Exercise Science Standards and Course Development
ESSA’s Exercise Science (ES) Standards are a framework to inform education providers when developing curricula in exercise, sport and movement sciences. They allow graduates to meet the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) requirements for Level 7 that lead to a Bachelor Degree qualification (or above). They also underpin all ESSA accreditation categories.
The Exercise Science Standards are organised into 15 study areas that are based on the minimum professional requirements for graduates working in all areas of exercise science.
Graduating from an accredited exercise science course is a pathway to becoming an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) with ESSA. To be accredited graduates must show that they have integrated knowledge and skills learned through their course by completing clinical practicum. The Practicum Guide sets out the AES practicum and supporting evidence requirements.
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards and Course Development
ESSA’s Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) Professional Standards are a framework to inform education providers when developing exercise physiology courses. The standards allow graduates to meet the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) requirements for Level 7 that lead to a Bachelor Degree qualification (or above).
Accredited Exercise Physiologists are an allied health profession within the Australian Health Care system. The AEP Professional Standards are the minimum requirements for graduates to begin practice in this profession and build on the Exercise Science Standards.
The AEP Professional Standards are organised into 13 individual standards. Standards 1 to 5 are generic standards describing the practice of the profession. Standards 6 to 13 are pathology-specific standards that describe knowledge and skill requirements to provide safe and effective exercise interventions for a range of clinical conditions.
Graduating from an accredited exercise physiology course is the pathway to becoming an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES) and/or Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) with ESSA. To be accredited applicants must show that they have integrated knowledge and skills learned through their course by completing clinical practicum. The Practicum Guide sets out the AEP clinical practicum and supporting evidence requirements.
Accredited Sports Science (Level 1) Professional Standards and Course Development
ESSA’s Sports Science (ASpS) Level 1 Standards are a framework to inform education providers when developing curricula in Sports Science. They allow graduates to meet the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) requirements for Level 7 that lead to a Bachelor Degree qualification (or above). They also underpin all ESSA accreditation categories.
The Sports Science Level 1 Standards are categorised into 5 areas and are the minimum requirements for graduates working within sports science. These standards build upon the Exercise Science Standards.
Graduating from an accredited sports science course is a pathway to becoming an Accredited Sports Scientist (ASpS) Level 1 with ESSA. To be accredited graduates must show that they have integrated knowledge and skills learned through their course by completing practicum. The Practicum Guide sets out the ASpS practicum and supporting evidence requirements.
Resources for accredited course and clinical practicum development
Exercise Science Standards
Accredited Exercise Physiologist Professional Standards
AEP Professional Standards- Support Guide 170921.pdf
ASpS Professional Standards Support Guide
Australian Qualification Framework (AQF)
TEQSA Higher Education Standards Framework