How to Become a Clinical Exercise Physiologist (CEP)

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Study Resources: 4:19
How to become a Clinical Exercise Physiologist: The process can be confusing, and it is nice to have someone guide you through every step of the way. In this video, I speak of my own experience while becoming a CEP and also go over some of my favorite study resources. This is episode 1 of an extended series to come, that will allow you to get closer to your goal of becoming a CEP.
Disclaimer: I did not create this video on behalf of CSEP or any other certifying organization. I do not represent CSEP as a current employee. I simply wish to guide others by sharing my own personal experience. I also have not shared any confidential information regarding CSEP's testing questions, and will not in the future. I look forward to creating lessons down the road on pertinent information, that will help you learn crucial material prior to testing! As mentioned in the video, please ensure that the information given is up to date by learning directly from the certifying organization.
Subscribe to show your support, and comment below on what you want to see next! I create videos every Monday to help guide you with anything Performance or Rehab related.
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CSEP Website: www.csep.ca/home
ACSM Website: www.acsm.org/
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Study Resources
Clinical Exercise Physiology Textbook - Ehrman www.amazon.ca/...
Essentials of Strength Training & Conditioning (NSCA) www.amazon.ca/...
ACSM's Clinical Exercise Physiology www.acsm.org/r...
ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription www.amazon.ca/...
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CSEP Course Maps csep.ca/view.a...
CSEP Core Competencies www.csep.ca/CS...
Sample Logbook www.csep.ca/CM...
Template www.csep.ca/CM...
CSEP Study Resources csep.ca/view.a...
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Music credit
Intro : (instrumental - intro/outro) : Daniel Zebarth (www.youtube.co...)
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[@lukemacmillan_]

Thanks for all of the great conversation down below! Comment on what you would like to learn about next in regards to certifying as a CEP, or subject areas that you are having difficulty understanding for the exam! 👊

[@hillaryapr]

Thank you! This video is helpful. I think I recognize you from UNB. It’s nice to see you’re doing well in the field of kinesiology!

[@lukemacmillan_]

Appreciate that Hillary! Hope all is well. Thanks for the comment 😌

[@reginadavis8062]

This video was great! I’ve been looking for so many videos like this, straight to the point and informative. Where did you go to college? I applying to colleges right now and I’m thinking of exercise science. Do you think that will cover the courses or just double check with that sheet to be sure? You should also totally make a series out of this lien you said! Again, great video!!:)

[@lukemacmillan_]

Thanks so much for the feedback! Work has been taking up my time as of late, but I will get back to it soon! Most exercise science degrees would cover the courses required for sure. Double checking wouldn’t hurt though. You could bring in the recommended course map to your academic advisor to get them to help with course selection if you wanted! Cheers.

[@lukemacmillan_]

If you have a specific question about the certifying process, comment below! Also, let me know what you are struggling with in regards to studying, and I will create a video covering the topic. 💪

[@ashbhatti1670]

Hey Luke, thank you so much for the amazing content man! I was wondering what inspired you to go into the field of exercise physiology and why you choose that career over other similar ones like physiotherapy or even medicine (i.e. becoming a physician). Thanks as always!

[@lukemacmillan_]

Great question! This decision is likely mainly due to my interest in performance. Currently I work in a reconditioning setting with injuries and chronic disease, however I have goals to work with special forces of the military. In Canada, having your CEP is required for most of those positions. Currently, my qualifications and studies are quite balanced between the performance world and a rehabilitation setting. Cheers!

[@YouCanStartLateAndFinish]

Great presentation. Thank you

[@lukemacmillan_]

Appreciate the support! Have a great day.

[@yvanessalaborde4051]

I wish there were more videos like this. Thanks for taking the time to do this video! I’m considering taking the Acsm-cep but they require 1200 hours for a bachelors degree.Where did you complete your hours?

[@lukemacmillan_]

I completed my bachelors degree at the University of NB and gathered practical experience hours from a variety of employment opportunities over the years! I hope the application process is treating you well! Cheers

[@kristen5199]

Thank you so, so much for making this video! I was looking for videos like this, but there is barely any unfortunately. I am going to be doing an internship in cardiac rehab this summer and I am really nervous (and excited of course). Do you have any advice?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Kristen! Sounds like a wicked opportunity! Congrats. Glad you liked the video. I have plans to roll out more content in the new year. No need to be nervous. Internships are meant to help you get your feet wet, and learn! Ask a ton of questions and apply or review the knowledge during your evenings. Good luck 👍

[@kristen5199]

@@lukemacmillan_ Thank you so much, I appreciate it!

[@TheKoroSensei]

@@kristen5199 Hi Kristen. I am currently in schools for my bachelors in exercise science but recently because interested in the heart,/cardiovascular rehab. I have my internship next summer 23 and I was going to try to find a rehab center to do that at. But I was just wondering how your experience was and what can I expect? Even tho it’s a whole year away, times flies and I just want to be prepared as much as possible. Thank you.

[@kristen5199]

@@TheKoroSensei Hi Terance! I was in your exact situation just about a year ago. My advice would be to take all of the courses that have to do with exercise and cardiovascular physiology, especially ECG if it is offered. If it isn't, that is totally fine! Exercise programming is definitely a course I recommend taking before you start, which is most likely a required course. I had a really great experience. I really love working with older adults and enjoy learning about the effects exercise has on the cardiovascular system, so it made sense for me to intern at a rehab center. Some things I definitely recommend is reaching out to the person who is in charge of the program (your site supervisor) at least 3 months in advance to see what is required. For me it was vaccines that you most likely have when you are a baby, as well as a hepatis B titer test, TB test, flu shot, background test covid vaccine, and a drug screen. I also was told to wear scrubs and bring my own stethoscope. (I got my scrubs for about 20 dollars at walmart and a $20 stethoscope from amazon that works great!). When I first started my internship, the first few days they just had me shadow the exercise physiologist. They showed me how their computer system worked, etc. I also started to take the patient's blood pressures, and gradually started to give them workouts to do. I also educated the patients on why exercise is so important for their condition, etc. Don't worry! People won't except you to know what you are doing since you are an intern. All of the nurses were also super helpful and even asked me for exercise suggestions! This summer, I am starting an M.S. program in clinical exercise physiology which will take a year to complete. If this is a career that you plan on going down, I definitely would look into these types of programs as well! Hope this helps!!

[@kevinlopes548]

Amazing Video!! Exactly what I needed to see to make my decision. Can you speak more about the Practical Experience part? How do you get this experience? Many Thanks!!

[@lukemacmillan_]

100%! Will do so in video format. Apologies for the long absence and appreciate the support

[@ihsanhamed509]

Thanks a lot for this great explanation! I am a PE student and I want to work in a metabolic institute as a CEP. I have two questions that I will be grateful if you could answer. First: do you advise me to get ASCA certification or any other strength and conditioning certification and how it can be helpful? Second: is my bachelor's degree in PE in addition to ACSM CEP certification are enough or should I get a master degree in CEP?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hi Ihsan! Thanks for the comment and great questions. 1) I would go after a strength and conditioning certification personally only because I recognize the benefit that these certifications can have while working with chronic disease and injuries. Having a greater understanding of S&C will do you well throughout your career in my opinion. I would suggest CSCS by NSCA. 2) I would take a look at potential job opportunities in your area and study the requirements of some of the positions you see posted. Often times a CEP certification will be enough, but there will be certain positions that require a Masters in addition to that credential. Cheers!

[@ihsanhamed509]

@@lukemacmillan_ nice! Thank you for responding 🤞

[@lukemacmillan_]

@@ihsanhamed509 Of course! Cheers.

[@Realtor_Ryan_Hodzic]

I just want to know what you like and dislike about your job. best parts, hardest parts.

[@lukemacmillan_]

Best: helping others and diverse work opportunities. Hardest: studying medications 💊

[@doodlehead94]

Hi! Is there a difference between someone who has a B.S in Kines w/ a CEP through ACSM and who has a masters in Kines w/ a CEP? Will employers favor more with someone with a higher education? Currently trying to figure out if i want to pursue a masters or just the certification.

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey! Great question. I think it would depend on details of the masters program (thesis based, course based, etc). Some jobs would require a masters degree in combination with the CEP and some would not. I would look at people working the jobs you hope to obtain and watch their educational endeavours.

[@AdamBear5]

Hey Luke! Very interested in pursuing this as a career. I just received my B.S. in Kinesiology but only have 800hrs accumulated from clinical work experience. It's been a hard time to find work/volunteer work as a physical therapist aide. With that, I was considering my options. Can u explain the difference between an Exercise Physiologist and a Medical Exercise Specialist (certificate offered through ACE) ? Dope video! Thanks!

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Adam! Thanks for the comment brother. To be transparent, I’m not we versed on what ACE offers in regards to their medical exercise specialist cert. Some things to consider if I were you: Is this cert well acknowledged in my area? Is there elaborate written AND practical testing? Is there sufficient insurance coverage for working with the population that I would like to work with? Hope that helps man! Let me know if I can help with anything else.

[@paragvp]

Hi Luke, I had another question where I am a bit unclear. Is the ACSM CEP exam valid in Canada? Any comments on which one you found more thorough and robust? Isn't it that the ACSM version doesn't have a practical viva, whereas CSEP-CEP does? In my previous conversation with you, I had requested you, if possible, to give a few video examples of how a typical practical test day scenario and built of exam is. Would appreciate your inputs, thanks in advance.

[@paragvp]

Hi Luke, could you please comment on this? I assume you are on a long weekend?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hi Parag! Apologies on the delay. ACSM CEP would prove valid for most organizations in Canada in my experience. However, not all. Yes, you are right. There is a practical component to the CSEP testing, which would make me agree with you in regards to it being more thorough. I dont want to dive into too much detail on exams, but all of the information you need is listed on the certifying organization's website! Maybe I can break down the practical components in future videos! Thanks! 💪

[@paragvp]

@@lukemacmillan_ thanks Luke. Your comments were helpful!

[@grendelsmama2302]

I am a massage therapist and personal trainer looking to be a clinical exercise physio. I work with a chiropractor but I doubt they would be considered for clinical hours...

[@lukemacmillan_]

You may be right. However, what if the clients of the chiro suffer from a chronic disease of some sort? If you’re privy to that information, that may be an angle. If so, maybe you can ask for some additional volunteer work and shadow or learn about therapeutic approaches for those clients. Talk with the certifying body to ensure it could count as hours prior to doing so. Just a thought!

[@grendelsmama2302]

Sounds like a plan! Thank you

[@elijahgreen7747]

Hey man, love your channel. Currently in the middle of studying for the CSCS exam. I'm looking into taking the EP-C. I'm a full-time personal trainer so CEP may be out of the equation since I may may not be able to get clinical hours in. Would you recommend the EP-C? I've got a bachelor's in Kinesiology and I'm trying to find ways to differentiate myself even further. Thank your for help and keep up the great work.

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Elijah! Appreciate the comment and the feedback. I have other videos that could help you out with the CSCS. Check out my recent content. In regards to the clinical hours - you may surprise yourself. Have you ever worked with a client who had a chronic condition? Have you considered volunteering somewhere that you could shadow a nurse or exercise physiologist? Those hours could add up fast! Without knowing too much about the EP-C, I would recommend the CEP from CSEP or ACSM (depending on your location). If it were me, if possible - I would find a way to get those hours in so that I could have the “clinical” knowledge and education to open up more doors down the road! All the best!

[@spareld]

I already have a degree in exercise but I didn't do a intern as a exercise physiologist. Is it too late?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Organizing an internship or some sort of volunteer opportunity can often times be organized independently of your school! Its never too late 😉.

[@PuteraIrfan]

I want to but there's limited vacancy of CEP in my country:')

[@lukemacmillan_]

I wish you well in your endeavours!

[@michaelseo3567]

Hey Luke! I had graduated from University with a bachelors in Exercise Science several years ago, but unfortunately my program didn't seem to fully cover the competencies requirements for ACSM C-EP certification. I'm at a loss for how I could possibly pursue this career at this point. I'd imagine there isn't much I can do in this regard and would have to undergo another undergraduate degree if I want to become an Exercise Physiologist. Do you have any insight on potential options?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Michael - I would try getting creative with your application and talk with an employee at the organization that could certify you. Normally they are very helpful in helping you. Maybe there is a course that they would accept that you hadn't considered. Otherwise, instead of doing another bacherlors - you could look at masters programs in clinical exercise physiology or just upgrade some courses!

[@ep_aesthetics5917]

And are you happy with you’re salary and paying off student loans ? Money isn’t everything but it is something ! Thanks for the video !

[@lukemacmillan_]

I am happy with my salary. That being said, I have a job with the government and some non government organizations would pay less. So that is something to consider. Do some research in your areas on job openings, consider your willingness to move if you find opportunities elsewhere, work your ass off, and don’t stop learning! Thanks for the comment man, appreciate the support 👊 Let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.

[@ep_aesthetics5917]

@@lukemacmillan_ it’s me again haha. How important this GPA when trying to become a cep? Biology is kicking my ass

[@lukemacmillan_]

@@ep_aesthetics5917 Before I became motivated academically.. first and second year kicked my ass haha. Gpa isn’t overly important when applying to become a CEP. I would still suggest you keep your grades as high as possible to keep graduate degree opportunities open down the road (I am currently doing my masters and most programs require higher grades). Hope that helps my brother! 👊

[@ep_aesthetics5917]

@@lukemacmillan_ it helped a lot! If I may ask, what is your Job currently with the government and how did you land that job?

[@lukemacmillan_]

@@ep_aesthetics5917 Hey brother - I work as the exercise specialist on a military base in Canada. I work specifically with injured military and those who suffer from chronic disease. Some requirements of the position was my clinical exercise physiologist cert, years experience, and a few fitness standards! I started on base just doing basic fitness classes with military - I continued to educate myself and work hard and ended up landing my new title. Cheers.

[@KatarinaHar]

Do you happen to know anything about becoming a cpt? I graduated kines a few years ago and have recently decided to get my certification but I have no clue what resources are 100% necessary. Later down the road I will most likely also do the process for a cep so this is great info!

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Kat! I do! First of all, you want to consider who you want to certify under. CSEP and ACSM both great CPT certifications. The process is most definitely less extensive compared to the CEP exam but there will be practical and a theory test still depending on who you certify with! You can cut out worrying about anything that relates to chronic disease or vo2 max testing as well. It will cover personal trainer best practice and guidelines to ensure you have appropriate knowledge working with general population. Let me know if ya have any more questions!

[@j-drios2264]

Hi Luke, thanks for the video! What are the kinds of skills assessed in the practical exam?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey! Not sure how I missed this comment. Skills such as: administering vo2 max testing with a metabolic cart, anthropometry, client assessment and intake, ecg, pulse oximetry, spirometer, goniometry, etc are assessed. This is a good video idea as there is a ton to talk about in regards to the practical exam. Thanks for reaching out!

[@rvai540]

Hi, I am a high school teacher from, Australia. I studied a masters in teaching and I want to study a masters in clinical exercise physiology and eventually work part time in both. The pathway is only 2yrs part time. I would like to open up training sessions from home for junior athletes as I specialise in rugby. Are there many CEP's who are also teachers? Thanks, Your videos are awesome 👍

[@lukemacmillan_]

Very cool! Personally, I don’t know many teachers who are also CEPs.. this could be an interesting way to increase your client base though. If you coach or know younger students, they may be more enticed to work with you as a CEP.

[@medcologytutorials2636]

Hi Luke. Nice video very helpful for me as I also plan to take this exam. I wanted to know as a CEP what's the scope of physical assessment you do. Like is it only confined to heart and lung assessment or full head to toe assessment?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Thanks for the comment! As a CEP we are required to understand ECG assessments (heart), administer spirometry testing (lungs), and use pulse oximeters if for example the individual has COPD. We ultimately specialize in exercise as it relates to Chronic Disease. If you’re referring to muscular strength/ROM testing when you mention “head to toe”, that would definitely be included in a Clinical Exercise Physiologists scope of practice. Let me know if that answers your question :)

[@medcologytutorials2636]

@@lukemacmillan_ Thank you so much for your reply. As a clinical exercise physiologist in training what I wanted to know specifically is can a CEP do the same level of physical examination as a PA/NP to access the patients fitness to safely exercise or should we refer patients for an initial physical examination?.

[@lukemacmillan_]

@@medcologytutorials2636 Great question! Refer out for an initial assessment. A CEP should ensure that proper initial testing procedures have been followed, so that a diagnosis can be concluded prior to working with the individual! Referrals and notes from doctors, NPs, etc will allow you to better prescribe exercise while considering additional risks.

[@paragvp]

Hi Luke, thank you for posting this video. This came across as I was browsing through videos for CEP. Would you specifically be able to comment on whether the pattern of MCQs is similar in CSEP-CEP compared to ACSM'S CEP? Also, would you recommend the metabolic equations handbook of ACSM? I understand that you won't be able to comment on the content of the examination. However, if you could shed some light (thru a video) on the pattern of the practical exam and duration etc..that'd be great. Thanks.

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hi Parag, thanks for reaching out! MCQs should be similar in terms of formatting across the board. The Metabolic Equations handbook of ACSM could definitely prove as a useful resource. These types of questions WILL come up on testing, and you need to be able to critically think about what formulas to use when answering the questions. If you have previous schooling that taught you about metabolic equations, and answering those types of questions, you could also refer back to old notes or brush up on the content via free study resources.. like youtube haha. However, if you have the funds available, the book may be a good idea in addition to your main study resources. Good idea - I will look into getting up a video that reviews details on practical examination, as well as the theory testing. Appreciate your support.

[@paragvp]

Thanks Luke! Your comments helpful! Looking forward to seeing your videos

[@paulatello4993]

I have been working as a PT Tech in an outpatient ortho setting... how does that equate to my practical application hours to take the exam?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Awesome! That practical experience may help with the “chronic disease” or clinical type hours. I guess it would depend on how “hands on” your experience is and whether or not CSEP accepts it as so. If I were you, I would reach out to CSEP and check! They are pretty fast with response time. If you submit an application, ensure that you dive into every detail in relation to your experience. Don’t sell yourself short! Cheers

[@ep_aesthetics5917]

I’m currently a freshman in college and majoring in kinesiology . This is the ideal degree to become a CEP right ?

[@lukemacmillan_]

That’s correct brother!! 💪

[@anthonysantana2613]

Hey luke I want to become a CEP and im a student in high school.My question is what classes should i take in school and what should my first steps when I graduate high school should be

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Anthony! Happy to hear that! Most universities require basic science and math courses from high school. They may also require a certain average, so keep up the studying! Prior to graduation, look into universities that offer an exercise science related degree that offer courses found on the recommended course map. Let me know if you have any other questions and good luck!

[@KM-pc1kg]

Hey Luke, I was wanting to do exercise physiology but I was worried about the job opportunities and lack of money is this industry. Btw I am from Australia and I was wanting to know your experience finding a job and maybe if you could tell us how much do you earn as CEP? Thanks

[@lukemacmillan_]

Great question! This would involve a loaded answer.. but.. I have been able to do well for myself due to 2 main reasons. 1. My full time job is through the Canadian government (department of national defence), and 2. I also work with clients part time a couple of evenings per week. Tough to comment on job opportunities and salary around the world. It always seems to be a bit more difficult to make good money in fields of study that many are passionate about.. but there are opportunities. I think talking about this more in video format would help a lot of people. Thanks for reaching out! 👊

[@KM-pc1kg]

@@lukemacmillan_ Thats heaps good, thanks for giving your input on this.

[@ashleyjohnston6774]

Hi Luke! Can you speak more about your job role specifically with the department of national defence and how you applied etc?

[@lukemacmillan_]

@@ashleyjohnston6774 hey Ashley! Happy to. I work as a reconditioning specialist for base gagetown in New Brunswick, Canada. A required credential is the CEP so that I can help to “recondition” the injured military members or those who struggle with chronic disease. I started with the organization as a basic fitness instructor working with general military members and testing for special operations!

[@quemms]

Thanks Mr. Luke for sharing your experiences and the application process to become a CEP . May I ask if foreigners are welcome to apply for CSEP-CEP certification?

[@lukemacmillan_]

I am not very familiar to be honest. I am going to look into it and do a video on this.

[@odionogbease4758]

Hi just came across your video while searching on how to become a CEP, I have a bsc degree in human physiology and Msc in physiology aswell, please does that qualify me to to take the exam, if yes please what steps can I take, am in Nigeria

[@lukemacmillan_]

I am going to look into this more and do a video on it. Best chance is to give the certifying body a call and ask :)

[@ronaldootero3126]

Is acsm ex phys cert necessary to apply?

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Ronaldo! Sorry for the late response. It is not!

[@jobsanbiju3762]

Hey luke...... What bachelor's do you recommend for a CEP

[@lukemacmillan_]

Hey Job! My bachelor degree was in science of kinesiology. If your goal is to become a CEP - I would take a look at the required courses, and make your decision based off of that! Hope that helps, it is a big decision.

[@lukemacmillan_]

Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@wrestlingjudoms1302]

Hey Luke if you have 3 year degree in medicine is it possible to transfer this knowledge over to becoming a CEP?

[@lukemacmillan_]

100%. Depending on your clinical experience, it may actually be easier for you to rack up those required hours. You will however require a bachelors degree at least prior to becoming certified as a CEP. Cheers!

[@lizardroarrr_2058]

Hi Luke, I have bachelor degree in Human Resource Development. Could you recommend how to become CEP?

[@lukemacmillan_]

You’re going to have to go through the steps I mention in the video and ensure you have required courses!