CSEP-CEP Practical EXAM
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
What are the 5 circumference points? - ans- Arm (midpoint between acromian and olecranon)
- Waist (midpoint of iliac crest and ribs)
- Hip (furthest protrusion of glutes)
- Thigh (midpoint of inguinal crease and patella)
- Calf (furthest protrusion)
Describe the pros and cons of skinfold measurements - ansPros: accurate for leaner subjects,
multiple equations for different populations
Cons: high rate of user error, taking repeated measurements can increase error, can be
impacted by physical activity (level of water in muscles)/ environment (cold/hot weather),
shouldn't be used for obese clients
Describe skinfold protocol - ansExplain the purpose of the test
Explain the test procedures
Measure skinfolds on right side of body at eye level
Lift fold 1 cm above desired site, place calipers directly over desired site
Position calipers perpendicular to site of measurement
Administer 2 trials within 1mm
Measure skinfolds in rotational order
DO NOT REMOVE FINGERS PINCHING WHILE MEASURING
What are the 7 skinfold sites? - ans- Tricep (midpoint of acromian and olecranon)
- Bicep (belly of bicep)
- Scapula (3cm inferior)
- Waist (3cm superior of iliac crest)
- Stomach (3cm lateral and 1cm inferior of belly)
- Thigh (midpoint of inguinal crease and prox patella)
- Calf (widest medial point)
Describe the pros and cons of bioelectrical impedance - ansPros: easy to use, fairly reliable,
quick results
Cons: can be impacted by client age, water level, cannot be used with people with
pacemakers
Describe the pros and cons of DEXA - ansPros: very reliable, can highlight fat distribution
Cons: movement may disrupt image, expensive, exposure to radiation
Describe the process of taking BP - ans1. Locate and palpate radial pulse
2. Close valve and increase pressure to 70 mmHg
3. Slowly increase pressure further until pulse disappears
4. Position earpieces of stethoscope in line with auditory canals
5. Place diaphragm of stethoscope over brachial pulse
6. Close valve and increase pressure to 20-30 mmHg above systolic estimate
7. Release pressure slowly
8. Note pressure of first Korotkoff sound (systolic)
9. Note measurement of Phase V diastolic pressure
10. Continue deflating cuff for at least 10 mmHg.
11. Continue listening for further sounds
12. Record Systolic and Diastolic values
,CSEP-CEP Practical EXAM
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
13. Repeat and compare to 1st trial
14. Correctly classify resting blood pressure
What are the stages of BP? - ansNormal - <120/<80
Prehypertension - 120-139/80-89
Stage 1- 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 - > 160/100
Hypertensive crisis >180/110
Describe the normal and abnormal HR response to exercise - ansNormal: increase in HR
depending on what type of exercise
Abnormal: sudden increase in HR, increase in HR with no increase in CO
Describe the normal and abnormal BP response to exercise - ansNormal: increase in systolic
BP and a slight increase in diastolic BP
Abnormal: no increase in BP, severe hypotension post exercise, large increase in DBP
What is mean arterial pressure? - ansAverage pressure in arteries during one cardiac cycle
(65-110)
5 lead EKG - ansGreen - right lower ribs
White - right inferior to clavicle
Black - left inferior to clavicle
Red - left lower ribs
Brown - 4th intercostal space
Signs of an MI on a ECG? - ansDownsloping ST segment and pathologic Q waves
What are the segments of the EKG? - ansQRS complex - ventricular depolarization
P - atrial depolarization
T - ventricular repolarization
ST segment - time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization
Length of: QRS complex, PR interval, QT interval, RR interval - ansPR - 0.12-0.2
QRS - 0.08-0.1
QT - 0.4-0.43
RR - 0.6-1
What are some normal ECG changes during exercise? - ansDecreased R-R interval
P wave magnitude increase
Decreased PR interval
What are the time frames of the boxes on an ECG? - ansSmall box is 0.04 seconds
Big box is 0.2 seconds
Describe the process of Spirometry - ans1. Breathe normally
2. Inspire completely and rapidly with a pause of ≤2 s at TLC
3. Expire with max effort until no air can be expelled while maintaining upright posture
4. Inspire with maximal effort until completely full
5. Repeat instructions as necessary, coaching vigorously
6. Repeat for a minimum of 3 maneuvers, usually no more than 8 for adults
Contraindications for Spirometry - ans- MI/eye/sinus/ear surgery within 1-week
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Significant arrhythmia
,CSEP-CEP Practical EXAM
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
- Recent concussion
- Late term pregnancy
- Syncope related to expiration/coughing
- Avoid vaping/smoking/exercise within 1 hour
- Avoid intoxicants 8 hours prior
What is FVC? - ansForced vital capacity, total volume the patient can force ably exhale in
one breath
What is FEV1? - ansForced expiratory volume in 1 second
What is the difference between the 2 largest values in Spirometry testing? - ansFVC -
<0.150L
FEV1 - <0.150L
What can the client not do during Spirometry testing? - ansCannot cough during expiration
Normal breaths per minute - ans12-16
What are the cut points for: TLC, RV, ERV, IRV, TV? - ansTLC: 6L
RV: 1.2L
ERV: 0.7-1.2L
IRV: 1.9-3.3L
TV: 0.5L
Tidal volume and size - ansAmount of air moving in and out of lungs in a normal breath
(500mL)
Inspiratory reserve volume and size - ansAmount of air that can be inhaled following a
normal inhalation (1900-3200mL)
Expiratory reserve volume and size - ansAmount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a
normal breath (700-1000mL)
Residual volume and size - ansAir remaining in lungs that prevents collapse (1200mL)
Forced vital capacity - ansVolume of gas that can be exhaled as forcefully and rapidly as
possible after a maximal inspiration
Vital capacity - ansTV + IRV + ERV
Inspiratory capacity - ansTV + IRV
Functional Residual Capacity - ansRV + ERV
What is the order of fitness tests that should be used? - ansNon-fatiguing tests
Agility tests
Max power tests
Sprint tests
Local muscular endurance tests
Anaerobic tests
Aerobic tests
What are some common functional fitness tests? - ans8 foot up and go
30 second arm curl
Grip strength
10 m walk test
1 foot balance
6 minute walk test
, CSEP-CEP Practical EXAM
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
What are some contraindications of performing an exercise stress test? - ansAcute MI (4
days)
Unstable angina
Brady/tachycardia or other abnormal rhythms
Acute myo/pericarditis
What are some reasons for stopping an exercise test? - ansHR exceeds 85% of age predicted
max
Abnormal heart rhythms or response to exercise
Tester feels the need to stop
Patient feels the need to stop
Patient feels dizzy, lightheaded, faint
Hypertensive crisis (220/115) or abnormal response to exercise
What is the anaerobic threshhold? - ansPoint where the body switches from aerobic to
anaerobic metabolism
How to identify the anaerobic threshhold? - ansBlood lactate levels (will suddenly spike)
RER level (>1.1 is maximal effort)
Ventilatory threshhold (increases rapidly compared to O2 consumption)
Give examples of anaerobic capacity tests - ansWingate test
300 yard shuttle
RAST
60 yard shuttle
What is the ventilatory threshold? - ansPoint where ventilation rises rapidly compared to O2
consumed
VCO2/VO2 - ans- ventilation of CO2 and O2, can be used to estimate anaerobic threshold
- CO2 will peak past O2 at threshold
What is O2 saturation? - ansComparison of O2 saturated hemoglobin vs total hemoglobin in
blood
95-99%
What is the VO2 reserve method? - ansSimilar to the heart rate reserve method
Correlates well with HRR
VO2 reserve = ((VO max - resting VO2) x % of target) + resting VO2
What is the HRR method? - ansKarvonen method
HRR = ((MHR - RHR) x training %) + RHR
Used to determine intensity
Describe the Bruce Protocol - ans- 3 minute stages that increase in grade and speed; goal is to
achieve steady state HR
- Completed when stopping criteria is met
Measure - HR / RPE every minute
BP at end of each stage
Scored - minutes of completion
Describe the Balke Protocol - ans- 1-minute stages of constant speed that increase in grade
(3mph F / 3.3mph M)
- Completed when stopping criteria is met
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
What are the 5 circumference points? - ans- Arm (midpoint between acromian and olecranon)
- Waist (midpoint of iliac crest and ribs)
- Hip (furthest protrusion of glutes)
- Thigh (midpoint of inguinal crease and patella)
- Calf (furthest protrusion)
Describe the pros and cons of skinfold measurements - ansPros: accurate for leaner subjects,
multiple equations for different populations
Cons: high rate of user error, taking repeated measurements can increase error, can be
impacted by physical activity (level of water in muscles)/ environment (cold/hot weather),
shouldn't be used for obese clients
Describe skinfold protocol - ansExplain the purpose of the test
Explain the test procedures
Measure skinfolds on right side of body at eye level
Lift fold 1 cm above desired site, place calipers directly over desired site
Position calipers perpendicular to site of measurement
Administer 2 trials within 1mm
Measure skinfolds in rotational order
DO NOT REMOVE FINGERS PINCHING WHILE MEASURING
What are the 7 skinfold sites? - ans- Tricep (midpoint of acromian and olecranon)
- Bicep (belly of bicep)
- Scapula (3cm inferior)
- Waist (3cm superior of iliac crest)
- Stomach (3cm lateral and 1cm inferior of belly)
- Thigh (midpoint of inguinal crease and prox patella)
- Calf (widest medial point)
Describe the pros and cons of bioelectrical impedance - ansPros: easy to use, fairly reliable,
quick results
Cons: can be impacted by client age, water level, cannot be used with people with
pacemakers
Describe the pros and cons of DEXA - ansPros: very reliable, can highlight fat distribution
Cons: movement may disrupt image, expensive, exposure to radiation
Describe the process of taking BP - ans1. Locate and palpate radial pulse
2. Close valve and increase pressure to 70 mmHg
3. Slowly increase pressure further until pulse disappears
4. Position earpieces of stethoscope in line with auditory canals
5. Place diaphragm of stethoscope over brachial pulse
6. Close valve and increase pressure to 20-30 mmHg above systolic estimate
7. Release pressure slowly
8. Note pressure of first Korotkoff sound (systolic)
9. Note measurement of Phase V diastolic pressure
10. Continue deflating cuff for at least 10 mmHg.
11. Continue listening for further sounds
12. Record Systolic and Diastolic values
,CSEP-CEP Practical EXAM
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
13. Repeat and compare to 1st trial
14. Correctly classify resting blood pressure
What are the stages of BP? - ansNormal - <120/<80
Prehypertension - 120-139/80-89
Stage 1- 140-159/90-99
Stage 2 - > 160/100
Hypertensive crisis >180/110
Describe the normal and abnormal HR response to exercise - ansNormal: increase in HR
depending on what type of exercise
Abnormal: sudden increase in HR, increase in HR with no increase in CO
Describe the normal and abnormal BP response to exercise - ansNormal: increase in systolic
BP and a slight increase in diastolic BP
Abnormal: no increase in BP, severe hypotension post exercise, large increase in DBP
What is mean arterial pressure? - ansAverage pressure in arteries during one cardiac cycle
(65-110)
5 lead EKG - ansGreen - right lower ribs
White - right inferior to clavicle
Black - left inferior to clavicle
Red - left lower ribs
Brown - 4th intercostal space
Signs of an MI on a ECG? - ansDownsloping ST segment and pathologic Q waves
What are the segments of the EKG? - ansQRS complex - ventricular depolarization
P - atrial depolarization
T - ventricular repolarization
ST segment - time between ventricular depolarization and repolarization
Length of: QRS complex, PR interval, QT interval, RR interval - ansPR - 0.12-0.2
QRS - 0.08-0.1
QT - 0.4-0.43
RR - 0.6-1
What are some normal ECG changes during exercise? - ansDecreased R-R interval
P wave magnitude increase
Decreased PR interval
What are the time frames of the boxes on an ECG? - ansSmall box is 0.04 seconds
Big box is 0.2 seconds
Describe the process of Spirometry - ans1. Breathe normally
2. Inspire completely and rapidly with a pause of ≤2 s at TLC
3. Expire with max effort until no air can be expelled while maintaining upright posture
4. Inspire with maximal effort until completely full
5. Repeat instructions as necessary, coaching vigorously
6. Repeat for a minimum of 3 maneuvers, usually no more than 8 for adults
Contraindications for Spirometry - ans- MI/eye/sinus/ear surgery within 1-week
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Significant arrhythmia
,CSEP-CEP Practical EXAM
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
- Recent concussion
- Late term pregnancy
- Syncope related to expiration/coughing
- Avoid vaping/smoking/exercise within 1 hour
- Avoid intoxicants 8 hours prior
What is FVC? - ansForced vital capacity, total volume the patient can force ably exhale in
one breath
What is FEV1? - ansForced expiratory volume in 1 second
What is the difference between the 2 largest values in Spirometry testing? - ansFVC -
<0.150L
FEV1 - <0.150L
What can the client not do during Spirometry testing? - ansCannot cough during expiration
Normal breaths per minute - ans12-16
What are the cut points for: TLC, RV, ERV, IRV, TV? - ansTLC: 6L
RV: 1.2L
ERV: 0.7-1.2L
IRV: 1.9-3.3L
TV: 0.5L
Tidal volume and size - ansAmount of air moving in and out of lungs in a normal breath
(500mL)
Inspiratory reserve volume and size - ansAmount of air that can be inhaled following a
normal inhalation (1900-3200mL)
Expiratory reserve volume and size - ansAmount of air that can be forcefully exhaled after a
normal breath (700-1000mL)
Residual volume and size - ansAir remaining in lungs that prevents collapse (1200mL)
Forced vital capacity - ansVolume of gas that can be exhaled as forcefully and rapidly as
possible after a maximal inspiration
Vital capacity - ansTV + IRV + ERV
Inspiratory capacity - ansTV + IRV
Functional Residual Capacity - ansRV + ERV
What is the order of fitness tests that should be used? - ansNon-fatiguing tests
Agility tests
Max power tests
Sprint tests
Local muscular endurance tests
Anaerobic tests
Aerobic tests
What are some common functional fitness tests? - ans8 foot up and go
30 second arm curl
Grip strength
10 m walk test
1 foot balance
6 minute walk test
, CSEP-CEP Practical EXAM
comprehensive questions and verified
accurate solution (detailed &
elaborated) 2025 TEST!!
What are some contraindications of performing an exercise stress test? - ansAcute MI (4
days)
Unstable angina
Brady/tachycardia or other abnormal rhythms
Acute myo/pericarditis
What are some reasons for stopping an exercise test? - ansHR exceeds 85% of age predicted
max
Abnormal heart rhythms or response to exercise
Tester feels the need to stop
Patient feels the need to stop
Patient feels dizzy, lightheaded, faint
Hypertensive crisis (220/115) or abnormal response to exercise
What is the anaerobic threshhold? - ansPoint where the body switches from aerobic to
anaerobic metabolism
How to identify the anaerobic threshhold? - ansBlood lactate levels (will suddenly spike)
RER level (>1.1 is maximal effort)
Ventilatory threshhold (increases rapidly compared to O2 consumption)
Give examples of anaerobic capacity tests - ansWingate test
300 yard shuttle
RAST
60 yard shuttle
What is the ventilatory threshold? - ansPoint where ventilation rises rapidly compared to O2
consumed
VCO2/VO2 - ans- ventilation of CO2 and O2, can be used to estimate anaerobic threshold
- CO2 will peak past O2 at threshold
What is O2 saturation? - ansComparison of O2 saturated hemoglobin vs total hemoglobin in
blood
95-99%
What is the VO2 reserve method? - ansSimilar to the heart rate reserve method
Correlates well with HRR
VO2 reserve = ((VO max - resting VO2) x % of target) + resting VO2
What is the HRR method? - ansKarvonen method
HRR = ((MHR - RHR) x training %) + RHR
Used to determine intensity
Describe the Bruce Protocol - ans- 3 minute stages that increase in grade and speed; goal is to
achieve steady state HR
- Completed when stopping criteria is met
Measure - HR / RPE every minute
BP at end of each stage
Scored - minutes of completion
Describe the Balke Protocol - ans- 1-minute stages of constant speed that increase in grade
(3mph F / 3.3mph M)
- Completed when stopping criteria is met
