Canadian Society of Exercise Physiology (CSEP) - CSEP Certified Personal Trainer (CSEP-CPT) Certification and Study Guide

Congratulations on taking a step forward in preparing for the certification process and becoming a CSEP certified member. This guide is filled with valuable content designed to assist candidates in understanding the steps toward certification, how to successfully prepare for the required exams, and what happens upon completion of this process.

The guide is divided into various topics that align with specific areas related to certification.

Background on CSEP: This section provides an introduction on the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), the Gold Standard in exercise science and personal training.

Introduction to the CSEP Professional Standards Program (CSEP-PSP ): This section provides an overview of the CSEP Professional Standards Program; the program which oversees the certification process and ensures CSEP maintains the Gold Standard in exercise science and personal training.

Background on CSEP Certifications: Refer to this section for descriptions of current CSEP certifications, eligibility requirements, and how to consider what path is best for your career goals.

CSEP-CPT Scope of Practice: Once a candidate successfully completes the certification process and becomes a certified member with CSEP, they are expected to work within their Scope of Practice. The CSEP-CPT Scope of Practice specifically defines the actions and activities that a CSEP-CPT is qualified and insured to perform.

CSEP-CPT Core Competencies: This section defines the specific core competencies a CSEP-CPT Candidate is expected to demonstrate (along with detailed descriptions and sub-competencies) in order to be successful in the certification process. When applications are submitted, CSEP reviews the candidates post-secondary studies to ensure it meets the prerequistes for certification.

Code of Conduct: The Code of Conduct for all CSEP-CPTs is clearly outlined and should be reviewed prior to pursuing certification, and referred to once certified.

Application Requirements and Process: This section focuses on the specific eligibility requirements to become an approved candidate including academic expectations and CPR-C and First Aid certifications. Information on the required resource for CSEP-CPT Candidates, the CSEP Physical Activity Training for Health (CSEP-PATH ) Resource Manual , is outlined as well.

STEPS toward Certification: This section focuses on the steps that a candidate will follow, once eligible to challenge the Theory and Practical Exams. A 5-Steps to Becoming CSEP Certified outline is included in this section. It describes the required steps, timelines, specific things to consider, and what to do upon successful completion of the exams.

CSEP-CPT Theory Exam and Practical Exam Logistics: This section describes the process for scheduling the exams and what to expect in each exam situation. Each candidate is responsible for following the specific instructions provided throughout the assessment process, and should be confident with the steps and requirements involved. This section should be referred to when scheduling and completing both the CSEP-CPT Theory Exam and the CSEP-CPT Practical Exam.

While we hope all candidates are successful during their exams, this section provides details related to a failed exam attempt and options available to the candidate.

CSEP Membership: Upon successful completion of the required exams, candidates must ensure they have submitted all supporting documents, and register to become CSEP certified members. There are many benefits to membership which are outlined in this section.

Core Competencies Chart: This chart may be helpful in reviewing notes from your post-secondary education, and where to find information in the CSEP-PATH Resource Manual. It helps guide candidates toward resources aligned with the core competencies for the CSEP-CPT certification.

Practical Exam Preparation: This section outlines the expectations and areas of assessment during a CSEP-CPT Practical Exam. When preparing for a Practical Exam, it is recommended that candidates participate in a Practical Skills Review Session as another way to master the content.

Practice Theory Exam Questions: This section provides candidates with practice multiple-choice exam questions. These questions should not be used as your only tool toward preparing for certification. It is important to keep in mind that these are not actual questions from the exam, but rather a sample of how questions are phrased, how answers are listed, and some of the areas of content that should be included in your study plan.

Answer Key for Practice Theory Exam Questions: This section provides the answers to the practice multiple-choice exam questions. There is an explanation provided for each question to help understand the content.