Sports Science Accreditation (ASpS)

What is a Sports Scientist?

An ESSA Accredited Sports Scientist specialises in applying scientific principles and techniques to assist coaches and athletes to improve their performance, either at an individual level or within the context of a team environment. They may also apply their knowledge and skills to relevant projects within the sports industry, for corporate bodies or in the community. For further information, please refer to ESSA's fact sheet: 'What is an Accredited Sports Scientist?'.

ESSA offers Sports Science accreditation at two levels: Accredited Sports Scientist Level 1; and Accredited Sports Scientist Level 2.

ESSA also offers High Performance Manager accreditation. View this application form here.

Got a question?
Please review the application form carefully as this provides information on how to complete the application.

If you still have questions or would like guidance with your application, please click the link below to chat with an assessor. You can also contact us at [email protected]

Brief chat (15 minutes) with an assessor
Extended chat (30 minutes) with an assessor


How to Apply:

  1. Determine what accreditation (Level 1, Level 2 and/or HPM) you would like to apply for
    Please note: You can submit applications for multiple levels of accreditation simultaneously 
  2. Read and confirm your eligibility for the specified pathway
  3. Confirm you can supply appropriate evidence
  4. Click the link below the appropriate pathway to APPLY

Application Process: 

  • Please ensure that you allow enough time to complete this process in full in order to secure the best outcome for the assessment of your application. 
  • You must complete all relevant components of the application form, incomplete applications will not be assessed. 
  • To be fair to all applicants, your application cannot be expedited, and the outcome can only be influenced by the use of suitable evidence, not personal, academic or industry pressure. 
  • We reserve the right to ask further questions or request further evidence. By submitting evidence you are giving us permission to validate your studies, practicum, work etc. with those involved. 

Submission Information:

Every accreditation application relies upon the submission of evidence that the applicant is able to show that they have the knowledge, skills and attitude to practice within the relevant scope of practice and meet the accreditation standards. Therefore, an accreditation submission must include real examples of how you have conducted your work. This may then be followed by an interview with the assessor or even a chance to show them how you conduct a task through videos, zoom/skype/other interactive platforms. If you are not sure about what evidence best fits this model take a look at the relevant mapping document for guidance. If you are still unsure please contact the ESSA office. 

You must de-identify (remove/edit/censor) clients' personal or contact details. Any item that is not de-identified will not be assessed. 


Example Evidence:

Suitable evidence may include: 

  • Case studies, session notes, proposed work plans (where de-identified)
  • Meeting minutes, email summaries and other forms to demonstrate your contribution, guidance or involvement
  • Log records for an intervention
  • CV and Work History

Example Evidence Table:

Standard

Element

Evidence Item Number

1

1

3, 5, 8

 

2

1, 2, 4

 

3

2, 3, 5

 

4

4, 6, 9


Sports Science Level 1 - Eligibility

PATHWAY 1

PATHWAY 2

PATHWAY 3

Qualification(s)

Bachelor degree in exercise, movement science or sports science from an ESSA accredited course*
*
eligible for AES 

 Bachelor degree in exercise, movement science or sports science from a non-accredited course

Bachelor degree in any discipline AND a Masters (or higher) in Sports Science

 Pre-requisite  Meet AES Standards  Meet AES Standards   NA

Experience

 140 hours of supervised Exercise Science practicum AND 360 hours of supervised professional experience within the Sport Science Scope of Practice

 140 hours of supervised Exercise Science practicum AND 360 hours of supervised professional experience within the Sport Science Scope of Practice

3 years (full time equivalent) of professional experience within the Sport Science Scope of Practice

Requirements

Meet ASpS Level 1 Standards

Meet ASpS Level 1 Standards

Meet ASpS Level 1 Standards


Applicants can be working in sport settings or occupational athlete settings.

Click here to find more about Sports Science Level 1


Sports Science Level 2 - Eligibility

 

PATHWAY 1

PATHWAY 2

Qualification(s)

Bachelor degree in Exercise, Movement Science or Sports Science AND Masters in Sports Science (or higher) 

 Bachelor degree in any discipline AND PhD in Sports Science 
Experience   Demonstrated evidence of 5 years (FTE) experience within the Sports Science Scope of Practice  Demonstrated evidence of 7 years (FTE) experience within the Sports Science Scope of Practice 
 Pre-requisite AES
ASpS Level 1 
 ASpS Level 1
 Requirements Meet ASpS Level 2 Standards Meet ASpS Level 2 Standards 

Applicants can be working in sport settings or occupational athlete settings.

Click here to find more about Sports Science Level 2


High Performance Manager - Eligibility

Pathway 1

Pathway 2

Qualification(s)

Masters (or higher) in Sport Science 

 Be registered as a Physiotherapist, Dietitian, Doctor or Level 3 ASCA with a relevant university degree

Experience

N/A  Demonstrated evidence of 5 years (FTE) professional experience in a High Performance Manager role 
 Pre-requisite ASpS Level 2  N/A 

Requirements

 Meet HPM Standards Meet HPM Standards


Click here to find more about High Performance