CSPS

At a glance

Why it matters for an EP

This is the bridge between the gym and healthcare. CSPS fits EPs in medical fitness, post-rehab, community programs, and private practice who work with clients that have obesity, diabetes, arthritis, cancer, and other conditions.

Who this fits

• EPs in medical fitness or community programs
• EPs who don't yet have the clinical hours for ACSM-CEP

Eligibility routes

1. One qualification: a bachelor's degree or higher in Exercise Science or a related field; a current PT, PTA, AT, or RD license; a current NSCA certification (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, or TSAC-F); or an NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification.
2. Current CPR/AED (proof due within a year if you don't have it at registration)
3. 250 hours of related practical experience on the CSPS Practical Experience Form, consistent with the CSPS scope of practice

Overlapping conditions can count in parallel. For example, one client with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and knee OA counts in three domains. Hours are subject to random audit.

Your step-by-step path

1. Confirm your degree qualifies.
2. Log 250 hours with client conditions, your role, and a supervisor.
3. Complete the Practical Experience Form.
4. Register, study, and pass with a scaled score of 70 or higher.

Watch-outs

• Keep supporting records. Audits happen.
• Hours must match the CSPS scope of practice, not general training.

Pairs well with

• ACSM-CEP: the clinical next step
• CSCS: programming depth

Official sources

• NSCA — CSPS prerequisites
• NSCA — CSPS
• NSCA — FAQ