Sports Science Accreditation (ASpS)

What is a Sports Scientist?

An ESSA Accredited Sports Scientist specialises in applying scientific principles and techniques to assist coaches and athletes to improve their performance, either at an individual level or within the context of a team environment. They may also apply their knowledge and skills to relevant projects within the sports industry, for corporate bodies or in the community. For further information, please refer to ESSA's fact sheet: 'What is an Accredited Sports Scientist?'.

ESSA offers Sports Science accreditation at two levels: Accredited Sports Scientist Level 1; and Accredited Sports Scientist Level 2.

ESSA also offers High Performance Manager accreditation. View this application form here.

Got a question?

Please review the application form carefully as this provides information on how to complete the application.

If you still have questions or would like guidance with your application, please contact us at [email protected]


Additional Resources, Templates and Guides: 

Additional Resources


How to Apply:

  1. Determine what accreditation (Level 1, Level 2 and/or HPM) you would like to apply for
    Please note: You can submit applications for multiple levels of accreditation simultaneously 
  2. Read and confirm your eligibility for the specified pathway
  3. Confirm you can supply appropriate evidence
  4. Click the link below the appropriate pathway to APPLY

Application Process: 

  • Please ensure that you allow enough time to complete this process in full in order to secure the best outcome for the assessment of your application. 
  • You must complete all relevant components of the application form, incomplete applications will not be assessed. 
  • To be fair to all applicants, your application cannot be expedited, and the outcome can only be influenced by the use of suitable evidence, not personal, academic or industry pressure. 
  • We reserve the right to ask further questions or request further evidence. By submitting evidence you are giving us permission to validate your studies, practicum, work etc. with those involved. 

Submission Information:

Every accreditation application relies upon the submission of evidence that the applicant is able to show that they have the knowledge, skills and attitude to practice within the relevant scope of practice and meet the accreditation standards. Therefore, an accreditation submission must include real examples of how you have conducted your work. This may then be followed by an interview with the assessor or even a chance to show them how you conduct a task through videos, zoom/skype/other interactive platforms. If you are not sure about what evidence best fits this model take a look at the relevant mapping document for guidance. If you are still unsure please contact the ESSA office. 

You must de-identify (remove/edit/censor) clients' personal or contact details. Any item that is not de-identified will not be assessed. 


Example Evidence:

Suitable evidence may include: 

  • Case studies, session notes, proposed work plans (where de-identified)
  • Meeting minutes, email summaries and other forms to demonstrate your contribution, guidance or involvement
  • Log records for an intervention
  • CV and Work History

Example Evidence Table:

Standard

Element

Evidence Item Number

1

1

3, 5, 8

 

2

1, 2, 4

 

3

2, 3, 5

 

4

4, 6, 9


Sports Science Level 1 - Eligibility

PATHWAY 1

PATHWAY 2

PATHWAY 3

Qualification(s)

Bachelor degree in exercise, movement science or sports science from an ESSA accredited course*
*
eligible for AES 

 Bachelor degree in exercise, movement science or sports science from a non-accredited course

Bachelor degree in any discipline AND a Masters (or higher) in Sports Science

 Pre-requisite  Meet AES Standards  Meet AES Standards   NA

Experience

 140 hours of supervised Exercise Science practicum AND 360 hours of supervised professional experience within the Sport Science Scope of Practice

 140 hours of supervised Exercise Science practicum AND 360 hours of supervised professional experience within the Sport Science Scope of Practice

3 years (full time equivalent) of professional experience within the Sport Science Scope of Practice

Requirements

Meet ASpS Level 1 Standards

Meet ASpS Level 1 Standards

Meet ASpS Level 1 Standards


Applicants can be working in sport settings or occupational athlete settings.

Apply Online

You will then undertake an Eligibility Assessment to guide you through the appropriate Sports Science Pathway. 

The Application Processing Fee will be charged via our online payment gateway when submitting your application. This fee is in addition to the accreditation &/or membership fees you nominate. 

If you have previously saved an online Application Form click "Saved Forms." The select "My Applications" located in the administration panel.

Saved Forms

*Hardcopy applications will be accepted until January 2024. If you wish to submit a hardcopy following this date, contact [email protected]

If you require IT support please email - [email protected]

If you require support to log into the program, click on the guide below:

Online Individual Accreditation Guide – Program Access 


Sports Science Level 2 - Eligibility

 

PATHWAY 1

PATHWAY 2

Qualification(s)

Bachelor degree in Exercise, Movement Science or Sports Science AND Masters in Sports Science (or higher) 

 Bachelor degree in any discipline AND PhD in Sports Science 
Experience   Demonstrated evidence of 5 years (FTE) experience within the Sports Science Scope of Practice  Demonstrated evidence of 7 years (FTE) experience within the Sports Science Scope of Practice 
 Pre-requisite AES
ASpS Level 1 
 ASpS Level 1
 Requirements Meet ASpS Level 2 Standards Meet ASpS Level 2 Standards 

Applicants can be working in sport settings or occupational athlete settings. 

Apply Online

You will then undertake an Eligibility Assessment to guide you through the appropriate Sports Science Pathway. 

The Application Processing Fee will be charged via our online payment gateway when submitting your application. This fee is in addition to the accreditation &/or membership fees you nominate. 

If you have previously saved an online Application Form click "Saved Forms." The select "My Applications" located in the administration panel.

Saved Forms

*Hardcopy applications will be accepted until January 2024. If you wish to submit a hardcopy following this date, contact [email protected]

If you require IT support please email - [email protected] 

If you require support to log into the program, click on the guide below:

Online Individual Accreditation Guide – Program Access 


High Performance Manager - Eligibility

Pathway 1

Pathway 2

Qualification(s)

Masters (or higher) in Sport Science 

 Be registered as a Physiotherapist, Dietitian, Doctor or Level 3 ASCA with a relevant university degree

Experience

N/A  Demonstrated evidence of 5 years (FTE) professional experience in a High Performance Manager role 
 Pre-requisite ASpS Level 2  N/A 

Requirements

 Meet HPM Standards Meet HPM Standards


Click here to find more about High Performance