Certification Overview
NSCA certifications are for dedicated, knowledge-hungry, hardworking strength and conditioning professionals. When you have an NSCA credential on your resume you elevate yourself. You become the standard that employers seek when hiring strength and conditioning positions. NSCA certifications can help differentiate you from the competition while joining the ranks of some of the top experts in the industry. If you’re ready, rise to the occasion. Equip yourself with the tools needed to apply evidence-based research to positively impact the health, lives, and athletic performance of others.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.
NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®)
NSCA-Certified Personal Trainers (NSCA-CPT) are health/fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their personal health and fitness needs. Certified personal trainers design safe and effective exercise programs, provide the guidance to help clients achieve their personal health/fitness goals, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Recognizing their own area of expertise, a personal trainer will refer clients to other health care professionals when appropriate.
Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®)
Certified Special Population Specialists® (CSPS®) are fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate, and train special population clients of all ages regarding their health and fitness needs, preventively, and in collaboration with healthcare professionals. Special populations include those with chronic and temporary health conditions.
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®)
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators (TSAC-F) apply scientific knowledge to physically train military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, protective services, and other emergency personnel to improve performance, promote wellness, and decrease injury risk. They conduct needs analyses and physical testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provide general information regarding nutrition. Recognizing their area of expertise is separate and distinct, TSAC Facilitators consult with and refer those they train to other professionals when appropriate.
Certification
How to Maintain Your Certification
In order to maintain a certification, the NSCA requires Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every three years. The recertification process is earning CEUs, reporting them online & paying the recertification fee at the end of the three-year cycle. Learn more about CEU requirements and how to recertify.
How to RecertifyReport CEUs
Review, record, and edit your CEU activities and achievements.
Report CEUsCEU Opportunities
Find live events and home study learning opportunities that meet the NSCA continuing education requirements. Theses are valid toward recertification for all four NSCA cerificaitons.
View CEU opportunitiesCertification Resources
Sometimes, we all need a little help. These certification tools may help you take your certification to the next level.
Foreign Language Options for Exams & CEUs
The NSCA has a network of international partners who host certification examinations and provide CEU opportunities.
Recertified with Distinction (*D)
A *D after an NSCA credential indicates a person has recertified with distinction.While this distinction is available to everyone, it’s one of the ways the NSCA acknowledges members who volunteer, contribute, and play a significant role in fulfilling the NSCA’s mission.
Sponsors
The National Strength and Conditioning Association is proud to work with our outstanding partners and thank them for their continued support.
Become a Sponsor