The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and application of physical training techniques. Current and future trainers who meet education requirements and pass comprehensive exams are certified by the NSCA. Most employers of trainers and physical therapists value Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credentials, and earning certification can greatly improve a person’s chances of finding work in the field.
The prerequisites for CSCS certification must be met first, according to the NSCA. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university is usually required to sit for the exam. The majority of future professionals will study physical therapy, exercise science, or another health-related field, but any degree will suffice. Test takers must also have current certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). Many universities, vocational schools, community and hospital programs offer CPR and AED certification through short courses.
A person can apply to take the CSCS certification test online at the NSCA website if they have the necessary education and training. Tests are available all year at designated testing centers across the United States and in many other countries around the world. Proctors who have been approved by the NSCA keep a close eye on the exams. Most testing centers offer both computer-based and written exams.
The CSCS certification exam is divided into two sections: a one-and-a-half-hour Scientific Foundations section and a two-and-a-half-hour Practical Applications section. The first section contains 80 questions that assess a person’s knowledge of exercise science principles. It asks about human anatomy, physiology, biology, biomechanics, and nutrition, among other things. The second section consists of 110 questions that cover therapists’ and trainers’ clinical techniques. Test takers are tested on their knowledge of injury evaluation, rehabilitation program design, and strength training, among other topics.
Earning a CSCS certification can help you get started or advance in your physical training career. When applying for jobs as a private trainer, team trainer, physician assistant, or school athletic department specialist, a person with CSCS certification has an advantage. While certification is not always required for positions in the field, those who have demonstrated their knowledge and dedication by taking the test are often rewarded with more advancement opportunities and pay raises.