Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Credential: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Credentialing Agency: National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Renewal Period: 3 years
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is an intermediate-level health and fitness credential for professionals who work with athletes. CSCSs apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance; conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Candidates are required to have a bachelor's degree in a related field and must also have current CPR/AED certification.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite: CPR and AED certified
- Experience
- Education: Bachelors
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 3 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Phone: (800) 815-6826
Fax: (719) 632-6367
Email: exams@nsca.com
Education REQUIREMENTS
Candidates must submit an original, official transcript of their academic work, showing attainment of at least a bachelor's degree (BS/BA), physical therapy degree, or chiropractic medicine degree granted by an accredited institution.
Option 2:Candidates who are in progress of earning an applicable BS/BA degree must currently be enrolled as a college senior at an accredited institution.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidates for the CSCS are required to have CPR/AED certificates.
Written Exam
- Exercise Science (74%)
- Nutrition (26%)
Practical Exam
- Exercise Technique (35%)
- Program Design (35%)
- Organization and Administration (12%)
- Testing and Evaluation (18%)
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) examination:
- Best Sources
Testing Information
Testing for this credential is handled by Pearson VUE. The test centers are located in the U.S. They also have some test centers on military bases.
To find out more, use the following links on the Pearson VUE website:
- Search for Testing Program
- Learn About Testing for Military Communities
- Agency/Certification Specific Testing Information
- Contact Pearson VUE
For more information on the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) testing process, visit the agency website.
RECERTIFICATION
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Renewal Period: 3 years
Additional considerations for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) include:
- If the exam is taken during senior year while enrolled at an accredited college or university, the candidate will not receive their certification until submitting a transcript providing proof of graduation and degree held to the NSCA.