Scope of Practice
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.
History
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, based in Washington, D.C., USA) and has been nationally accredited since 1993.
Certification Exams
The CSCS exams are considered to be the most difficult in the industry to earn, which is one of the reasons why they are highly respected and why those who have acquired these credentials display a great deal of pride in having earned them. The pass rate for the CSCS exam is 65.5%*.
Recertified with Distinction (*D)
A recognition program that honors certified professionals who have shown exemplary involvement in the NSCA. In the last CEU reporting period, 398 individuals became Recertified with Distinction and are now identified as CSCS,*D and/or NSCA-CPT,*D. This is a select group of certified individuals who have met a high standard for continuing education and are acknowledged for their significant role and participation in the NSCA and the strength and conditioning and personal training professions.
* Information - Courtesy of National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), USA