Study guide
3.2 Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ) & Reference Document Protocols
CSEP Certified Personal Trainer CSEP-CPT
Track your progress as you read
Finished sections get a check mark.
1 Introduction: CSEP-CPT Certification & Theory Exam Overview
Introduction: CSEP-CPT Theory Exam Facts & Certification Pathway
2 Chapter 1: Anatomy & Biomechanics in Exercise
1.1 Musculoskeletal Anatomy & Major Muscle Actions 1.2 Planes of Motion & Joint Kinematics 1.3 Biomechanical Levers, Torques & Postural Forces 1.4 Neuromuscular Mechanics & Motor Unit Recruitment
3 Chapter 2: Exercise Physiology & Energy Metabolism
2.1 Bioenergetics & Metabolic Pathways 2.2 Cardiorespiratory Responses to Acute Exercise 2.3 Chronic Physiological Adaptations to Training 2.4 Fatigue Mechanisms & Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption 2.5 Dose-Response, Sedentary Behaviour & Age and Sex Differences
4 Chapter 3: CSEP-PATH & Pre-Participation Screening
3.1 The CSEP-PATH Framework & 6-A Process 3.2 Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ) & Reference Document Protocols 3.3 Pre-Assessment Screening: Resting Heart Rate & Blood Pressure Cut-Offs 3.4 Pre-Assessment Instructions, Medical Clearance & Contraindications 3.5 PASB-Q, Stages of Change, AAL-Q & Screening in Pregnancy
5 Chapter 4: Anthropometry & Body Composition Assessment
4.1 Body Mass Index (BMI) & Height/Weight Measurement Protocols 4.2 Waist Circumference Protocols & Health Risk Stratification 4.3 Body Composition Methods: Percent Fat Techniques vs. CSEP-PATH Anthropometry 4.4 Body Composition Interpretation & Sensitive Client Communication
6 Chapter 5: Aerobic Fitness Assessment
5.1 Principles of Submaximal Aerobic Testing & Heart Rate Monitoring 5.2 Modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness Test (mCAFT) Protocols 5.3 Ebbeling Treadmill & Rockport 1-Mile Walk Protocols 5.4 Submaximal Cycle Ergometer (YMCA) Test & Aerobic Calculations
7 Chapter 6: Musculoskeletal Fitness Assessment
6.1 Grip Strength & Vertical Jump Peak Power Protocols 6.2 Push-Up Test & Muscular Endurance Protocols 6.3 Sit-and-Reach & Flexibility Assessment Protocols 6.4 Back Extension (Biering-Sorensen) & Static Balance Protocols 6.5 Forearm Plank, Y Balance Test & Predicted 1-RM Protocols 6.6 Validity, Reliability, Objectivity & Measurement Error in CSEP-PATH Assessments
8 Chapter 7: Exercise Prescription & Aerobic Training Design
7.1 Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for Adults & Youth 7.2 FITT-VP Principles for Cardiorespiratory Fitness 7.3 Training Heart Rate Calculations & RPE Scales 7.4 Aerobic Progression Strategies & Periodization Models 7.5 Canada's Food Guide, Weight Management & Health vs. Performance Goals
9 Chapter 8: Muscular Fitness & Resistance Training Programming
8.1 Resistance Training Principles, Intensity & Repetition Ranges 8.2 Program Design: Exercise Selection, Order & Structural Splits 8.3 Flexibility & Neuromotor Training Programming 8.4 Warm-Up, Cool-Down & Recovery Strategies 8.5 Exercise Instruction, Spotting, Technique Correction & Self-Monitoring
10 Chapter 9: Exercise Prescription for Special & Chronic Populations
9.1 CSEP-CPT Scope for Clients with One Stable Chronic Condition 9.2 Exercise Modifications for Hypertension & Cardiovascular Risk 9.3 Exercise Considerations for Type 2 Diabetes & Metabolic Health 9.4 Exercise Modifications for Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis & Older Adults 9.5 Asthma, Cancer & Mental Health: Precautions and Signs of Decline 9.6 Recognizing & Responding to Adverse Events During Exercise
11 Chapter 10: Behavior Change & Lifestyle Coaching
10.1 Transtheoretical Model (TTM) Stages of Change & Processes 10.2 Motivational Interviewing Principles & OARS Techniques 10.3 Collaborative Goal Setting (SMART) & Action Planning 10.4 Overcoming Barriers, Relapse Prevention & Self-Efficacy 10.5 Theory of Planned Behaviour, HAPA & Brief Action Planning 10.6 Communication, Empathy & Instructional Techniques for Individual Clients
12 Chapter 11: Professional Practice, Scope & Risk Management
11.1 CSEP Scope of Practice Boundaries & Referral Pathways 11.2 Informed Consent, Liability Waivers & Client Documentation 11.3 Legal Liability, Negligence & Privacy Legislation (PIPEDA) 11.4 Emergency Action Plans, Facility Safety & Certification Maintenance 11.5 The CSEP Code of Conduct & Ethical Professional Practice
3.2 Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ) & Reference Document Protocols
Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI
The Get Active Questionnaire (CSEP, 2017) replaces all earlier CSEP-endorsed pre-screening tools, including the PAR-Q+.
GAQ Question 1 asks about six items within the past six months: heart disease or chest symptoms, high blood pressure or resting BP of 160/90 mmHg or higher, dizziness during activity, shortness of breath at rest, fainting, and concussion.
A YES answer sends the client to the GAQ Reference Document, which gives advice for each item rather than automatically requiring a physician visit.
The GAQ declaration asks clients to complete the questionnaire again whenever their health changes.
CSEP-CPTs add resting HR and BP checks and three medical-history questions; more than one condition, or an unstable condition, means referral to a CSEP-CEP.
Last updated: October 2026
Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ) & Reference Document Protocols
CSEP released the Get Active Questionnaire (GAQ) in 2017 after two years of development. It replaces all previously CSEP-endorsed pre-screening tools, including the PAR-Q+ that CSEP-PATH used before. The GAQ is designed to "screen in" most Canadians for safe physical activity. It identifies the small number of people who should get more advice first, without sending everyone to a physician. It is self-administered and suitable for all ages. A parent or guardian completes it for a child or dependent.
The GAQ is a two-page questionnaire . A separate two-page GAQ Reference Document gives advice for each possible YES answer. For pregnant clients, CSEP publishes a separate Get Active Questionnaire for Pregnancy (see Section 3.5).
Page 1: "Prepare to Become More Active"
The client answers YES or NO to four questions. The form instructs: if you are unsure about any question, answer YES.
Question What it asks
1 Within the past six months , have you experienced any of the following?
1A A diagnosis of or treatment for heart disease or stroke, or pain/discomfort/pressure in the chest during activities of daily living or physical activity
- 1B A diagnosis of or treatment for high blood pressure, or a resting BP of 160/90 mmHg or higher
- 1C Dizziness or lightheadedness during physical activity
- 1D Shortness of breath at rest
- 1E Loss of consciousness or fainting for any reason
- 1F Concussion
2 Do you currently have pain or swelling in any part of your body (from an injury, acute arthritis flare-up or back pain) that affects your ability to be physically active?
3 Has a health care provider told you that you should avoid or modify certain types of physical activity?
4 Do you have any other medical or physical condition (such as diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, asthma or spinal cord injury) that may affect your ability to be physically active?
NO to all questions sends the client to Page 2. YES to any question sends the client to the Reference Document first.
Page 2: "Assess Your Current Physical Activity" and Declaration
Page 2 asks how many days per week the client does moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, and for how many minutes on those days. Adults multiply the two numbers to get minutes per week. The page compares the result with the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines: at least 150 minutes per week for adults, at least 60 minutes daily for children and youth, and muscle- and bone-strengthening at least twice per week for adults (three times for children and youth). Its general advice:
Increase activity gradually and reduce prolonged sitting.
Consult a QEP before vigorous activity if you do not already meet the minimum recommendations.
Delay becoming more active during a temporary illness.
In the Declaration , the client confirms the information is correct and promises to complete the questionnaire again if their health changes. A client who answered YES ticks one of two boxes:
"I have consulted a health care provider or QEP who has recommended that I become more physically active", or
"I am comfortable with becoming more physically active on my own without consulting a health care provider or QEP."
Note
The GAQ itself does not set an expiry date. It does require the client to complete it again whenever their health changes . Treat any new symptom, diagnosis or medication change as a reason to re-screen.
The GAQ Reference Document: Advice for Each YES
YES to Reference Document advice (summary)
1A Heart disease, stroke or chest symptoms Activity is likely beneficial. If treated for heart disease but you have not completed a cardiac rehabilitation program in the past 6 months, consult a doctor; supervised cardiac rehab is strongly recommended. New chest pain/pressure: talk to a doctor.
1B High blood pressure Activity is likely beneficial if BP is diagnosed and treated. If unsure of resting BP, have it measured by a health care provider or QEP. If BP is 160/90 or higher, get medical clearance and consult a QEP.
1C Dizziness during activity Consult a health care provider before becoming more active; until then, do not increase intensity.
1D Shortness of breath at rest If it is asthma relieved by medication, light to moderate activity is safe; if not relieved by medication, consult a doctor.
1E Fainting or loss of consciousness Consult a doctor first; once cleared, consult a QEP about suitable activity.
1F Concussion Increasing activity while symptomatic can worsen symptoms and prolong recovery; a health care provider decides when activity can start, and a QEP can help.
2 Pain or swelling New pain or swelling: consult a health care provider. Otherwise move joints gently through the pain-free range, choose low-impact activities, and resume gradually below the pre-flare level.
3 Told to avoid or modify activity Follow the health care provider's advice; a QEP builds a plan around it.
4 Other condition Regular activity helps manage many conditions; a QEP can tailor safe activity.
What the CSEP-CPT Does With the GAQ
The GAQ is a self-screening tool, but a CSEP-CPT does not stop there. CSEP's CSEP-CPT Pre-Participation Screening Procedures add professional steps within Step 1 – Ask:
Review the GAQ. Some answers mean the client should first get clearance from a health care provider, for example chest pain or pressure during daily activities or exercise, dizziness during activity, or a recent concussion.
Measure resting HR and BP. Above 100 bpm, or above 160 mmHg systolic or 90 mmHg diastolic, the client sees a health care provider or is referred to a CSEP-CEP.
Ask the three medical-history questions (diagnosed or suspected condition, related symptoms, medications) whatever the GAQ answers were.
Consider current activity level from the GAQ or the PASB-Q. Regular activity lowers exercise-related cardiovascular risk.
Judge the risk of an adverse event. A CSEP-CPT may work with one diagnosed condition that is stable. CSEP defines stable as medically managed with no symptoms, no change in medication or treatment plan in the past 6 months, and prescribed medication taken as directed. The CSEP-CPT Health Screening Tool checks the common conditions (Section 3.4).
Clearance for clients who need it comes from a physician, using the CSEP-PATH Physician Guidance for Physical Activity Form , which earlier toolkits called the Physician Physical Activity Readiness Clearance. It can also come from a CSEP-CEP, whose scope allows them to clear clients with one chronic condition to work with a CSEP-CPT.
Screening finding CSEP-CPT action
NO to all GAQ questions; resting HR and BP within limits; no condition or medication Proceed to Step 2 – Assess
One stable, managed condition; no check marks on the Health Screening Tool Proceed, starting at the client's current activity level
- Chest pain or pressure, dizziness during activity, fainting or recent concussion Medical clearance first
- Resting BP above 160/90 mmHg or HR above 100 bpm Health care provider clearance or CSEP-CEP
More than one medical condition, an unstable condition, or unclear health information Refer to a CSEP-CEP (or a health care provider for clearance)
Tip
CSEP adds a prudence rule. A client without diagnosed hypertension whose resting systolic pressure is above 140 mmHg should be encouraged to discuss it with a physician, even though it is below the 160/90 screening limit.