The 4 Best Strength and Conditioning Certifications, According to an Expert

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Earning a strength and conditioning certification is a great way to improve your training expertise and potentially advance your career. These certifications typically place a heavy emphasis on improving athletic performance, focusing on elements such as power, speed, agility and sport-specific training in the curricula. If you're interested in working with sports teams, athletic programs and individual athletes, this may be the right certification for you.

Below, we'll cover four of the most well-respected strength and conditioning certifications available, discussing pros and cons, curriculum, cost and anything else you need to know. After reading through this article, you will have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about which of these certifications will be right for you.

Our Picks for the Best Strength and Conditioning Certifications:

• Most Flexible Strength and Conditioning Certification: The Strength and Conditioning Certification (SCC) from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
• Best Strength and Conditioning Certification for Certified Personal Trainers: Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)
• Best Affordable Strength and Conditioning Certification: Certified Strength Coach Certification (CSC) from the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)
• Most Comprehensive Strength and Conditioning Certification: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

Most Flexible Strength and Conditioning Certification: The Strength and Conditioning Certification (SCC) from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)

Key features and specs:

• Requirements: 18+ years old, a valid CPR certification is required to take the final exam (CPR can be completed alongside SCC course)
• Recommended Time To Complete: Upon enrollment, individuals will have 8 months to schedule and take the ISSA-SCC exam
• Cost: $1,398; ISSA offers 12-month, interest-free payment plans and often runs deals
• Online or In-Person Exam: Online or in-person options available

The Strength and Conditioning Certification (SCC) from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is designed for fitness professionals who want to specialize in strength and conditioning coaching. The aim of this course is to teach coaches how to apply the principles of metabolism, body mechanics and anatomy to help athletes reach their performance potential. You'll learn everything from the nervous system, bones and muscles to how to create an exercise program to nutrition, recovery and injury prevention and more over the course of 23 chapters.

ISSA is a well-known and respected organization in the fitness industry. Many employers recognize and value the certifications from the ISSA when hiring fitness professionals.

If you decide to take the proctored NCCPT Strength Training Specialist Exam, then your certification also becomes accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Study materials and exam

The study materials for the SCC include the ISSA Strength and Conditioning online textbook, online study guides and workbooks, practice exams and quizzes and a practical online exercise lab.

• The 586-page online textbook includes all of the information you need to earn the ISSA Strength and Conditioning Certification. In addition, the course material is continually updated with new content to ensure you are receiving the most up-to-date information available.
• The practice exams and quizzes help ensure you are comprehending the material while simultaneously preparing you for the final exam.
• The online exercise lab provides coaches with over 250 animated exercises, including 3D animation and three different angles to ensure you are learning the proper form and technique for every exercise.

ISSA offers two types of exams:

1. The first is an online, home-study exam. This option is an untimed, open-book exam that acknowledges your proficiency as a fitness professional. Choosing this exam will give you an ISSA certification, but the certification won’t be accredited by the NCAA.

2. The NCCPT Strength Training Specialist exam is a 125-question, multiple-choice exam that must be taken in a proctored setting and is accredited by the NCCA. You’ll have two hours to complete the test and it is not open-book.

Note: ISSA trainers are required to renew their certification every two years. This process consists of a renewal fee, updated CPR/AED certification and the completion of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs). The CEUs at ISSA cost on average about $20 per credit, though there are bundles available at lower cost, and cover a wide range of topics in sports and fitness.

What we like:

• Comprehensive curriculum consisting of 23 modules including anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, supplementation, psychology, program design and more
• Self-paced, online learning in which you have eight months to complete the course
• ISSA provides various continuing education courses and resources which allow coaches to stay updated on new information in the fields of health and fitness
• All ISSA members get access to a free website to support their careers

What to consider:

• If not on sale, the cost of the strength and conditioning certification from ISSA can be expensive
• This certification has a stronger emphasis on general fitness rather than specialized strength and conditioning for athletes

Related Post: ISSA Personal Training Certification: Cost, Exam and More

Best Strength and Conditioning Certification For Certified Personal Trainers: Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)

Key features and specs:

• Requirements: None
• Recommended Time To Complete: Upon enrollment, individuals will have one year to schedule and take the NASM-PES exam
• Cost: $699–$849 depending on the plan chosen
• Online or In-Person Exam: Online

The Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is designed for fitness professionals who want to specialize in improving athletic performance. This program covers the fundamentals of sports performance, including concepts such as exercise physiology, performance psychology, functional assessments, coaching and communication. The curriculum is divided into four sections: Anatomy and physiology for sport; sport performance testing, integrated training and programming; Olympic lifting and injury prevention; sport nutrition and psychology.

Study materials and exam

The entire self-paced program is completed online in NASM’s online student portal. The course will include 44 high-quality videos across 16 curriculum chapters, along with 35 additional lecture videos and 34 demonstration videos. The student portal also includes an exercise library of 64 videos, the NASM-PES digital textbook and two online practice exams to help you prepare for the final exam.

The NASM-PES exam is taken online inside of the student portal. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and you will have 90 minutes to complete the test. The format is open-book and you will need at least 70 percent to pass.

What we like:

• Easy-to-navigate digital learning platform that helps you study effectively and efficiently
• Well-rounded, 16-chapter curriculum that includes sport specific training, testing, programming and both sports nutrition and psychology
• Once you pass the final exam, your Performance Enhancement Specialization with NASM will never expire

What to consider:

• When compared to the other certifications on our list, this is a moderately expensive price point for the certification you receive
• May not be the best choice for individuals looking for a full-time career as a strength and conditioning coach

Related Post: Is the NASM Personal Training Certification Right for You?

Most Affordable Strength and Conditioning Certification: Certified Strength Coach Certification (CSC) from the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF)

Key features and specs:

• Requirements: 18+ years old; in order to take the NCSF-CSC exam, individuals must have obtained the Certified Personal Trainer Certification from the NCSF or any other NCCA accredited personal trainer certification. In the absence of an NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification, individuals with a college degree would be qualified to sit for the NCSF-CSC exam
• Recommended Time To Complete: Upon enrollment, individuals will have 6 months to schedule and take the NCSF-CSC exam
• Cost: $349 to $599 depending on the package chosen
• Online or In-Person Exam: Online or in-person options available

The Certified Strength Coach (CSC) certification is offered by the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF). The NCSF is a reputable organization and its CSC certification is both NCCA-accredited and NCAA-recognized. This course is designed for fitness professionals who want to specialize in strength and conditioning, helping them develop the skills and knowledge to effectively enhance athletic performance for clients. This certification course places a large emphasis on developing programs for athletes, from assessment of form and ability to improvement of performance, plus segments on metabolism and nutrition.

The cost of the NCSF-CSC certification varies depending on the package you choose.

• Exam Only: $349
• Home Study Course and Exam: $399
• Home Study Plus Package: $449
• Workshop Course and Exam: $539
• Workshop Plus Package: $599

Study materials and exam

The study materials provided by the NCSF include the Advanced Concepts of Strength and Conditioning textbook, e-learning access to over 300 instructional and how-to videos and practice exams. The NCSF Advanced Concepts of Strength and Conditioning textbook contains 18 chapters and over 650 pages, providing an evidence-based, in-depth look at the primary topics in the field of strength and conditioning. After completion of the activities present on the e-learning component and rehearsal with the practice exams, individuals will be prepared to take the NCSF-CSC Exam.

The NCSF-CSC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and individuals must achieve a score of at least 70 percent to pass. The examination is administered in-person by appointment at over 1,000 test center locations in 83 countries, as well as online.

What we like:

• Comprehensive curriculum centered on improving athletic performance
• Individuals that pass the NCSF-CSC exam in the United States will appear on the US Registry of Exercise Professionals (USREPs)
• NCSF Certified Strength Coaches meet the recommendation standard by the NCAA to work in colleges and universities
• NCCA-accredited

What to consider:

• NCSF hands-on workshop packages have been suspended since 2020, due to COVID-19 and have not yet resumed

Most Comprehensive Strength and Conditioning Certification: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

Key features and specs:

• Requirements: Individuals must have a bachelor’s degree or currently be enrolled as a college senior and have a current CPR/AED certification.
• Recommended Time To Complete: 3–9 months, depending on your background knowledge
• Cost: $475, no payment plans available
• Online or In-Person Exam: In-person

What is the NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification?

The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association requires a college degree. The NSCA-CSCS certification is widely considered to be the gold standard strength and conditioning certification available. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate knowledge in multiple areas of exercise physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, program design and more. The CSCS exam is also very challenging, which contributes to the credibility of earning this particular certification.

It emphasizes scientific principles and practical application in designing and implementing strength and conditioning programs for athletes. The difficulty in studying for this exam is that there is no set curriculum, so it is recommended that you purchase the CSCS Study Guide.

Study materials and exam

The study materials for the CSCS exam include a study guide, the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning textbook, the Exercise Technique Manual for Resistance Training textbook and a practice questions bundle.

For non-NSCA members the price of study materials is as follows:

• CSCS Study Guide: $27
• Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th edition textbook: $109
• Exercise Technique Manual for Resistance Training, 4th edition textbook: $89
• CSCS Practice Questions Bundle: $200

The Scientific Foundations exam will include questions on exercise science, sports psychology and nutrition, while the Practical/Applied exam will feature questions on exercise technique, program design, organization, administration, testing and evaluation.

The practical section is 2.5 hours long, consists of 110 scored and 15 unscored multiple-choice questions, and is designed to assess knowledge of exercise techniques, program design, testing and evaluation and organization and administration. This section consists of 30 to 40 videos and/or images that assess competencies across multiple domains.

To pass any NSCA certification exam, you must earn a scaled score of 70 or higher.

Exams must be taken within 120 days of registration.

What we like:

• This certification is widely recognized as the gold standard of strength and conditioning certifications available in the fitness industry
• NSCA offers a CSCS exam prep Facebook group that allows you to join moderations in open discussions about exam topics
• Joining the NSCA community as a member offers networking opportunities, discounted continuing education credits and access to NSCA journals and sports science videos

What to consider:

• CSCS study materials come with an additional cost
• This is a difficult certification to obtain, in 2022 only 38 percent of over 5,000 individuals passed the exam and earned the certification

Benefits of a Strength and Conditioning Certification

A strength and conditioning certification provides a number of benefits for individuals looking to pursue a career in sport-specific training. This certification may also be beneficial for individual athletes looking to enhance their own athletic development.

Here are some of the potential benefits of earning a strength and conditioning certification.

Professional development

A strength and conditioning certification allows you to improve your expertise in the field of sport-specific training. These certifications grant an in-depth knowledge of anatomy, physiology, biomechanics and exercise science, which allows you to understand the basic principles of strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, mobility, flexibility and more.

During these courses, you will learn how to design and implement personalized strength and conditioning programs based on an individual’s goals, their current fitness level, the sport that they play and their specific needs. You will also learn about the concepts of periodization, progression and adaptation, all of which are necessary to create well-rounded and effective training plans.

Many of these certifications also teach injury prevention strategies and techniques that will help you develop the skills necessary to identify and address movement patterns that may contribute to injury.

Credibility

Taking the time to obtain a recognized credential demonstrates your expertise in strength and conditioning and enhances your professional credibility. This not only allows you to stand out in a competitive job market, but also helps to build trust with clients by assuring them that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to guide them safely and effectively in their fitness journey.

Career opportunities

A strength and conditioning certification can help open doors to a wide range of career opportunities in fitness centers, sports teams, rehabilitation facilities and private training studios. It also can increase your chances of securing employment as a strength and conditioning coach, personal trainer or athletic performance specialist.

These certifications also allow you to stand out on social media as you grow your own personal brand. You will be viewed as a trusted resource and separate yourself from the plethora of online health coaches and fitness “gurus” that may be less qualified to help people reach their fitness goals.

Who Should Get a Strength and Conditioning Certification?

Anyone interested in sport-specific training can benefit from earning a strength and conditioning certification. That being said, the certification can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have a specific interest in working with athletes or those who are seeking to enhance their own athletic performance.

It’s important to note that getting a strength and conditioning certification is different from becoming a certified personal trainer (CPT). Personal trainers generally have a broader focus on overall health and wellness, as well as a more diverse group of clientele, including individuals with varying fitness levels and goals. While personal trainers create effective exercise programs, they may not be as specialized, or sports-specific, as those designed by strength and conditioning professionals.

Aspiring strength and conditioning coaches

If you want a career as a strength and conditioning coach, then it’s recommended to earn a strength and conditioning certification from a well-respected and accredited organization. These coaches should be interested in working with sports teams, athletic programs and individual athletes.

Personal trainers with a focus on athletic training

Certified personal trainers who want to specialize in training clients with sport-specific or athletic performance goals may want to pursue a strength and conditioning certification. This specialization will enhance your own knowledge on sport-specific training and demonstrate that you have the ability to better assist your clients.

Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists

A strength and conditioning certification may be valuable for professionals that work in the rehabilitation field who want to help athletes recover from injuries. These credentials will help integrate strength and conditioning principles into their rehabilitation practice with the goal of returning injured athletes to a competition-ready state.

Athletes

Athletes who have an interest in their own athletic development and improving their physical performance may benefit from a strength and conditioning certification. This expertise will allow them to work alongside their coaches to develop the right protocols for their needs, as well as the ability to design their own programs during the off-season, where they may not have access to a full-time coach.

What to Consider When Choosing The Best Strength and Conditioning Certification For You

Choosing the right strength and conditioning certification is an important decision. You should first consider your career goals, interests and the specific population you want to work with before making your final decision. While all four of the strength and conditioning certifications on our list are great, you should take the extra time to determine which one in particular is right for you.

Here are some strategies for determining which program from our list will best suit your needs.

Research your potential employer

If you have a prospective employer in mind, start by contacting them to see if there is a specific certification that they recommend or prefer you to have. This way you can ensure you are meeting their criteria as a potential employee, and they can be confident knowing you have the expertise and skill set necessary to perform your job effectively.

Understand the curriculum

You should focus on the content that will be taught in the course and review the curriculum to ensure it covers the topics that you want to learn about. Look for a program that aligns with your specific areas of interest and consider the program’s emphasis on sport-specific training if you plan on working with athletes.

Hands-on training

Another important consideration is whether the certification has practical components, such as hands-on training or virtual coaching experience. Practical application is essential for developing the skills necessary to succeed in real-world coaching scenarios.

Cost

Compare the cost of the certification with the value it offers. Consider what is included in the program, such as the study materials and any additional resources they provide to help you succeed. Balance the cost against the perceived benefits and ensure it aligns with your budget.

Prerequisites

It’s important to review the prerequisites for the certification program you are considering to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria. For example, the CSCS certification from NSCA requires a bachelor’s degree before you can take the certification exam. Having to complete CPR, AED and first aid courses are also common prerequisites for these programs.

Program flexibility

Consider how long you have to complete the certification program and whether this is an achievable timeframe. It’s also important to consider how you learn, since some programs offer guided study plans, while others involve developing your own.

Customer reviews

Seek feedback and testimonials from individuals who have completed the certification. You can often find customer reviews online, which can provide great insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the program in question.

How We Chose The Best Strength and Conditioning Certification

We chose the best strength and conditioning certifications available by taking into consideration the program curriculum, the difficulty of the certification, the accrediting bodies reputation, the cost of the program, customer reviews and information from our own experts who have taken these certifications themselves. You can see our full methodology here.

Strength and Conditioning Certification FAQs

What certifications do you need for strength and conditioning?

The specific certification required for a job in strength and conditioning can vary depending on factors like the type of organization you want to work for and the people you want to train. If you are looking for a specific job or to work with a specific employer, it is best to reach out to them to see which of these strength and conditioning certifications they require or would prefer you to have.

Related Post: The Best Health Coach Certifications for You

What is the hardest strength and conditioning certification?

It’s difficult to say which of these certifications is the “hardest” as the perceived difficulty of a strength and conditioning certification can vary depending on an individual's background, experience and knowledge. That being said, the CSCS offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association is likely the most comprehensive certification on our list and is highly regarded by professionals working in the strength and conditioning field. To take the CSCS exam you will also need a bachelor’s degree from a university, which adds another layer of complexity to the barrier of entry.

Is a strength and conditioning certification worth the money?

In my opinion, the real value of a strength and conditioning certification is whether it provides you with the ability to do something you love. With the certifications from our list ranging from $475 to $1,500, depending on the time of year and discounts available when you purchase, they are generally more affordable than a conventional college education and can still provide you with a substantial salary.

The average strength and conditioning coach can expect to make between $41,185 and $55,709 depending on factors including education, certifications and the amount of time spent in the industry, according to Salary.com.

That being said, be sure to remember that there are a number of ways to supplement your income with a strength and conditioning certification, such as virtual coaching, selling strength and conditioning programs and developing a personal brand on social media.

How long does it take to become a strength and conditioning coach?

The strength and conditioning certifications on our list are designed to be completed within six to nine months.

Is a strength and conditioning certification different from a certified personal trainer?

A strength and conditioning certification tends to be more specialized, focusing on the unique demands of athletic performance, while a personal trainer certification is broader, may include a nutrition certification and caters to a diverse range of clients with general fitness goals. The choice between the two should depend on your career goals, interests and the specific population you wish to work with in the fitness industry.

The Takeaway: Is a Strength and Conditioning Certification Right for You?

Ultimately, whether a strength and conditioning certification is right for you depends on how well it fits into your career vision and the specific direction you wish to take in the fitness industry. That being said, from my own personal experience, I can tell you that improving your knowledge base and expertise in a given field has always been worth the investment. You have no idea what kinds of career opportunities this certification will provide, and above all else, it will give you the confidence you need to succeed. It’s empowering knowing and believing that you have the skill set necessary to help individuals achieve their goals.

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