How to Earn Sports Conditioning Certification

A sports conditioning specialist is a person trained to develop conditioning or training programs for athletes. Also known as sports and strength conditioning or health/fitness specialists, these individuals earn a certification more specialized than that of a personal trainer. The qualifying exam is the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Exam.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Official college or university transcript
• CPR certification

Find Sports Conditioning Certification Programs

1. Consult course offerings at your local college or university's athletics or physical education department to determine whether they offer classes toward certification.
2. Investigate online training and certification opportunities. Refer to the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) websites for information on nationally accredited programs and the CSCS Exam (see Resources below).

Decide What Sports Conditioning Certification Program is Right for You

3. Consult study guides to see what subjects are covered on the certification exam. The coursework you need to take will depend on your educational background. Classes to prepare for sports conditioning certification may include nutrition, sports psychology, anatomy and physiology, weight management and fitness for various populations, such as women and aging adults.
4. Think about your lifestyle and learning style to determine whether you should earn your degree in a traditional classroom setting or through an online study course.
5. Speak to current students to learn about their experiences in the programs you are considering. This kind of feedback can help you make your final decision about how to earn your certificate.
6. Apply to the sports conditioning certification program you have chosen.

Prepare for the Sports Conditioning Certification Exam

7. Gather the documents you need to present at the CSCS Exam. They include an official transcript, showing you have a bachelor's degree, and your CPR certification.
8. Register for an exam date in a city near you. There are as many as 30 per year.
9. Choose your method of test-taking. You may choose a pencil and paper or computer-based exam.

Tips & Warnings

• A sports conditioning certification program that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCAA) is more reputable and highly respected than non-accredited courses.
• The higher the level of education required of you (bachelor's degree rather than a high school diploma), the more highly respected the program.