NSCA Certification Exams | A Year In Review

Providing this annual summary is one of the requirements stipulated by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the organization that accredits three of the NSCA certification exam programs—the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®), the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®), and the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®). 

CSCS Exam

In 2025, the CSCS exam was administered to 9,650 candidates (international and domestic) of which 50% passed both sections of the exam. The pass rate for the Scientific Foundations section of the exam was 71% and the pass rate for the Practical/Applied section was 55%. As of December 31, 2025, 45,669 professionals held the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential.

NSCA-CPT Exam

In 2025, the NSCA-CPT exam was administered to 5,607 candidates with a pass rate of 77%. As of December 31, 2025, 17,362 professionals held the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer credential. 

TSAC-F Exam

In 2025, the TSAC-F exam was administered to 361 candidates with a pass rate of 78%.  As of December 31, 2025, 1,983 professionals held the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator credential.  

CPSS Exam

In 2025, the CPSS exam was administered to 339 candidates with a pass rate of 68%. As of December 31, 2025, 658 professionals held the Certified Performance and Sport Scientist credential. 

CSPS Exam

In 2025, the CSPS exam was administered to 53 candidates with a pass rate of 57%. As of December 31, 2025, 236 professionals held the Certified Special Population Specialist credential. 

[1] Based on forms administered in the United States