National Physical Activity Society missionNational Physical Activity Society the nation's voice for physical activity in public health
Your ACSM/NSPAPPH PAPHS Certification is valid for three years.
PAPHS Recertification Information
What are the continuing education requirements?
Individuals who receive a passing score will be required to earn 45 continuing education credits specific to the ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist over a three-year period.
In order to renew your certification at the end of three years, you will need to meet the following minimum requirements:
1. Accumulate the required number of Continuing Education Credits (CECs), (see CEC requirements for your certification below).
2. Pay the required recertification fee
3. Or, you have the option to repeat the certification exam as long as you meet the current eligibility requirements (current exam prices apply)
How to Renew Your Certification
To complete the online recertification renewal form or go to: http://members.acsm.org/source/custom/online_Locator/certificationRenewal.cfm
Purpose of Recertification
The purpose of ACSM/NPAS recertification is to ensure that ACSM/NPAS PAPHS Certified Professionals enhance skills and knowledge above and beyond minimum competence. Periodic recertification occurs through the documentation of (and confirmation, when audited) of required continuing educational activities within the three-year period following successful passing of an ACSM/NPAS PAPHS certification exam.
Based on the results from the Job Task Analysis, along with a comprehensive review of recertification policies and procedures of similar credentials from other organizations conducted by ACSM, The core competencies board determined that three years is an appropriate duration for a certified professional’s window of recertification.
CEC Requirements and Recertification Fees
Certification Level CECs Required Recertification Fee
| Certification Level |
CECs Required |
Recert Fee |
| ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist |
45 |
$30 |
Random CEC Auditing Process
When you renew your certification, you are only required to acknowledge completion of the required continuing education credits, have current CPR certification and pay the required renewal fee. However, you must retain documented proof of all CECs for one year. Examples of documented proof include certificate copies, letters of attendance with CEC verification, transcripts, copy of first page of article or manuscript showing author, title, publication name, etc.
ACSM audits a percentage of randomly selected ACSM Recertification/Renewal Forms at each credential level every year. If audited, you will be required to provide documented proof of your CECs to the ACSM National Office within 30 days. If you are unable to provide documented proof within 30 days, your certification will be considered “inactive” and you will have one year to complete the recertification process by providing the documentation or by obtaining new CECs.
All audit paperwork will be reviewed for validity by the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Subcommittee. If all paperwork is complete and the appropriate number of CECs are earned, you will be notified that your credential is valid until your next recertification due date. If after submission of CECs, it is determined that some CECs are not applicable, an appropriate amount of time will be allowed for you to earn additional replacement CECs.
Continuing Education Credits Tracking Form
Certified professionals can use this paper CEC Tracking Form to keep track of CECs earned. This form is to be used for your own records and should not be sent to ACSM. You can also use our new online learning platform to manually enter the CECs you’ve earned. Again, this is for your records only and does not automatically renew your certification. You must still fill out the renewal form.
Can I use the same continuing education credits (CECs) to renew the specialty certification that I use to renew my ACSM certification?
CECs from an ACSM certification can also be applied for an ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist if the content covered in the course includes information covered in the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) of the specialty certification.
How do I renew my certification?
All ACSM Certifications are reviewed on a three-year basis. To renew your certification you will need to earn continuing education credits (45 credits for the ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist), and pay a nominal renewal fee. Click here for complete details on renewing your certification.
Can I earn continuing education credits for taking a specialty certification?
ACSM Certified Professionals can earn 10 ACSM CECs to apply for their current renewal cycle if they pass a specialty certification.