The exam will be delivered in a computer-based testing format (English only) at Pearson VUE® Authorized Test Centers worldwide. There are 125 scored and 15 unscored multiple-choice questions based on KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) distributed across ten content areas. The table below lists the approximate percentage of questions from each content area:
| KSAs Competency Area |
% |
| Exercise Prescription (Training) and Programming |
31% |
| Exercise Physiology and Related Exercise Science |
23% |
| Health Appraisal and Fitness Exercise Testing |
12% |
| Nutrition and Weight Management |
8% |
| Program Administration, Quality Assurance, and Outcome Assessment |
8% |
| Safety, Injury Prevention and Emergency Procedures |
7% |
| Pathophysiology and Risk Factors |
5% |
| Human Behavior |
4% |
| Electrocardiography and Diagnostic Techniques |
1% |
| Medical and Surgical Management |
1% |
Click on a question below to view the answer.
The following texts are recommended to prepare for the ACSM Certified Health Fitness SpecialistSM exam:
- ACSM’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 8th edition
- ACSM’s Resource Manual for Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 6th edition
- ACSM’s Certification Review Book, 3rd edition
LWW publications can be ordered directly from the publisher, Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins (LWW) by calling 800-486-5643, at any major bookstore, or any major online distributor or reseller.
The cost for the ACSM Certified Health Fitness SpecialistSM exam is $279 for non-ACSM Members and $219 for ACSM Members. The cost of the re-test is $150. Prices are in USD.
Step 1: Pick a date that allows you plenty of time to prepare
We recommend 3–6 months, however, all candidates vary in their level of current education and study habits. Ultimately it doesn’t matter how many months you spend but rather the total hours you study.
Step 2: Purchase the recommended textbooks
Although not required, we strongly encourage all candidates to use our textbooks to prepare. Check the website to make sure you are studying the correct edition.
Step 3: Review the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
These can be found in any ACSM recommended textbook. Each exam item is written about a KSA. Review the exam blueprint. Recognize the percent of exam questions for each section. Compare the KSAs for that section and determine which section(s) you know you will need to spend a lot of time on and the sections that you just need to review. Find the corresponding chapter in the textbooks that correspond with the KSAs you need to study.
Step 4: Chose to participate in interactive study methods
- Sign-up for an in-person workshop here
- Participate in a live webinar, register here
- Take a course or practice test on the ACSM Learning Portal at ACSMlearning.org
Step 5: Schedule or apply for your exam: PearsonVUE.com/ACSM
By the time you schedule your exam, you’ll have a general idea of how much time you still need to study. Don’t worry if you need to reschedule, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance at no charge. If you are an RCEP candidate, you will need to apply and be approved before scheduling your exam.
ACSM now has several options for exam preparation. The best way to prepare is live and in-person with a certification workshop; sign-up for here. The most convenient way to prepare is with a live webinar; sign-up here. Or go at your own pace on your own with an on-line course or practice test; sign-up on the ACSM Learning Portal at ACSMlearning.org
Sign up through ACSM’s secure website and become an ACSM member in 1–2 days. For a list of benefits or to become a member, visit ACSM.org/join. Once you join as a member (online option), you will receive your ACSM membership ID by email within one business week. If you need a member exam voucher in less than one week, please email certification@ACSM.org after you’ve completed your online membership payment.
The passing score for all ACSM certification exams is set in advance and applied to all candidates’ exam results. Similar to exam scoring for a wide variety of other high stakes, national standardized exams (e.g., GRE, SAT, GMAT, etc.), ACSM certification exams are reported on a 200–800 score scale.
Specifically, all candidates are expected to meet the passing standard of a scaled score of 550 in order to receive a “Pass” on any respective ACSM certification exam. This passing standard is based upon the expectations of the subject matter experts/test developers across all topics of the competency areas, as related to each respective credential’s examination blueprint. Passing candidates are expected to answer a sufficient number of test questions correctly that demonstrates a summative amount of knowledge at a level of at least minimal competency or the lowest acceptable score to pass the exam.
Finally, each content area is weighted proportionally, based on the results of a periodic comprehensive job task analysis/role delineation study. In other words, some content areas are more important (thus, have more questions) and count more with respect to the overall score than other content areas. On the score report, candidates receive their overall score, their pass/fail status, as well as a breakdown by each specific content area.
You will receive your results immediately upon completion of the exam. If you pass the exam, a certificate will be sent to you in 6–8 weeks.
If you do not pass the exam, a code to be used when scheduling your re-test will be printed on your score report. You may retake the exam 15 days following your initial exam and every 15 days following until successfully completed.
ACSM offer several certifications for fitness and clinical professionals and specialty certifications for those already certified by an NCCA-accredited organization. For a list of certifications, visit certification.acsm.org.
Yes, the ACSM Certified Health Fitness SpecialistSM exam is available in English at any Pearson VUE® Authorized Test Center worldwide. Please visit PearsonVUE.com/ACSM/locate for international testing centers.
The ACSM Certified Health Fitness SpecialistSM exam is now available in Japanese and German. Candidates in Japan must purchase an exam voucher through the Japan Fitness Association by contacting 03-3818-6939 or e-mailing ACSM@jafa-net.or.jp. Candidates in Germany may purchase an exam voucher through DVGS by e-mailing info@pro-movere.de.
