Recently, the term qualified exercise professional was developed and operationally defined by our research team to clarify those qualified to work with various populations, including those with chronic medical conditions. In the context of working with higher risk clients, qualified exercise professionals would be individuals that have received university training in the exercise sciences or kinesiology (with advanced clinical training) currently possessing valid national certification for work with apparently healthy individuals and persons living with chronic medical conditions. Throughout the world there are various agencies that sanction and certify qualified exercise professionals.