In order to qualify for the Exercise Physiologist certification (EPC) exam, you must either have (a) an academic degree (BS or MS) with a major in exercise physiology, or (b) an academic degree with a major in exercise science, kinesiology, sport science, human performance, or a related degree, and grade of "C" or better in seven out of nine specific courses. The nine courses are exercise physiology, fitness assessment, exercise metabolism, kinesiology, research design, biomechanics, environmental physiology, nutrition, and exercise in special populations. You will want to take this exam as soon as possible after completing your highest degree. This exam is completed online. As such, it can be taken anytime throughout the year. In order to take the EPC exam, you must have a current ASEP membership. Memberships cost $175 annually, and can be obtained through the ASEP website. Select the appropriate membership level (student, professional, fellow, international, or affiliate), fill out the form, and pay the fee. As it stands currently, graduates of both ASEP accredited and non-ASEP accredited programs may register and take the EPC exam. However, as stated above, you do need to meet certain academic requirements. Submit your transcripts through the ASEP website. It may take up to 48 hours for approval. Once you are a current member of ASEP and your transcripts have been approved, you can register to take the exam. You will be required to pay a fee of $300, however, graduates of ASEP-accredited programs will be eligible to take the exam at a discounted fee of $50. Prepare for the exam by reviewing what you learned in school. If you graduated from an ASEP-accredited program, you will have been perfectly prepared for this test. If your program was not ASEP-accredited, you may need to do some topic-specific studying. According to the ASEP website, the exam covers the following 8 areas: Exercise physiology: 72 questions (36%) Cardiac rehabilitation: 37 questions (18.5%) Exercise metabolism and regulation: 23 questions (11.5%) Kinesiology: 21 questions (10.5%) Research: 13 questions (6.5%) Sports biomechanics: 12 questions (6%) Environmental exercise physiology: 12 questions (6%) Sports nutrition: 10 questions (5%) The EPC exam is an online test that you can take wherever you decide. The most important factor when selecting a location is a steady, trustworthy, high-speed internet connection. Next, you'll want a place that is free from distraction, and where you stay for the four hours needed to complete the exam. The test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. You are allotted four hours in which to complete the exam. Each multiple choice item consists of a "stem" (which includes factual data or describes a situation) and four answer choices. You will select the best answer for each one. You should have a pencil, some scratch paper, and a calculator handy for the exam. Results will post immediately upon completion. They will also be sent to the email address on file in the member profile. Once you have passed, you are officially a board-certified exercise physiologist. As a board-certified exercise physiologist, you will have no trouble finding work. As a matter of fact, this is a rapidly growing field. Through your membership with ASEP and your board certification, you can search for job openings by logging into the ASEP member area. By virtue of your certification, you are not only eligible, but quite desirable for almost any position in this field.
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One-sentence summary -- Ensure that you are qualified. Become a member of ASEP. Submit your transcripts. Register for the EPC exam and pay the fee. Prepare for the exam. Choose a good location. Take the exam. Finding work.

. In order to help you keep track of the triggers that cause your digestive problems, keep a detailed diary that includes what you ate each day, what medications you took, what activities you participated in, and what significant events occurred. Keep track of any digestive issues you experience each day as well. Once you do this for a while, you may start to notice patterns. Common foods that trigger digestive problems include dairy, coffee, and carbonated beverages. Fruit juices can be a common trigger as well. Foods with high amounts of simple sugars are osmotically active and pull water into the bowel, causing diarrhea. This is especially seen in children. . In order to avoid introducing unhealthy bacteria into your digestive system, make sure to always thoroughly wash your hands with warm water and soap after you use the bathroom and before you eat. You can prevent food poisoning by thoroughly cooking meat and eggs, washing produce, storing all foods at the proper temperature, checking expiration dates, and avoiding unpasteurized dairy products and cider. . Stress can trigger digestive issues for many people, so try to combat it by pursuing relaxing hobbies. Yoga and meditation are relaxing for many people, but if these don't appeal to you, you can choose any hobby that helps you feel relaxed. . Getting your body moving can help stimulate digestion. Try taking a short walk after you eat. Exercise is also important to help you maintain a healthy weight, which is important for optimal digestive health. Aerobic exercises like running and dancing are great for relieving constipation. Certain yoga poses, especially twists and forward bends, which massage the digestive organs, can help improve digestion. Give yourself some time to digest before engaging in any strenuous exercises, or you might experience symptoms like bloating and cramping. . In addition to the many other known health risks, smoking can cause or aggravate a variety of digestive issues, including heartburn, GERD, Crohn's disease, pancreatitis, gallstones, colon polyps, and peptic ulcers. Smoking also increases the risk of many different cancers of the digestive system, like colon and liver cancers. You may experience immediate relief from some of your digestive ailments when you quit smoking. Your risk of developing chronic digestive conditions will also decrease over time after you quit. If your digestive problems are severe or if they don't improve at all with diet and lifestyle changes, you may have a medical condition that requires treatment, so see your doctor. You should make an appointment right away if you have any of the following symptoms: Persistent diarrhea Persistent or severe abdominal pain Bloody stools Changes in the color or frequency of stools Unintended weight loss Chest pain
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One-sentence summary --
Keep a journal Wash your hands Avoid contaminated food. Reduce stress Exercise Quit smoking Seek medical help for persistent problems.