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ACSM-ACS-CES Exam Topics and Domains
ACSM-ACS-CES is organized into 7 weighted domains.
Cancer Biology, Epidemiology, Classification, and Screening
Cancer Biology Fundamentals
- Understand the biological mechanisms underlying cancer development and progression
- Differentiate between tumor types and classifications
Cancer Epidemiology
- Understand the epidemiology of the most common cancers
- Recognize the scope of cancer survivorship in the U.S.
Cancer Treatments and Procedures
Surgical Treatments
Understand the common surgical procedures used in cancer treatment and their implications for exercise
Chemotherapy
Understand the different classes of chemotherapy drugs and their side effect profiles
Radiation Therapy
Understand radiation therapy procedures and their localized and systemic effects
Hormonal Treatments
Understand hormonal treatment protocols and their effects on body composition, bone health, and exercise tolerance
Immunotherapy and Biological Targeted Treatments
Understand modern immunotherapy and targeted therapy approaches and their unique side effect profiles
Treatment Side Effects and Toxicities
Acute Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Identify and manage acute side effects of cancer treatments that impact exercise safety
Chronic and Late-Appearing Side Effects
Understand the acute, chronic, and late-appearing side effects of cancer treatments and their impacts on exercise prescription
Impact on Exercise Prescription
Apply appropriate modifications to exercise prescriptions based on treatment-related side effects and toxicities
Evidence Base for Exercise in Cancer
Exercise Benefits During Cancer Treatment
Understand the strength of the evidence on the benefits of exercise training during the cancer trajectory
Exercise Benefits in Cancer Survivorship
Understand the evidence for exercise benefits across the cancer survivorship continuum
Exercise Guidelines for Cancer Survivors
Apply current evidence-based exercise guidelines for cancer survivors in practice
Client Screening, Assessment, and Risk Stratification
Triage and Screening Systems
Understand how to screen clients using a triage system
Fitness Assessment
Assess fitness levels using appropriate protocols for cancer patients and survivors
Risk Stratification
Stratify risk to provide individual and safe exercise prescriptions
Exercise Prescription Design
Design and implement individualized exercise prescriptions based on assessment and risk stratification
Behavior Change and Motivation
Behavior Change Techniques
Understand the current behavior change techniques proven to help motivate people affected by cancer to become or stay active
Barriers and Facilitators
Identify barriers and incentives specific to cancer patients and survivors and develop strategies to overcome them
Practical Programming and Communication
Practical Programming Considerations
Understand practical programming factors to consider when working with patients and survivors of cancer
Communication Skills
Understand communication factors to consider when working with patients and survivors of cancer
How do I earn this certification?
Passing ACSM-ACS-CES earns the ACSM-ACS Cancer Exercise Specialist Certificate certification. It sits in the Exercise Oncology / Cancer Exercise track.
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How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for ACSM-ACS-CES is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2026-01-26
- Telehealth Exercise Delivery
- Cancer Exercise App
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Certified and other fitness professionals who work with those affected by cancer and Exercise Physiologists (ACSM-EP).
- Bachelor's degree in exercise science or related field or equivalent (highly recommended but not required)
- ACSM-EP (Exercise Physiologist) or ACSM-CEP (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) certification
- Experience as a certified fitness professional or allied health professional