NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS)

NSCA CSCS - NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

Overview

What is NSCA CSCS?

NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (NSCA CSCSs) are fitness 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.

Why NSCA CSCS?

The NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS) course, created in 1985, distinguishes individuals who possess the knowledge and skills to design and implement safe and effective strength and conditioning programs for amateur and professional athletes. The program encourages a high level of competence among practitioners and raises the quality of strength training and conditioning programs.

Course Goals

Upon successful completion of the course, participants will gain knowledge in:

Structure and Function of the Muscular, Neuromuscular, Cardiovascular and Respiratory System
Bioenergetics of Exercise and Training
Endocrine Responses to Resistance Exercise
Biomechanics of Resistance Exercise
Adaptations to Anaerobic and Aerobic Training Programs
Age and Sex Related Differences and Their Implications for Resistance Exercise
Psychology of Athletic Preparation and Performance
Performance Enhancing Substances
Nutritional Factors in Health and Performance
Principles of Test Selection and Administration
Administration, Scoring, and Interpretation of Selected Tests
Warm-Up, Stretching, Resistance Training and Spotting Techniques
Plyometric Training, Speed, Agility and Speed-Endurance Development
Periodization, Rehabilitation and Reconditioning
Facility Organization, Risk Management, Policy Development and Procedures Manual

Prerequisites

Entry Requirements

Candidates must submit an original, official transcript of at least a bachelor's degree (BS/BA) granted by a university. University students in their last year can also take the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS) exam if currently enrolled in an accredited institution, however the NSCA will not release exam scores until graduation can be confirmed. Candidates are required to possess a valid CPR and AED certification.

CPR Certification

If you do not have the valid Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate, please join us! We work closely with our CPR course provider to provide students with a heavily discounted course rate.

Format

Computer-Based Exam

Exams are administered by computer at more than 160 AMP Assessment Centers across the United States. Assessments are typically located in specific H&R Block offices. After you have registered for the Computer-based exam, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule your exam within 3-5 business days from AMP.

Candidates can schedule up to two days before the testing date. Exams must be taken within 120 days of registering. If the required documentation that supports the prerequisites has been submitted to the NSCA at least 10 days prior to the exam, scores are received immediately after the exam.