CASCE ACCREDITATION GRANT
CSCS® Exam Eligibility Update
The NSCA is extending its original 2030 target date to 2036 for the new CSCS exam degree requirement tied to CASCE accreditation. More information will be shared soon.
To ease your transition to accreditation and encourage early application, CASCE will fund your accreditation fee and annual fees through the new CASCE Accreditation Grant. The grant closes to new programs on December 1, 2027, but will continue to fund annual fees for pre-approved programs through December 31, 2029.
Effective October 1, 2023, this grant offsets the cost of achieving accreditation early by funding accreditation fees and annual fees through December 31, 2029. The sooner your program applies, the more you stand to save.
Accreditation is a two-year process, so we invite your program to apply now to begin your path and take advantage of this financial opportunity. Show prospective students you’re dedicated to a higher standard and ensure their access to the CSCS exam with early adoption.
Does My Program Qualify?
Any strength and conditioning educational program applying for CASCE accreditation is eligible for the CASCE Accreditation Grant. Programs are only eligible for the grant once.
What Does the Grant Include?
The CASCE Accreditation Grant incentivizes programs to apply early for accreditation by funding much of the financial cost of achieving and maintaining your accreditation. The grant closes to new programs on December 1, 2027, but will continue to fund annual fees for pre-approved programs through December 31, 2029.
-
- Annual Fees ($1,000/program) required to maintain your accredited status
- Accreditation fees ($5,000 per program/$2,500 for an additional program) expenses required to conduct the site visit
However, the grant does NOT include the following expenses:
-
- Application Fee ($1,000/program or $500/program recognized through the ERP).
- Deferral Fees if you must extend your deadline through the next application cycle.
- $250 Self-Study Deferral Fee (prior to self-study submission)
- $1,250 Accreditation Deferral Fee (following self-study submission)
Limited Availability
Although the grant is available to all applying programs, only a limited number can be processed each cycle, so applying early is strongly encouraged. Applications will be considered on a first come first served basis.
Program Eligibility
Grant eligibility requires the following:
-
- Ensure your program is prepared to apply for accreditation.
- Complete the Get Started Quiz
- Check the CASCE Accreditation Grant box when completing your digital application for accreditation.
No further action is required. Your accreditation and annual fees will automatically be waived.
CASCE applications are accepted from October 1 through December 1 annually.
The grant will close to new programs December 1, 2027.
How Much Can My Program Save?
The sooner your program applies, the more you stand to save.
|
APPLICATION YEAR |
2024 |
2025 |
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
2029 |
TOTAL SAVED |
Year Accredited |
|
2023 |
$5,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$6,000 |
$15,000 |
2025 |
|
2024 |
|
$5,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$9,000 |
2026 |
|
2025 |
|
|
$5,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$8,000 |
2027 |
|
2026 |
|
|
|
$5,000 |
$1,000 |
$1,000 |
$7,000 |
2028 |
|
2027 |
|
|
|
|
$5,000 |
$1,000 |
$6,000 |
2029 |
What If My Program Applied Before the Grant or is Already Accredited?
Your program still qualifies, even if you’ve already submitted your application or achieved accreditation.
-
- If your program applied prior to the grant’s opening, you will receive personalized communications from the CASCE Support Team on your next steps.
- If your program is already accredited, you will receive future credits for all pre-paid Annual and Accreditation Fees to apply after the grant expires on December 31, 2029.
- If your program applied prior to the grant’s opening, you will receive personalized communications from the CASCE Support Team on your next steps.
Please check for emails from accreditation@nsca.com or reach out for more information.
The CASCE Process
Get a step-by-step walkthrough of your program’s path to accreditation.
CASCE Resources
Find answers to key questions as you prepare your program for CASCE accreditation.
Apply for CASCE
Learn what to expect from our convenient, secure digital application process.
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