AE-C

At a glance

Why it matters for an EP

Exercise is part of asthma management, and EPs already teach breathing, pacing, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction strategies. AE-C formalizes that. EP and ACSM-CEP aren't on NBRC's list by themselves, so it's a perfect example of credential stacking: earn one credential and it opens another.

Who this fits

• EPs who hold or plan to earn RPFT/CPFT or CHES
• EPs in pulmonary rehab, pediatrics, schools, or community health

Eligibility routes

Meet one route:

1. Credential route: Hold a current, active, unrestricted U.S. license or credential on NBRC's list. The ones most reachable for EPs are RPFT, CPFT, and CHES. The list also includes MD/DO, PA-C, RN/LPN/NP, RRT/CRT, RPh, CSW, PT, OT, EMT/AEMT, paramedic, and CCC-SLP.
2. Experience route: At least 1,000 hours of direct patient asthma education, counseling, or coordinating services before applying. This route uses a paper application and payment sent to NBRC.

Your step-by-step path

1. Choose your route. For most EPs that means earning RPFT/CPFT (pages 1–2) or CHES (page 9) first.
2. If you're using the 1,000-hour route, log hours with dates and supervisor sign-off.
3. Study the AE-C content outline; the self-assessment exam is worth it.
4. Apply (online for the credential route, paper for the hours route).
5. Pass the exam.

Watch-outs

• Exercise sessions with people who have asthma aren't automatically "asthma education" hours.
• At 3.5 hours, this is a long exam, so build stamina with full-length practice.

Pairs well with

• RPFT/CPFT: the most direct gateway
• CHES: the health education gateway

Official sources

• NBRC — AE-C
• NBRC — Why AE-C
• NBRC Candidate Handbook (Sept 2026)