How to Maintain ESSA Accreditation

Each year you need meet certain requirements to keep your accreditation. ESSA's accreditation year runs from 1 January - 31 December. You must meet the requirements within this time period.

The requirements to maintain accreditation are:

  1. Accrue 20 points continuing professional development (CPD) points each calendar year, inclusive of a minimum 15 points from the Further Education category. The following exceptions apply:
    1. Pro-rata requirements apply to individuals who are accredited for less than 12 months of a calendar year (see CPD requirements) this is calculated on a quarterly basis.
    2. Individuals reinstating accreditation (following a leave of absence, period of lapsed accreditation or suspension) via the return to practice pathway may have separate CPD requirements – see the Recency of Practice and Return to Practice policies
  2. Meet recency of practice  requirements
  3. Hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance, either personally or through a third party (such as an employer)
  4. Hold a current first aid certificate unless engaged in a role that does not involve provision of in-person physical activity and exercise services directly to clients
  5. Hold a current CPR certificate and renew yearly unless engaged in a role that does not involve provision of in-person physical activity and exercise service directly to clients
  6. Advise ESSA as a soon as is practicable of any changes to the mandatory declarations signed at accreditation application and/or renewal e.g. criminal or ethics history
  7. Abide by the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice at all times

You must pay your annual accreditation fee to be accredited for that year.

Record keeping 

You are required to keep records of the above accreditation requirements for 7 years.

IMPORTANT: YOU MAY BE AUDITED

ESSA undertakes a random accreditation audit every year. If you are selected as part of the audit, you must provide evidence of the below items. 

For an overview on the ESSA audit process, click here to listen to a recording from Standards Advisor, Carly Ryan.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Requirements

CPD reflects an expectation from the public and industry that you are committed to keeping your professional practice abilities up to date and are current with best practice through ongoing learning. CPD is also a good way to expand your skills and career opportunities. 

You must complete an annual continuing professional development program. Click here for details. 

For an overview on ESSA's professional development requirements, click here to listen to a recording from Standards Manager, Carly Ryan.

For more information on the CPD points categories, click here to listen to a recording from Standards Manager, Carly Ryan.

Recency of Practice

Using you your knowledge and skills by 'practising' regularly is an important part of keeping your professional practice abilities up to date.

You must accrue recency of practice hours. Click here  for details. 

Professional Indemnity Insurance

You must hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance either personally or through a third party (e.g. employer). Your employer can confirm your insurance by writing a letter confirming that you are covered under their insurance (name of policy and insurer). Insurance must cover the scope of all activities undertaken, whether in a professional or voluntary capacity.

If you hold insurance personally, you will need to keep a record of your insurance certificate.

ESSA recommends speaking with your insurer regularly (such as when you develop new services) to ensure you have sufficient coverage for your needs. For insurance FAQs, click here.

Guild Insurance have partnered with ESSA to provide tailored policies specific to the needs of ESSA members. 

For more information, click here to listen to a recording from Standards Manager, Carly Ryan.

First Aid and CPR

You must hold current, valid* CPR and first aid qualifications unless you are engaged in a role that does not directly provide in-person physical activity or exercise services to clients.

First Aid must be renewed every 3 years. CPR must be renewed every year. 

*Validity constitutes a current statement of attainment from a recognised training provider that meets the Australian standards for minimum First Aid and CPR units or equivalent. See the FAQs below for the required training codes.

For First Aid and CPR FAQs, click here.

For more information, click here to listen to a recording from Standards Manager, Carly Ryan.

Mandatory Declarations

Each year when you renew you sign declarations that you have and will continue to meet ESSA's accreditation requirements. If something changes during the year you need to tell ESSA as soon as possible. For example, if you have a criminal conviction, or an ethics outcome you must contact ESSA as soon as you are notified.

Click here  for details about Mandatory Declarations.

Click here for the Criminal & Ethical History Declaration Form. 

Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice 

Holding membership and/or accreditation with ESSA constitutes acceptance of and agreement to be bound by the Code of Conduct. The Code provides guidelines on the best practice for exercise and sports scientists, and a standard against which your professional behaviour may be evaluated. 

You should regularly review the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice. Click here for details.

Post-Nominals

Holding accreditation entitles you to use the following titles and post-nominals:

  • Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES)
  • Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AES AEP)
  • Accredited Sports Scientist (ASpS1 or ASpS2)
  • Accredited High Performance Manager (AHPM)
  • Full members are entitled to use the post-nominal ESSAM
  • ESSA members with Fellowship honorary status are entitled to use the post-nominal FESSA

If you hold membership and accreditation you can use both post nominals. Example: if you're an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and Full member, your post-nominals are ESSAM AES AEP.