Objectives

• Provide structured, supervised professional experience to prepare PEPs for practice as an AEP.

• Provide early employment pathways for newly graduated Exercise Physiologists and/or AEPs returning to workforce after extended time off (eg. Maternity leave). 

• Ensure clients receive safe, high-quality care under the indirect and/or direct supervision of an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP).

• Develop core competencies required for general accreditation.

Eligibility

A Provisional Exercise Physiologist must:

• Have completed a 4-year accredited Exercise Physiology degree.

• Have completed minimum required placement hours and other requirements to apply for ESSA accreditation.

• Be awaiting or in the process of applying for ESSA accreditation.

• Meet all workplace compliance requirements (e.g. Working With Children Check, Police Check, First Aid and CPR).

Supervision Requirements

• PEPs must work under direct or indirect supervision of an AEP.

• The supervising AEP holds professional responsibility for all client interactions and interventions.

Supervision must include:

• • Indirect supervision following initial consultations. This can be completed virtually or face to face.

  • Direct supervision for complex cases.

  • Weekly mentoring and review meetings to discuss client progress, treatment planning, and professional development.

Scope of Practice

Under supervision, PEPs may:

• Conduct initial assessments and develop preliminary treatment plans (reviewed by supervising AEP).

• Deliver exercise sessions for approved clients under direct or delegated supervision.

• Conduct group sessions.

• Maintain clinical notes and contribute to case reviews.

• Participate in professional development and case discussions.

• Complete reporting and letters for clients, with sign off from supervising AEP.
  
  

They cannot:

• Bill or claim through Medicare, WorkCover, DVA, NDIS, or other compensable schemes.

• Practice independently without AEP oversight.

• Provide clinical sign-off or official reports without AEP review.
  
  

Core Competency Development

During provisional practice, PEPs will work towards demonstrating the following competencies:

1. Clinical Knowledge: Understanding of exercise prescription, pathophysiology, and rehabilitation.

2. Ethical and Professional Conduct: Adherence to ESSA standards and organisational policies.

3. Assessment & Programming: Safe, effective, and evidence-based program design.

4. Client Communication: Building rapport, empathy, and effective health education.

5. Diversity & Scheme Knowledge: Working with clients across different health backgrounds and schemes.

6. Reflective Practice: Engaging in ongoing self-evaluation and learning.
   
   

Duration

• The provisional period lasts until the practitioner gains full ESSA accreditation.

• It is expected in most cases that this role may only be maintained for a maximum period of 3-months.

• The role is reviewed at 3-months to evaluate progress and ongoing suitability.