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What is an Exercise Physiologist?

Updated: Feb 10, 2022

Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs)


AEPs are university qualified allied health professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and competencies to design, deliver and evaluate safe and effective exercise interventions for people with acute, sub-acute or chronic medical conditions, injuries or disabilities. Pathology domains covered by the services of AEPs include cardiovascular, metabolic, neurological, musculoskeletal, cancers, kidney, respiratory / pulmonary and mental health, and any other conditions for which there is evidence that exercise can improve the client’s clinical status.


Exercise & Sports Science Australia is the peak professional body and sole accrediting authority for Accredited Exercise Physiologists. #ESSA is also the accrediting body for Accredited Exercise Scientists, Accredited Sports Scientists and Accredited High Performance Managers.



To gain #AEP accreditation with ESSA an individual must:

  • Graduate from a minimum 4 years of study in an ESSA accredited course meeting the AQF requirements for Level 7 that leads to bachelor degree qualifications

  • Meet the professional standards for exercise science, leading to accreditation as an Accredited Exercise Scientist (AES)*, including 140 hours of practical experience for the purpose of undertaking an exercise intervention to improve health and fitness, wellbeing or performance, or focus on prevention of chronic conditions

  • Meet the professional standards for exercise physiology, including 360 hours of practical experience with clients with clinical conditions (eg. cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neurological)

AEPs are dual accredited, holding the foundational accreditation of AES in addition to their AEP status.


To maintain accreditation with ESSA, an AEP is required to:

  • Hold and maintain a valid first aid and CPR certificate

  • Hold and maintain appropriate professional indemnity insurance

  • Complete an annual continuing professional program comprising 20 points per annum

  • Uphold the ESSA Code of Professional Conduct and Ethical Practice


AEPs work in a number of environments, including but not limited to:

  • Injury prevention and #rehabilitation

  • Within private and multidisciplinary clinics

  • Public and private hospitals settings

  • Primary, secondary and tertiary health care

  • Workplace health and rehabilitation

  • Ageing and aged care

  • Fitness centres, gymnasiums, business

  • Population health

  • Sporting settings 





Source: Exercise and Sports Science Australia

This also includes snapshot information on registration, fees, billing, GST, referrals and reporting. 

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