What qualifications should an exercise physiologist have?
In Australia, the title "exercise physiologist" is not legally protected — anyone can technically use it. What matters is the AEP (Accredited Exercise Physiologist) credential, which is awarded by Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). Only AEPs have completed the required four-year university degree and met ESSA's ongoing professional development requirements.
Always check that your exercise physiologist holds current AEP accreditation. You can verify this at essa.org.au. Exercare's exercise physiologists are ESSA-accredited AEPs — you can verify our profile directly on the ESSA website.
AEP vs EP: "EP" is sometimes used loosely. Always look for "Accredited Exercise Physiologist" or "AEP" specifically — this is the ESSA-regulated credential that qualifies for NDIS, Medicare, aged care and WorkSafe funding.
Mobile vs clinic-based exercise physiology
Clinic-based exercise physiology requires you to travel to a fixed location — which is a significant barrier for many people, particularly those with disability, limited mobility, aged care needs or transport challenges.
Mobile exercise physiology means the EP comes to you — at your home, a local gym, hydrotherapy pool, park or wherever you prefer to exercise. For most NDIS, aged care and Medicare clients, mobile is more accessible, more convenient and produces better outcomes because exercise happens in the real environment where function needs to be demonstrated.
Exercare is a fully mobile service — we come to you across south-east Melbourne with no travel required on your part.
NDIS — registered vs unregistered providers
If you're on the NDIS, check the provider's registration status:
- Agency-managed participants must use NDIS-registered providers only
- Plan-managed and self-managed participants can use any provider — registered or unregistered
Exercare is currently an unregistered NDIS provider, accepting plan-managed and self-managed participants. NDIS registration is on our roadmap — contact us for a current update.
Questions to ask before booking
- Are you an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) registered with ESSA?
- Do you have experience with my specific condition or disability type?
- Are you mobile, or do I need to come to you?
- Do you accept my funding type (NDIS, Support at Home, Medicare, WorkSafe)?
- How do you communicate with my GP, specialist or support coordinator?
- Do you provide progress reports for plan reviews or GP management plans?
Why choose Exercare?
- Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) registered with ESSA
- Fully mobile — we come to you across south-east Melbourne
- NDIS (plan and self-managed), aged care, Medicare, WorkSafe and private health accepted
- Progress notes and reports provided for plan reviews and CDM plans
- Hydrotherapy available across south-east Melbourne
- OT services launching 2026
Ready to get started with Exercare?
Choose your intake form based on your funding type, or call us to discuss which option is right for you.
Written by the Exercare team. Exercare is a mobile accredited exercise physiology practice serving south-east Melbourne. Contact us to get started →