MEMBERSHIP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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​GENERAL APPLICATION QUESTIONS

Q: How long does the application process take?
A: Timelines vary by membership type. All members must be approved by the Society Committee at their monthly meeting. 

• Student, Associate, and Affiliate: Applications are typically processed within 4-6 weeks.

• Professional: The process is more complex. Please allow 8-12 weeks for the full assessment process, especially if you are applying via the Alternate Pathway. Delays can occur if your initial application is incomplete.

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Q: My degree isn't specifically named 'Clinical Exercise Physiology'. Can I still apply for Professional Membership?
A: Yes, possibly. Our assessors review your full academic transcript, not just the degree title. If your coursework and practical experience align with the CEPNZ Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist Competency Standards, your application will be considered. You should provide detailed unit outlines or course descriptions with your application to assist the assessors.

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Q: Can I submit my 500 clinical hours from paid work I did after graduating?
A: Yes. We will consider clinical experience completed after you have finished your degree, provided it was appropriately supervised by a qualified clinical exercise physiologist and meets all the same requirements as practicum completed during study. You must provide clear evidence and supervisor verification for these hours.

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Q: What happens if my application for Professional Membership is declined?
A: If your application is declined after the assessment process, this is often due to gaps in academic coursework or clinical experience. We may provide advice on what areas require more evidence. You are welcome to re-apply in the future once you have addressed these gaps. A new application fee will apply.

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UNDERSTANDING CEPNZ AND CPRB

Q: What is the difference between CEPNZ membership and CPRB registration?
A: CEPNZ is the professional body that sets the standards, assesses qualifications, and supports members through advocacy and professional development. CEPNZ Professional Membership is the primary pathway to prove you meet these standards.

CPRB (Clinical Physiologists Registration Board) is the regulatory authority that maintains the public register of qualified practitioners. 

You must first be approved as a Professional Member of CEPNZ before you can apply to the CPRB for an APC.

 

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

Q: I am an internationally qualified Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Where do I start?
A: Start by carefully reviewing the requirements for Professional Membership. You will need to provide translated and certified copies of your academic transcripts and detailed evidence of your supervised clinical experience. If you hold a current registration with ESSA or ACSM then you can follow the simplified International Accreditation Pathway. If you have accreditation with another international organisation (e.g., CSEP, BASA, CEP-UK) you can use your accreditation as evidence of clinical competency, but a full review is still required via the Alternate Pathway.

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MEMBERSHIP MANAGEMENT

Q: Can I upgrade my membership later, for example, from Student to Professional?
A: Absolutely. Once you graduate and complete your clinical hours, you can apply to change your membership category from Student to Professional. You will need to complete the full Professional Membership application at that time. Similarly, an Associate Member who wishes to practice can apply to become a Professional Member.

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Q: What happens if I forget to renew my membership?
A: We send multiple renewal reminders. If you do not renew by the due date, your membership will become lapsed. This means you will lose access to member benefits. If you are a Professional Member, a lapsed CEPNZ membership will also impact your ability to hold an APC with the CPRB.