NSCA 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.
How to Get *D
Step 1: Complete 10 CEUs from NSCA CEU Opportunities
- In order to recertify with distinction, you must earn 10.0 NSCA CEUs.
- All 10.0 CEUs must be earned through the NSCA (pre-approved courses do not qualify).
- You will need to report CEUs in 2 different categories, hold a current CPR/AED certification, and pay your recertification fee(s).
- Category maximums do not apply after standard recertification has been met.
*NOTE: The 10 NSCA CEUs of NSCA activity are not pro-rated during the first recertification cycle, like standard recertification CEUs are. Example: If you earn a certification during 2022, you are required to report a pro-rated amount of CEUs (2.0) and pay a pro-rated recertification fee. However, when applying for *D, you are still required to report 10 NSCA CEUs, regardless of certification date.
Step 2: Request *D Status
- Once your distinction requirements are met, email us at recertify@nsca.com and request distinction.
- The NSCA will review your submitted CEUs and assign distinction if all requirements are satisfied.
Example of activities that count toward *D
NSCA CEU opportunities that count towards this distinction are activities that are paid for, or events that are registered for, through the NSCA’s website.
- Presenting at NSCA events
- Publishing articles in NSCA publications
- Volunteering on an NSCA committee
- Earning additional NSCA certifications
- Attending/Live Streaming NSCA events
- Passing NSCA quizzes
- Reviewing articles, abstracts, or books in NSCA publications
- Completing home studies through Human Kinetics
*D Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get *D for multiple certifications?
A: Yes, 2 additional NSCA CEUs would need to be earned per additional certification. Example: If you hold the CSCS and NSCA-CPT, you would need 12 CEUs of activities completed through the NSCA.
Q: How do I display *D with my credentials?
A: You would list the certification, then a comma, then the *D (no spaces) Example: CSCS,*D
Q: Is *D forever? Or do I need to renew *D each cycle?
A: You would be required to meet the *D requirements every cycle, if you wish to maintain the *D status.
