To become CSEP certified, approved CSEP-CPT and CSEP-CEP candidates must successfully challenge a Theory Exam and Practical Exam. Practical Skill Review sessions offer candidates an opportunity to prepare to challenge the exams.

To register for a skills review or challenge the exams you must apply and receive confirmation that you are an approved candidate. Haven’t applied yet? Learn more and apply to become a CSEP-CPT or a CSEP-CEP.

IMPORTANT: Only the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) provides access to its approved study and examination preparation materials. CSEP does not have an agreement with any third party to provide practice exams or study material, for example on the website Exam Prep Hero. Valid and appropriate exam preparation materials can be found on the CSEP website and via the CSEP candidate password-protected area on csep.ca.

Theory Exams

The CSEP-CPT and CSEP-CEP Theory Exams are hosted by Pearson VUE. Approved candidates can take the computer-based exam at one of Pearson VUEs100 test centre locations throughout Canada or through Pearson VUE’s secure online proctoring platform.

Approved candidates will receive email communication with instructions and a link to book their exams.

Scheduling a Theory Exam:

  • Apply to be a CSEP-CPT or CSEP-CEP candidate

  • Purchase a Theory Exam attempt by following the directions in your application approval email

  • Special Exam Accommodations: Prior to scheduling your exam, candidates with diagnosed disabilities requiring special accommodations can contact memberships@csep.ca for more information.

  • CSEP-CPT Candidates: You need to own the CSEP-PATH® Resource Manual and use the unique registration code from the manual when purchasing your exam attempt.

Theory Exam Sitting Fees:
To successfully complete the Theory Exam candidates need to attain 70% or higher.

CSEP-CPT Theory Exam

Application Fee: $50 + tax
(NEW) Application Fee + Theory Exam: $205 + tax
First exam sitting: $165 + tax
Second (and subsequent) exam sitting: $110 + tax

CSEP-CEP Theory Exam

Application Fee: $55 + tax
(NEW) Application Fee + Theory Exam: $250 + tax
First exam sitting: $205 + tax
Second (and subsequent) exam sitting: $150 + tax

Upcoming Practical Skill Review and Practical Exams

NEW for CSEP-CPT Practical Exams:
CSEP-CPT Practical Exams are now being offered VIRTUALLY through Zoom with CSEP-CPT Instructor-Examiners, from the comfort of your home while respecting social distancing and the recommendations of the public health authorities. For more information on the format of these exams, approved candidates can read about what to expect on the pinned post in the CSEP Candidate workspace through their account on portal.csep.ca.

Where allowed and respecting public health restrictions, CSEP-CPT Practical Exams are being offered in-person once again. Given that the phase of re-opening varies across the country from province to province, and even within provinces, in-person exams may not be approved in all areas and therefore availability of in-person events may be limited. Any in-person events will be listed below under In-Person opportunities by province.

CSEP-CEP Practical Exams:
Where allowed and respecting public health restrictions, CSEP-CEP Practical Exams are being offered IN-PERSON. Given that the phase of re-opening varies across the country from province to province, and even within provinces, in-person exams may not be approved in all areas and therefore availability of in-person events may be limited. Any in-person events will be listed below under In-Person opportunities by province.

Only CSEP-CEP candidates who have successfully passed their CSEP-CEP theory exam are eligible to take the practical exam in the virtual format.

CSEP-CEP Practical Exam VIRTUAL opportunities are now available through Zoom with CSEP-CEP Instructor-Examiners, from the comfort of your home while respecting social distancing and the recommendations of the public health authorities. Individuals who are interested in taking advantage of the virtual exam opportunity MUST have an individual available within their allowed “bubble” to act as the ‘client’ during the exam. This is a limited time opportunity.

If you have any questions about this, please contact memberships@csep.ca.

You need to apply and be an approved candidate to register for a Practical Exam or Practical Skill Review session. As an approved candidate, you will receive the Candidate Newsletter featuring tips and upcoming certification event information.

Practical exams are run in various cities across Canada by CSEP Instructor-Examiners (IE) and scheduled in part based on candidate demand. Depending on your location, you may need to travel to complete an in-person Practical Exam. While practical skill review sessions are not a required step to becoming certified some practical exam events include a Skill Review session in their price.

More Information

There are no refunds for the application fee, Practical Skills Review Sessions, Practical Exams, and Theory Exams.

See the CSEP Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for additional information.