Build a career in strength & conditioning with the industry-leading knowledge of a CSCS Certification
Greater Knowledge. Greater Results.
The NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS) certification proves you possess an elite, evidence-based foundation to lead in sports performance. As a CSCS, you’ll leverage the latest strength and conditioning research and best practices to push the limits of athletic potential.
You set the tone, intensity, and culture, inspiring teams to rise to your standard. Athletes and other professionals trust your guidance to drive peak performance — building resilience in the weight room and beyond.
Build a career in Strength & Conditioning with the industry-leading knowledge of a CSCS Certification.
Welcome to a Stronger World
The NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS) certification proves you possess an elite, evidence-based foundation to lead in sports performance. As a CSCS, you’ll leverage the latest strength and conditioning research and best practices to push the limits of athletic potential.
You set the tone, intensity, and culture, inspiring teams to rise to your standard. Athletes and other professionals trust your guidance to drive peak performance — building resilience in the weight room and beyond.
Not just a passion, a profession.
The CSCS supports and enhances many career pathways
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Increase the performance of athletes at the high school, college or professional levels such as the NBA, NFL and MLB.
High Performance Coach
Drive superior performance for athletes across team or individual sports.
Physical Education Instructor
Improve the health and fitness of students and young adults with deeper knowledge of strength and conditioning.
Strength & Conditioning Director
Guide the health, resilience, and performance of high school, college, or professional athletes.
Athletic Director
Lead the fitness and performance programs of high school and college athletes with a foundation in strength and conditioning.
Physical Therapist, Chiropractor, and other Applied Health Professions
Improve the health, longevity and well-being of clients and everyday people.
Build a Stronger Future
A Growing Industry
Expanding well beyond athletic performance, strength and conditioning is becoming a critical component of the allied health, fitness, and health and wellness industries.
Rising Standards
The CSCS stands for evidence-based research, expertise, and best practices that define strength and conditioning and ultimately optimize human performance.
Highest Earning Power
CSCS holders earn higher salaries throughout their career, are more in demand, and the credential is often required in athletics, pro sports and applied health industries.
The CSCS in Action
Rachel Larson, PhD, CSCS,*D, TSAC-F*D is more than just a Strength & Conditioning Coach. She's a mentor. A researcher. A scientist. She is a leader in the industry, and to all of the students she works with.
How to Earn your CSCS
As a High School Student
Take an Anatomy or Biology class in to start building your knowledge in strength and conditioning.
Participate or volunteer in high school sports to get some firsthand, practical experience.
Pursue your bachelor’s degree. Most Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches earn a degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology. Look for programs accredited by CASCE (the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education). Starting in 2030 a CASCE-accredited program will be required.
After you earn your degree, take the CSCS exam and begin your career in strength and conditioning.
As a College Student
Find out if your current degree path will give you the education you need. Most Certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches earn a degree in Exercise Science or Kinesiology. Starting in 2030, a program accredited by CASCE (the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education) will be required.
Participate or volunteer in college-level or adult sports to gain practical experience.
Learn from the coaches and trainers on staff at your college by connecting with them during open gym time.
After you earn your degree, take the CSCS exam and begin your career in strength and conditioning.
As a Working Professional
If you hold a bachelor’s degree, you are currently eligible to take the CSCS exam. Starting in 2030, the CSCS will require a bachelor’s degree from a CASCE-accredited program.
If you don’t have your bachelor’s yet, look for programs accredited by CASCE (the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education).
Find out if your current knowledge and skills stack up to what’s on the exam by reviewing the CSCS Exam Description and Detailed Content Outline.
Study! Prepare for the exam with our CSCS Exam Study Materials. Even if you’re already working in the field, take some time to review and prepare.
Take the CSCS exam to increase your knowledge and value in your strength and conditioning career.
Work in the Field
Liane Blyn & The NSCA
Liane Blyn, MS, CSCS, RSCC*E is Director of Sports Performance & Olympic Sports at Arizona State University. Not only is she is a top strength & conditioning coach, but she's also a world champion powerlifter, a trusted mentor, and a trailblazer for women in the industry. Her NSCA certifications opened doors and helped her rise above.
The CSCS unlocks your future —whether you become a collegiate strength and conditioning coach or enhance your current career pathway.
The NSCA is a recognized 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing strength and conditioning research and education for all people.
National Strength and Conditioning Association
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
© 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association