NSCA EXTENDS TIMELINE TO 2036 FOR CSCS® EXAM REQUIREMENT TIED TO CASCE ACCREDITATION

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO — The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is extending its original 2030 target date to 2036 for the new degree requirement for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) exam.

The requirement is tied to accreditation by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE), an independent nonprofit accrediting agency. Through peer-reviewed accreditation, CASCE distinguishes higher education strength and conditioning programs that meet high educational standards for academic and practical preparation.

Response to CASCE accreditation has been overwhelmingly positive, and recent application cycles have quickly reached capacity. CASCE now recognizes 69 accredited programs, including 24 programs that achieved accreditation in 2026 alone.

Additional time will allow more programs to pursue CASCE accreditation through its rigorous two-year process while CASCE continues to grow responsibly and uphold the quality and integrity of its standards.

More information for accredited programs and those pursuing or considering CASCE accreditation will be shared soon.

Media Note: For interview requests or more information about CASCE accreditation, please contact accreditation@nsca.com.

About the National Strength & Conditioning Association 

Founded in 1978, the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing strength and conditioning and sport science professions around the world. The NSCA empowers a community of professionals by disseminating evidence-based knowledge and its practical application through industry-leading certifications, peer-reviewed research journals, career development services, and continuing education. The NSCA community is composed of more than 60,000 certified professionals and members worldwide who further industry standards as researchers, educators, strength and conditioning coaches, performance and sport scientists, personal trainers, tactical professionals, and other related roles.