Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs) 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.

The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) program was created in 1985 to identify individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for athletes in a team setting. The credentialing program encourages a higher level of competence among practitioners and raises the quality of strength training and conditioning programs provided by those who are CSCS certified.

Today, more than 21,000 professionals from a variety of academic and professional backgrounds hold this prestigious credential. This diverse group includes strength coaches, athletic trainers, physical therapists, personal trainers, physicians, chiropractors, researchers and educators. The CSCS is the only strength training and conditioning certification to be nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and has been nationally accredited since 1993.

Registrants must submit an original, official transcript of their academic work, showing attainment of at least a bachelor's degree (BS/BA) or chiropractic medicine degree granted by an accredited institution. College seniors can also take the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam; however, they must be currently enrolled in an accredited institution.* For college seniors, the NSCA Certification Commission will not release exam scores until transcripts verifying graduation and noting the degree earned have been received.**

* Within the United States: To be eligible to take the CSCS examination, candidates must hold at a bachelor's degree or currently be enrolled as a college senior from an institution that is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations (e.g., North Central Association of Colleges and Schools).

* Outside the United States: Candidates must hold at least a bachelor's degree as defined by the United States educational system or currently be enrolled as a college senior in a college/university recognized by the ministry of education in that particular country, as a degree-granting institution on the same level as other universities recognized with campuses in that country.

** Individuals enrolled as seniors at colleges or universities are eligible to sit for the CSCS examination. College seniors will receive a pass/fail notification approximately five to seven weeks after the exam administration. However, college seniors who pass the CSCS exam do not become CSCS certified until: (1) they have graduated from college and (2) the NSCA Certification Commission receives their original, official transcript verifying graduation and the degree earned. Once the NSCA Certification Commission receives the required documentation (original, official transcript verifying graduation and the degree earned), the Commission will release the actual score reports and certificates (if passed).

Current CPR and AED certification is also a requirement. If you do not have current CPR and AED certification, you can still register for and take the CSCS exam. The NSCA Certification Commission will accept any adult CPR and AED certification obtained by attending a CPR and AED course that meets the following criteria:

• Must have a hands-on training component (certification through a course completed entirely online will not be accepted)
• Must include a skills performance evaluation

Examples of accepted CPR and AED certifications include

• American Heart Association (Heartsaver)
• Red Cross (including Blended Learning First Aid/CPR/AED Program)
• National Safety Council
• St. John Ambulance

The NSCA Certification Commission will not release exam scores until documentation of valid CPR and AED certification has been received.