Certification
The NSCA’s Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) certifications are the first nationally accredited certification programs in the fitness industry. Awarded only after passing a rigorous and challenging exam administered by an independent examination service, the credentials are widely respected and internationally recognized. Having received the full approval of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the credentials are regarded as the Credentials of Distinction among fitness professionals.
Members automatically save $105 on certification examination fees just by joining the NSCA (view membership rates). You also receive additional discounts on all exam review materials and registration for CEU opportunities. If your goal is to be certified in the near future, you can’t afford not to join!
The NSCA has enhanced my career by giving me the knowledge, training, and resources to get the job I now have. I am in a unique situation because I am a high school strength and conditioning coach. I teach only weightlifting classes and work with all the sports teams including the cheerleaders. It was because I had my CSCS, along with my teaching certification, that allowed me to get this position.
—Patrick McHenry, MA, CSCS, Ponderosa High School
Want Help Preparing for the CSCS® Exam?
The NSCA has teamed up with Human Kinetics to offer online learning opportunities, including nine interactive modules designed to help prepare candidates for the CSCS® exam. You can even take a pretest to receive study recommendations. Take the pretest now …
CSCS®
The CSCS® program was initiated in 1985 to identify individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs. The program encourages a higher level of competence among practitioners that, in turn, raises the quality of strength training and conditioning programs provided by those who are CSCS® certified. To be eligible to take the exam, you must hold a BA/BS degree, be enrolled as a college senior at an accredited college or university, or hold a degree in chiropractic medicine, and be CPR certified.
NSCA-CPT®
The NSCA-CPT® credential is designed for professionals who work one-on-one with their clients in a variety of environments, including YMCAs, schools, health/fitness clubs and clients’ homes. The exam thoroughly tests the knowledge and skills that are necessary to successfully train active and sedentary physically healthy individuals, as well as the elderly and obese. Personal trainers with specialized expertise may also be involved in training clients with orthopedic, cardiovascular, and other chronic conditions. NSCA-CPT® examination candidates must be CPR certified to sit for the exam.
Fees
Members automatically save $105 on certification examination fees just by joining the NSCA. You also receive additional discounts on all exam review materials and registration for CEU opportunities. If your goal is to be certified in the near future, you can’t afford not to join!
Contact
For more information on certification, or to receive a complete brochure, which includes registration forms for both exams, please call the NSCA Certification Commission (the certifying body of the NSCA) at (402) 476-6669 or toll free at (888) 746-2378. You may also contact the Commission by fax (402) 476-7141 or email commission@nsca-cc.org).
Visit the NSCA Certification Commission’s Web Site at www.nsca-cc.org.