The CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ provides Qualified Exercise Professionals with the background knowledge and practical considerations necessary for working with individuals during the perinatal period.
The evidence-informed content of the Specialization will support Qualified Exercise Professionals to actively encourage a physically active lifestyle in their clients prior to conception, throughout pregnancy, and into the postpartum period. Recognizing that exercise prescription in the postpartum period is distinct from both pregnancy and the general non-pregnant population, the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ online course and comprehensive manual will guide the Qualified Exercise Professional through tailored recommendations specific to this population.
Eligibility - CSEP Certified Members
All CSEP certified members in good standing are eligible to pursue the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™. To earn the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™, CSEP certified members must successfully challenge a 60-question Theory Exam.
How to become a CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialist™
- Apply to challenge the exam ($200 fee* includes exam)
- Review the Core Competencies and prepare for the exam with the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ Recommended Resources.
- Challenge the theory exam (requires a score of 70% or higher)
- Register as a CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialist™ (no fee)
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*Re-test fees may apply
Eligibility - All other Qualified Exercise Professionals
Individuals who are not certified with CSEP may be eligible to obtain the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™.
Prerequisites
All individuals who are not CSEP certified must meet the following prerequisites:
- Completion of at least 60 credits (2-years) of study at a post-secondary institution in the field of exercise science, health and fitness, Kinesiology, etc.
- Proof of insurance coverage to practice as a personal trainer, Kinesiologist, exercise physiologist, etc. (see FAQs for minimum required coverage)
To earn the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™, Qualified Exercise Professionals not certified with CSEP must successfully:
- Complete the online modules (these can be purchased during application or prior to applying)
- Challenge a 60-question theory exam
How to become a CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialist™
- Apply to challenge the exam and register for the online modules. ($300 application fee* includes exam; with the option to bundle the modules with the application for a discounted rate).
- Review Core Competencies, complete the online modules, and prepare for the exams with the additional CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ Recommended Resources.
- Challenge the theory exam (requires a score of 70% or higher).
- Register as a CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialist™ for the minimal registration fee of $65 to complete the process.
APPLY NOW
*includes first exam attempt, re-test fees may apply
Specialization Benefits
CSEP Certified Member Benefits:
- List CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ in your member profile and have it searchable in the member database for clients to find you
Benefits for Non-Certified Individuals:
- Receive monthly newsletter - Gold Standard News
- Receive monthly newsletter - Communique
- Preferred pricing on Online Learning, Conference Registration
- and more...
The Exam
All CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ candidates must challenge the Theory Exam, which will demonstrate they have the appropriate knowledge in the core competency areas. The Theory Exam is a 60-question, 120-minute, multiple choice exam. It is hosted by PearsonVUE - an independent, third-party testing company with centres across Canada, as well as online.
The exam sitting fee is $200.00 (plus tax) and is included in your application fee. The required passing score is 70%.
The exam content is broken down over the following areas of knowledge:
- Physiological Adaptions to Pregnancy
- Fertility, Preconception Care, and Prenatal Care
- Common Pregnancy Complications
- Myths, Guidelines, and Exercise Pre-participation
- Exercise Types & Progression, Labour & Delivery and the Postpartum Period
- Promotion of Active Living Across the Pre & Postnatal Periods
A full breakdown of the Core Competency areas of the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ can be found here.
CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ Recommended Resources
Manual - Exercise During the Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
This manual will you give the knowledge required to be confident while working with pregnant individuals and will help prepare you to challenge the CSEP Pre and Postnatal Exercise Specialization™. Topics covered in the manual include:
- Maternal Physiological Adaptations During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period
- Pregnancy Complications
- Components of a Healthy Pregnancy
- Common Pregnancy Complications
- Myths and Misconceptions About Exercise
- Trimester-By-Trimester Exercise Progression
- and more...
Pricing (Print Copy): $55.00 | Digital Download (ebook): $55.00
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Preparation Modules
Individuals who are not CSEP certified must successfully complete all CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ Modules. There are 4 modules covering the following topics:
- Physiological Adaptions
- Exercise During Pregnancy - Guidelines, Myths, and Misconceptions
- Exercise During Pregnancy - Trimester by Trimester
- Labour, Delivery, and the Postpartum Period
Length: approximately 17 hours
CSEP PDCs: 18
Introductory Prices (for six-month subscription): CSEP Members: $200.00 | Non-members: $300.00
Purchase the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ Course Pack now and take advantage of a discounted rate.
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Modules can be purchased individually as well. Note: all non-CSEP certified individuals interested in challenging the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ exam MUST show proof of successful completion of ALL modules, before they will be able to challenge the theory exam.
Breakdown of Preparation Modules Content
Module 1: Physiological Adaptations
- Section 1: Development of the Fetus
- Section 2: Maternal Adaptations to Pregnancy
- Section 3: How Pregnancy Affects Future Health
- Section 4: Developmental Origins of Health and Disease
Total run time: 2 hours
CSEP PDCs: 5
Introductory Prices: CSEP Members: $75.00 | Non-Members: $90.00
*Pricing subject to change
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Module 2: Exercise in Pregnancy - Guidelines, Myths, and Misconceptions
- Section 1: Myths and Misconceptions
- Section 2: History of Exercise Guidelines and New Guideline Development
- Section 3: Contraindications to Exercise
- Section 4: Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy
Total run time: 1.5 hours
CSEP PDCs: 4
Introductory Prices: CSEP Members: $60.00 | Non-Members: $85.00
*Pricing subject to change
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Module 3: Exercise During Pregnancy - Trimester by Trimester
- Section 1: 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy
- Section 2: Exercise Adaptations
- Section 3: Pregnant Athletes, Resistance Training, and Types of Exercise
- Section 4: Trimester by Trimester Modifications for Exercise
Total run time: 1.5 hours
CSEP PDCs: 4
Introductory Prices (for six-month subscription): CSEP Members: $60.00 | Non-Members: $85.00
*Pricing subject to change
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Module 4: Labour, Delivery, and the Postpartum Period
- Section 1: Sleep and Sedentary Time During Pregnancy
- Section 2: Labour and Delivery
- Section 3: Physiological Changes in the Postpartum Period
- Section 4: Future Chronic Disease Risks and Role of Physical Activity
- Section 5: Behaviour Change and the Promotion of Active Living in the Prenatal and Postpartum Periods
Total running time: 2 hours
CSEP PDCs: 5
Introductory Prices: CSEP Members: $75.00 | Non-Members: $90.00
*Introductory pricing, subject to change
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2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy
The 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy outlines the right amount of physical activity women should get throughout pregnancy to promote maternal, fetal, and neonatal health. Pregnant individuals should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week over a minimum of three-days per week.
To download the guidelines and learn more about them and the additional resources supporting them visit the 2019 Canadian Guideline for Physical Activity throughout Pregnancy webpage.
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™?
- Online Preparation Modules: Please visit csep.ca/onlinelearning for all pricing
- Application and Theory Exam: CSEP Members $200 | Non-members $300
- Manual - Exercise During the Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Print edition $55.00 | E-book $55.00
How do you take the Theory Exam?
Is there a Practical Exam?
No. The CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ is obtained by successfully completing the 60-question, multiple-choice theory exam. There is no practical exam for the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™.
As a CSEP Certified Member, how do you maintain your CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™?
The CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ renews annually with your CSEP certified membership. There are no additional fees or professional development required to renew the Specialization. CSEP members' comprehensive CSEP Professional and General Liability Insurance remains unchanged.
As a non-CSEP Certified individual, how do you maintain your CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™?
By March 31 each year, individuals who are not CSEP certified will need to complete the following to maintain their CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™.
- Pay the $275* renewal fee
- Provide proof of continuing insurance coverage to practice
*prices subject to change
Insurance Coverage requirements for non-CSEP certified individuals with the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™
CSEP is not providing professional liability insurance coverage for non-CSEP certified individuals to practice. Individuals are responsible for obtaining their own insurance coverage and must provide proof of this coverage at the time of application and each year upon renewal. The insurance must provide the following minimal levels of coverage:
Professional Liability - $4,000,000 per claim | $6,000,000 per year
Legal Expense Coverage - $100,000 per claim | $100,000 per year
Criminal Defense Reimbursement - $100,000 per claim | $100,000 per year
Commercial General Liability - $5,000,000 per occurance | $5,000,000 per year
Are PDCs require to maintain the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™?
No. You will however, need to earn your required CSEP-CPT or CSEP-CEP Professional Development Credits (PDCs) in order to hold the CSEP Pre & Postnatal Exercise Specialization™ designation.
Is there a maximum number of attempt at the Theory Exam?
Please consult the CSEP Certification Exam Attempts Policy