ACSM CEP case studies
ACSM CEP · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist (ACSM-CEP) is one of the four core certifications offered by the American College of Sports Medicine, listed alongside the Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Exercise Physiologist credentials. It is built for professionals who assist patients in a clinical setting rather than for general fitness coaching, and it sits within a portfolio that also includes six specialty certificate programs for certifying professionals who want to extend their skillset. Candidates are typically exercise science graduates and practicing clinical exercise professionals who assess, monitor, and supervise exercise for people with chronic disease and other clinical conditions. The exam follows the clinical workflow end to end: clinical assessment and risk stratification, exercise testing, exercise prescription, exercise program implementation and supervision, and behavior change, safety, and professional practice. The ACSM CEP case studies are 5 cases and about 2,869 words.
1The HIIT Request From a Patient With Type 2 Diabetes
Robert, 58, works 10-hour days at a desk and has not exercised regularly in 15 years. He has type 2 diabetes diagnosed 6 years ago (A1c 7.4%) and hypertension treated with lisinopril (BP today 138/86).
615 words, about 3 min2Exercise ECG With Left Bundle Branch Block
Diane, 62, has had three weeks of exertional breathlessness and fatigue climbing stairs, without chest pain. Her resting ECG shows sinus rhythm at 72 bpm with a left bundle branch block.
540 words, about 3 min3New Exercise Program After Anterior STEMI With Reduced Ejection Fraction
Alan, 70, is three months post anterior STEMI treated with PCI and a drug-eluting stent to the LAD. Echocardiography shows an ejection fraction of 30%, and he is NYHA class II.
540 words, about 3 min4Morning Triage in Phase II Cardiac Rehabilitation
in a supervised phase II cardiac rehabilitation gym. You are the only exercise physiologist on the floor, working with one nurse.
601 words, about 3 min5The Patient Who Says She Hates Exercise
Maria, 47, was referred after a routine visit found an A1c of 6.2% and a BMI of 34. She works two jobs and cares for two children.
573 words, about 3 min