUE at one of their testing centres across Canada or through PearsonVUE secure online proctoring.
  2. Pass a practical examination (Pass/Fail) under the auspices of a CSEP Instructor-Examiner.

The primary objective of the CSEP examinations is for candidates to demonstrate a level of knowledge and practical skills that will enable them to provide safe, appropriate, client-centred, effective personal fitness assessment and training sessions with clients. It is important that the CSEP Certification Candidate come prepared for the exam process with both academic knowledge and practical experience.

The Candidate must complete the appropriate (CSEP-CPT or CSEP-CEP) application form and submit it to CSEP, and be approved, prior to taking the exams. Candidates should note that no more than six months can elapse between the successful completion of their first exam (theory or practical), successful completion of their second exam (theory or practical) and registration. If a CSEP Certification Candidate does not complete both theory and practical exams and register within the six months, the CSEP Certification Candidate must successfully repeat the full examination process again to obtain their CSEP Certification.

Certifications

CSEP Certified Personal Trainer® (CSEP-CPT)

The CSEP Certified Personal Trainer® (CSEP-CPT) is a professional with at minimum, the equivalent of 2-years of full time study (60 credits) at the post-secondary level from an accredited in specific core competency areas related to the exercise sciences . A CSEP-CPT works with apparently healthy individuals or those with a stable health condition who are able to exercise independently. A CSEP-CPT administers the CSEP-PATH to healthy populations, develops and implements a tailored physical activity, fitness and lifestyle plan.

Before scheduling an exam, you must receive an authorization-to-test email from CSEP. For more information, visit www.csep.ca/csep-cpt/ or follow the “Related Links” on this page. You may also contact memberships@csep.ca.

CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP)

A CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CSEP-CEP) performs assessments, prescribes conditioning exercise, as well as exercise supervision, counselling and healthy lifestyle education in apparently healthy individuals and/or populations with medical conditions, functional limitations or disabilities associated with musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, metabolic, neuromuscular, and ageing conditions. The minimum requirement to become a CSEP-CEP is graduation from an appropriate undergraduate program with successful completion of at least 120 credits at the post-secondary level.

Before scheduling an exam, you must receive an authorization-to-test email from CSEP. For more information, visit www.csep.ca/csep-cep/ or follow the “Related Links” on this page. You may also contact memberships@csep.ca.

Scheduling

Your certification communication from CSEP will provide information about your certification deadline. It is up to you to understand your timeline and make an appointment to take the exam in that timeframe. Exam appointments may be made up to one business day in advance. Locations are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

After you schedule your exam, Pearson VUE will send you a confirmation email listing your exam date, your exam time, the address and phone number of the test center, and directions to the test center.

Challenge your Theory Exam Online

Exams can now be delivered via Pearson VUE Online Proctoring, which allows you to take your CSEP Theory exam from almost any location. A remote proctor will monitor you through video throughout the exam.

Watch the short video on Online Proctoring to see how it works. Run the system test and exam simulation before you register for the exam to ensure your system can support it.

Learn more about choosing OnVUE online proctored.

Last updated 2023-06-30