CSEP-CPT Theory study plan
CSEP-CPT Theory · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 1 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 2
Define and differentiate the core subdisciplines of human kinetics (anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, motor behavior, exercise physiology, sport psychology) with a one-sentence summary of each
Identify the major bones, joints, and muscle groups of the axial and appendicular skeleton and describe their primary actions
Explain the sliding filament theory and the role of ATP in muscle contraction at a level suitable for a client explanation
Calculate and interpret basic joint angle and lever arm examples to demonstrate biomechanical advantage
Your checkpoint
Create a two-page annotated concept map linking anatomical structures to their biomechanical functions, with at least 15 correctly labeled connections.
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 1 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 2
Compare the three energy systems (phosphagen, glycolytic, oxidative) in terms of rate, capacity, and substrate use
Describe the acute cardiovascular and respiratory responses to incremental exercise
Explain the FITT-VP principle and apply it to design a basic cardiorespiratory session for a beginner
Interpret a simple VO2max estimation from a submaximal test and identify its assumptions
Your checkpoint
Write a 500-word client handout explaining how the body produces energy during exercise and why intensity matters, checked against at least three peer-reviewed sources.
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 3 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 4
Differentiate health-related and skill-related components of physical fitness and give one field test for each
Administer and score at least three fitness assessments (e.g., 3-minute step test, push-up test, sit-and-reach) on a volunteer
Identify contraindications and safety precautions for common fitness assessments
Apply risk stratification and pre-participation screening logic to two hypothetical client scenarios
Your checkpoint
Complete a fitness assessment report for one volunteer including raw scores, normative comparisons, and two client-friendly recommendations.
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 3 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 4
Design a 4-week progressive resistance training program for a novice using the principles of overload, specificity, and variation
Explain the role of flexibility and mobility training in injury prevention and performance
List and describe at least five common screening movements (e.g., overhead squat, gait assessment) and their key observations
Evaluate a sample training program for adherence to frequency, intensity, time, type, volume, and progression guidelines
Your checkpoint
Produce a complete 4-week novice resistance training program with exercise selection, sets, reps, rest, and progression rules, plus a one-page rationale.
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 5 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 6
Explain the stages of change model and apply it to two client scenarios with different readiness levels
Describe the components of a balanced diet and the role of macronutrients and micronutrients in exercise performance
Identify reliable sources of nutrition information and debunk three common nutrition myths with evidence
Outline the legal and ethical responsibilities of a fitness professional regarding scope of practice and informed consent
Your checkpoint
Create a two-page client education sheet on behavior change and nutrition basics, reviewed against at least two reputable guidelines (e.g., national dietary guidelines).
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 5 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 6
Describe the physiological and psychological benefits of exercise for mental health and stress management
Apply motivational interviewing techniques (open questions, affirmations, reflections, summaries) in a role-play with a peer
Explain the principles of exercise adherence and design two strategies to improve long-term compliance
Identify common barriers to physical activity for special populations (older adults, youth, individuals with chronic conditions) and propose modifications
Your checkpoint
Record and self-assess a 10-minute mock client consultation using a behavior change checklist; submit a reflection on strengths and areas for improvement.
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 1 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 2 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 3 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 4 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 5 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 6
Synthesize content from all six domains by creating a comprehensive one-page study summary for each domain
Complete 60 practice multiple-choice questions across all domains, targeting at least 75% accuracy
Review and correct all missed practice questions by writing a brief explanation for each correct answer
Revisit the two lowest-scoring domains and create flashcards for key concepts
Your checkpoint
Submit a practice exam score report with a log of incorrect answers and corrected explanations.
Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 1 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 2 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 3 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 4 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 5 & Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness and Health Promotion or Exercise Science core competency area 6
Complete a full-length timed mock exam under test-like conditions and achieve at least 80% overall
Review all flagged and incorrect items and map each to its domain for targeted review
Recite key formulas, definitions, and guidelines from memory in a rapid-fire self-quiz
Finalize a one-page exam-day strategy sheet covering pacing, question interpretation, and stress management
Your checkpoint
Achieve a passing score on the full-length mock exam and submit the completed strategy sheet.
Milestones
Week 2: Score at least 70% on a 20-question quiz covering Domains 1 and 2, and correctly explain the energy systems to a study partner without notes.
Week 4: Complete a fitness assessment and a 4-week program design that a peer reviewer rates as fully meeting FITT-VP and safety criteria.
Week 6: Demonstrate behavior change counseling techniques in a role-play assessed with a checklist, achieving at least 4 of 5 key skills.
Week 8: Pass the full-length mock exam with a score of 80% or higher and show a completed error log with domain mapping.