This page lists common FAQs for the international AEP pathway.
How long before the practical examination should an application be submitted?
Can an application be submitted with only work experience?
Can an application be submitted with only university study?
Can the examinations be booked when submitting the application for Stage 1 (the desktop review)?
Can the examinations be completed outside of Australia?
Is there an opportunity to re-sit the examinations?
When do the fees need to be paid?
Are there recommended readings to prepare for the exams?
How else can I prepare for the international examinations?
What are the AEP target pathology categories?
What is the structure of the theoretical examination?
What is the structure of the practical examination?
Is there another pathway to exercise physiologist accreditation if I am not eligible for the international pathway?
Can an assessment/examination result be appealed?
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How long before the practical examination should an application be submitted?
ESSA requires submission of the Stage 1 (the Desktop Review) at least three months before a practical examination, to allow sufficient time for the applicant to progress to the practical examination stage.
Can an application be submitted with only work experience?
No. The requirements for the application require evidence of university study and work experience.
Can an application be submitted with only university study?
No. The requirements for the application require evidence of university study and work experience.
Can the examinations be booked when submitting the application for Stage 1 (the desktop review)?
No. Applicants are only eligible to apply for a stage once they have successfully completed the previous stage.
Can the examinations be completed outside of Australia?
The theoretical examination (Stage 2) is an on-line examination and can be completed anywhere in the world under the supervision of an ESSA-approved invigilator.
The practical examination is assessed by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) and is completed on-line.
Is there an opportunity to re-sit the examinations?
Yes. If unsuccessful on the first attempt, applicants have the opportunity to re-sit the theoretical or practical examinations. A maximum of two attempts for each examination is allowed. Re-sit fees will apply, as noted above.
If the applicant does not pass either examination on the second attempt they will be deemed ineligible for the international pathway, and the application process will be terminated.
When do the fees need to be paid?
Fees are payable as specified below, as the applicant progresses through each stage of the process.
Stage 1: Desktop Review
Full payment of the desktop review fee is required upon submission of the 2016 Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) International Applicant Form. This fee includes for the applicant’s initial annual accreditation fees for both Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP). This fee is non-refundable.
Stage 2: International AEP Theoretical Examination
ESSA requires receipt of the International AEP TheoreticalExamination Registration Form and full payment of the examination fee at least 20 business days before the applicant’s nominated examination date.
A full refund of the registration fee for the International AEP Theoretical Examination will be provided for cancellations received in writing at ESSA at least 15 business days before the applicant’s nominated examination date. No refunds will be provided for cancellations received after 15 business days before the applicant’s nominated examination date. These terms apply for both initial and re-sits of the theoretical examination.
Stage 3: International AEP Practical Examination
ESSA requires receipt of the International AEP Practical Examination Registration Form and full payment at least 30 business days before the International AEP Practical Examination date.
A full refund of the registration fee for the International AEP Practical Examination will be provided for cancellations received in writing at ESSA at least 30 business days before the examination date. No refunds will be provided for cancellations received after 30 business days before the examination date. These terms apply for both initial and re-sits of the practical examination.
Are there recommended readings to prepare for the exams?
Recommended readings to prepare for the exam include:
ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription – Walter R. Thompson, Neil F. Gordon, Linda S. Pescatello, American College of Sports Medicine c2010
ACSM’s resources for clinical exercise physiology: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, neoplastic, immunologic, and hematologic conditions – Jonathan Myers, David C. Nieman, American College of Sports Medicine 2010
Advanced fitness assessment and exercise prescription – Vivian H. Heyward c2010
ACSM’s exercise management for persons with chronic diseases and disabilities – J. Larry Durstine, American College of Sports Medicine c2009
Exercise testing and exercise prescription for special cases: theoretical basis and clinical application – James S. Skinner c2005
Clinical exercise physiology: application and physiological principles – LeMura, Linda M., Von Duvillard, Serge P. c2004
Therapeutic exercise: moving toward function – Brody, Lori Thein, Hall, Carrie M. c2011
Rehabilitation techniques for sports medicine and athletic training – Prentice, William E. c2004
Exercise in rehabilitation medicine – Frontera, Walter R., Slovik, David M., Dawson, David M. c2006
Clinical Exercise: A case-based approach – Cameron, Melanie., Selig, Steve., Hemphill, Dennis. c2011
How else can I prepare for the international examinations?
The examinations are based on the Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards. Applicants should ensure they are familiar with these Standards before undertaking the examinations.
What are clinical conditions will be on the exam?
Exams will focus on core clinical conditions related to cardiopulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological, cancer, and mental health conditions. An AEP is expected to have studied a broad range of conditions within each area as part of their university studies.
What is the structure of the theoretical examination?
The theoretical examination comprises a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions based on the Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards.
Applicants have three hours to complete 90 multiple choice, and 15 short answer questions.
What is the structure of the practical examination?
The practical examination consists of four, 60-minute stations with simulated patients in the following four categories:
1. Cardiopulmonary
2. Musculoskeletal
3. Neurological/neuromuscular
4. Metabolic + Other (cancer, mental health)
The examination will cover assessment and exercise prescription for these simulated clients.
Is there another pathway to exercise physiologist accreditation if I am not eligible for the international pathway?
Yes. Please refer to ESSA’s web page:
What do I do if I have not met the ESSA requirements for membership or accreditation?
Can an assessment/examination result be appealed?
Yes. A formal appeals process has been established. Please refer to ESSA’s web page:
What do I do if I have not met the ESSA requirements for membership or accreditation?