Chester Step Test Software (CST2) for Professional Testing
Looking for dedicated Chester Step Test software? CST2 is designed for professionals administering the Chester Step Test, helping standardise the workflow and calculate an estimated aerobic-capacity result from the test data.
Why Choose CST2?
CST2 applies the established Chester Step Test protocol within a structured digital workflow. The Chester Step Test was developed by Professor Kevin Sykes, and CST2 is designed to support consistent administration, calculation and reporting.
What Makes the Chester Step Test Software Unique?
- Structured calculation: CST2 uses the heart-rate data you enter to calculate estimated aerobic capacity. The result depends on appropriate test selection, protocol delivery and data quality.
- Built-in audio guidance: Use the integrated metronome and instructions from Professor Kevin Sykes to support the test cadence and delivery. The practitioner remains responsible for following the protocol and monitoring the participant.
- Cloud-based access: Use CST2 online. Review the demonstration and contact us if you need to confirm compatibility with your organisation’s devices, browsers or IT restrictions before ordering.
- Step-height options: Select 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 cm in the software. Choose the appropriate height using the authorised protocol and participant assessment; height options do not make the test suitable for everyone.
- Portable and Easy to Use: With a suitable step, heart rate monitor and the software, the test can be administered in many field and workplace settings.
Who Uses the Chester Step Test Software?
The CST2 is trusted globally by:
- Fire & Rescue Services
- Police Forces
- Occupational Health Practitioners
- Fitness Trainers
- Educational Institutions
For workplace, clinical or rehabilitation use, a qualified practitioner should determine whether the test and selected protocol are appropriate for the participant and the assessment purpose.
How to Access the Chester Step Test Calculator
Choose the edition and credit option that fits your testing requirements. CST2 is accessed online; if you have a planned testing date, contact us before ordering to confirm account setup and access arrangements. For an existing order or help getting started, call 01244 343106.
How Does the Chester Step Test Calculator Work?
The Chester Step Test (CST) is a submaximal, multistage aerobic capacity test. The software simplifies this process by:
- Recording heart rates at each stage of the test.
- Providing real-time feedback and calculations.
- Calculating an aerobic-capacity estimate from the recorded test data using the software’s calculation method.
Why Professionals Prefer the Chester Step Test Software
The CST2 offers several benefits:
- Ease of Use: Its intuitive design makes it straightforward for new and experienced practitioners.
- Digital calculation: Calculates the result from entered test data, reducing the need for manual plotting and arithmetic. Practitioners must still check input quality and the suitability of the result.
- Global Recognition: The Chester Step Test software is used in diverse industries, including offshore, military, and emergency services, where aerobic capacity assessments are vital.
Choosing the appropriate testing setting
Select the software edition and assessment protocol for your participant group and professional setting. Consider:
- Occupational assessments: Support the aerobic assessment component of an organisation’s fitness-testing process. A software result alone does not determine fitness for work.
- Repeat assessments: Compare estimated aerobic fitness using a consistent protocol and testing conditions. A change in the estimate does not, by itself, establish an individual’s clinical recovery. In patients undergoing cardiovascular rehabilitation, the BEST Study (Reed et al., 2020) found wide limits of agreement that restricted interpretation of individual changes compared with cardiopulmonary exercise testing.
- Participant-specific setup: Select a suitable step height and follow the protocol’s preparation and stopping guidance.
Transform Your Aerobic Fitness Assessments with CST2
CST2 brings Chester Step Test pacing, calculation and reporting into a digital workflow. It supports consistent administration, while the practitioner remains responsible for appropriate test selection, accurate data entry and interpretation. The result is an estimate of aerobic capacity, not a directly measured VO₂max.
Key Features of the Chester Step Test Software:
- Integrated audio guide by Professor Kevin Sykes.
- A choice of step heights to support protocol-appropriate setup; suitability still depends on the participant and assessment.
- Cloud-based access for ultimate portability.
- Automated calculation of estimated aerobic capacity from entered test data.
Unexpectedly high VO₂max estimate? Read why a small heart-rate rise can produce a high Chester Step estimate, with a worked example and practical checks. Use the report-review checklist before sharing the result.
Choose your Chester Step testing setup
Use CST2 for the dedicated Chester Step Test workflow. Watch the demonstration above, then choose your edition and test-credit option using the product selectors.
- Chester Step Test Kit — review equipment for your testing setup.
- Practitioner training and competency — prepare for consistent test delivery.
- Chester Step Test guide — explore the protocol, calculator and supporting resources.
For larger teams or help choosing an edition, contact us about CST2 or call 01244 343106.
CST2 and Cartwright Assess
CST2 is planned to sit within the wider Cartwright Assess platform as its Chester Step offering. Explore Cartwright Assess for the wider product direction, or ask us which features are currently available. Future access, packaging and transition arrangements will be confirmed separately.
