
Is the NSCA certification worth it?
Still, NSCA has some of the best materials in the industry and is one of the most respected personal training certifications. NSCA is 100% worth the prices they set for their materials as NCCA accredited program, and when partnered with the NSCA membership costs and benefits, it is beyond worth it.
What are the requirements to become a NSCA certification?
Since 1996, the NSCA has been nationally accredited and sets the standard in the industry. You must have a high school diploma or have taken a high school equivalency exam and be 18 years old to become certified.
What is the NSCA Foundation?
Founded in 2007 with the aim of supporting the advancement of strength and conditioning practical applications, the NSCA Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to providing funding to NSCA members taking part in educational and research endeavors.

Is NSCA credible?
NSCA is also accredited by the NCCA and is thus considered a gold standard certification. They are most widely known for their athletic performance emphasis with their NSCA CSCS certification.
Is NSCA harder than NASM?
Exam Difficulty and Pass Rate We can see that NASM has the most difficult exam based on pass rate stats. NSCA is much more lenient to candidates, while still providing a great certification and academic experience.
Which is better NSCA or ACSM?
Who is the NSCA Certification Best Suited For? The NSCA certification is ideal for trainers who want to go into coaching at the high school or collegiate level. While it is more clinical than NASM, it can't compare to the ACSM course, which is a good fit if your interests do not lie in medicine or a clinical setting.
How hard is the NSCA exam?
The NSCA exam consists of 140 questions on which you will be scored. Note, however, that there are an additional 15 non-scoring questions that the NSCA use for evaluation purposes for future certification exams. The exam is three hours and to pass it, you will need a score of 70 or more.
What personal trainer certificate is most respected?
Best Overall National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) NASM is one of the most respected personal training certifications around. Its thorough study materials and well-designed exam make it the best choice for any serious personal trainer.
What is better than NASM?
While NASM has among the fewest test questions in the industry, ISSA offers unlimited time. So if you're a test-taker who needs a bit of extra time to think, or has a tendency to cave under the pressure of being timed, ISSA may be the better choice for you.
How much does NSCA CPT cost?
NSCA-CPT Exam Registration FeeMember Rate*Non-Member RateRegistration Fee$300$435
Is ACSM or NASM better?
While the NASM-CPT exam has fewer questions than the ACSM-CPT exam, both are challenging and prepare you for work in the fitness industry. You are required to fulfill CEUs every two years for NASM, and every 3 years for ACSM. In the end, the better certification is the better certification for YOU!
Is Ace or NASM easier?
Exam Difficulty and Pass Rate NASM has a pass rate of 64.3% while ACE has one of 65%. Pretty much the same right? Wrong! In actual fact, the ACE exam turns out to be harder despite having a slightly higher pass rate, and here's why.
How long does it take to study for the NSCA exam?
One of the most common questions received is, "How do I prepare for the NSCA-CPT® exam"?...Step 1: Planning.Exercise Science Related DegreeInternships or Practical ExperienceApproximate Length of TimeNoYes4 to 6 monthsNoNo6 to 9 months2 more rows
How many questions is the NSCA exam?
The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®) exam is comprised of 140 scored and 15 non-scored* multiple-choice questions that tests candidate's knowledge, skill, and ability in the following four domains: Client Consultation/Fitness Assessment. Program Planning. Techniques of Exercise.
What is the passing score for NSCA CSCS?
70In order to pass the exam, the candidate must receive a scaled score of 70 on both sections of the exam. Unsuccessful candidates can retake one or both of the sections of the exam as many times as they like. The CSCS exam is administered by an independent testing service.
Is ACSM better than NASM?
While the NASM-CPT exam has fewer questions than the ACSM-CPT exam, both are challenging and prepare you for work in the fitness industry. You are required to fulfill CEUs every two years for NASM, and every 3 years for ACSM. In the end, the better certification is the better certification for YOU!
Which is better NASM or ACE?
It all depends on your career path and goals. If you want to work with general populations, ACE will suffice. Whereas if you want to focus more on corrective exercise techniques, then NASM would be a better option.
How long is the NSCA CPT exam?
3 hoursThe pass rate was 72% for first-time candidates attempting the NSCA-CPT exam in 2019....Summary.DomainPercent of ExamNumber of QuestionsTotal100%155Number of video questions (already included in the total)25-35Length of exam3 hours5 more rows
Is CSCS or CPT better?
The CSCS credential is obviously superior in terms of what you need to put in and what you can get out of it when it comes to career potential. The exams are hard. For a CPT exam, NSCA is one of the harder ones out there, but most people mane=age to get by.
What is a CSCS credential?
The CSCS credential stands for Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. The CSCS program equips CSCS personal trainers to work in the sports perf...
How do you qualify to get a CSCS certification?
In order to become eligible for a CSCS certification, you must meet CSCS requirements. These are as follows: have a bachelor’s degree in exercise s...
What can you do with a CSCS certificate?
If you have a CSCS certificate, you may be able to work among high-performance, professional athletes. You may also be able to find other jobs for...
How much can you earn with a CSCS certification?
Your income as a CSCS personal trainer depends on many things. Your level of education, experience, location, place of employment, full-time versus...
Is the CSCS a good certification?
If you desire to work among athletes to improve sports performance, then yes, the CSCS is definitely a good certification! If your primary focus is...
What is the difference between CSCS and NSCA-CPT certification?
While the CSCS, or Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach is mainly geared toward working with athletes to improve sports performance, the NSCA-...
How long does the NSCA CSCS certification last?
Your NSCA CSCS certification will last for 3 years. Be sure to keep up with your CEUs in order to remain certified! Do this by taking online course...
Do you need a degree to be a CSCS?
Yes, in order to be eligible for a CSCS personal training certification, you are required to have at least a bachelor-level degree in exercise scie...
What is a certified strength and conditioning specialist?
A certified strength and conditioning specialist is a fitness professional who works primarily with athletes in universities, high schools, or elit...
How long should I study for the CSCS certification?
If you are wondering how long you should study for your CSCS strength and conditioning certification, it's however long YOU feel you need to study...
What is NSCA?
NSCA stands for National Strength and Conditioning Association. It is a non-profit health and fitness professional organization established in the...
How do I get NSCA CPT certified?
Go on their websiteSelect the certification of your choiceRegister for your examChoose a locationTake the exam after registration and before it exp...
How do I become an NSCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist?
The process of registering for the exam is similar to the NSCA-CPT, it is the requirements that differ.You are required to have a Bachelor's degree...
What is NSCA's contact information?
NSCA is located at 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, Colorado, United States.For generation inquiries, you can send an email to;...
NSCA Personal Trainer Certification Curriculum
This NSCA certification review covers the NSCA-CPT itself and curriculum.
Study For NSCA-CPT
To ensure you will most likely pass the NSCA certified personal trainer exam, it is suggested to do the following:
METHODOLOGY
We used the following methodology when reviewing the NSCA fitness certification:
CONCLUSION
Overall, the NSCA fitness certification provides a good overview of the skills necessary for being a personal trainer.
How much does it cost to take the NSCA CPT exam?
NSCA CPT exam cost differs; If you are a member, the certification costs $300, and for Non-members, it costs $435 to take the exam.
What is the NSCA CPT digital package?
The NSCA CPT Digital package is here to help people become familiar with the style of questioning and the scope of the materials included in the certification exam.
How long does NSCA certification last?
NSCA certification lasts for three years after that you are required to recertify. To recertify you are to complete NSCA Continuing Education Units (CEU). These CEUs have different categories you can choose from. When you have gotten the required CEUs, you can then submit your credentials for recertification.
What is NSCA certified?
All NSCA certified fitness professionals are well-trained health/fitness professionals. Their job is targeted at using an individualized approach to evaluate and motivate clients. They also train and educate these clients with respect to individual personal health and fitness requirements.
What is the NSCA?
The NSCA is one of the top organizations in the industry, up there with NASM and ACE, but they are known more for their Strength and Conditioning certification.
What is the minimum score required to pass the NCSA?
NSCA certification exams are conducted on computers all year round at accredited Pearson VUE test centers all over the world. The maximum possible score is 100; however, a candidate must score a minimum of 70 in order to pass the NCSA exam.
How many questions are asked in the NSCA?
NSCA has, quite possibly, the most challenging test in the entire fitness industry. The test contains 155 multiple choice questions in a format designed to be answered within 3 hours. Among the 155 questions, you have 15 experimental questions.
Why is the CSCS program one of the most highly regarded specialist certifications in the industry?
If you earn a CSCS certification , you’re likely going to be working in the high-performance field with elite professional athletes. Because of the certification’s sophistication, the typical prerequisites won’t cut it. You’ll need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for entry into the program.
What is NSCA CSCS?
NSCA CSCS Background. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1978. When the NSCA was first established, sports medicine was just starting to delve into new levels of knowledge and research.
How long does it take to retake the CSCS exam?
Fortunately, if you don’t pass the exam on your first try, you have the opportunity to retake it after 90 days. This time frame just helps ensure that you have an adequate amount of time to prepare for the retake exam. Below is a breakdown of the cost associated with taking the CSCS exam again. Cost for Two Sections.
What is CSCS training?
Compared to other standard certifications, the CSCS program places a strong emphasis on power training for athletes. If you’re looking for a frame of reference, the CSCS is similar to NASM’s PES (performance enhancement specialist) certification, however the CSCS is the gold standard when it comes to strength and conditioning.
How long does it take to get a CSCS?
As we covered before, the CSCS program is highly regarded in the industry and requires, at minimum, that you have a four-year degree to even take it. The NSCA offers two exam options: a pencil and paper version and an electronic version. You can visit NSCA’s website to find a testing location near you. Once you have fulfilled the prequestisites and have been approved to take the CSCS exam, you have 120 days to complete it. If you take the exam electronically, you will receive your results immediately. This time frame is much smaller than other exams in the industry. If you manage your time well and remain committed to setting aside time to study, it shouldn’t take you more than three months to get prepared for the exam.
How many questions are asked in the practical/applied skills section of the CSCS?
The practical/applied skills section is 2.5 hours in length and “consists of 110 scored multiple-choice questions and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions pertaining to program design, exercise techniques, testing and evaluation, and organization/administration.” While both sections are important, the CSCS has put more weight on the Practical/Applied section, so keep this in mind when studying. The remaining 30 questions are non-scored and spread evenly across the exam. They’re not easy to identify, so it’s best to answer all of the questions to help ensure you get the highest score possible.
What is the NSCA?
The NSCA puts emphasis on the fundamentals of exercise from both a theoretical and practical perspective. In short, this means the organization focuses on providing meaningful insights into sports medicine as this applies to fundamental biomechanics.
What is a NSCA certified personal trainer?
NSCA-Certified Personal Trainers (NSCA-CPT) are health/fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their personal health and fitness needs. Certified personal trainers design safe and effective exercise programs, provide the guidance to help clients achieve their personal health/fitness goals, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Recognizing their own area of expertise, a personal trainer will refer clients to other health care professionals when appropriate.
What is NSCA certification?
NSCA certifications are for dedicated, knowledge-hungry, hardworking strength and conditioning professionals. When you have an NSCA credential on your resume you elevate yourself. You become the standard that employers seek when hiring strength and conditioning positions. NSCA certifications can help differentiate you from ...
What is a TSAC-F?
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators (TSAC-F) apply scientific knowledge to physically train military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, protective services, and other emergency personnel to improve performance, promote wellness, and decrease injury risk.
What is CSCS in sports?
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance .
What is a CSPS?
Certified Special Population Specialists® (CSPS®) are fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate, and train special population clients of all ages regarding their health and fitness needs, preventively, and in collaboration with healthcare professionals. Special populations include those with chronic and temporary health conditions.
When did the CSCS get NCCA accreditation?
The CSCS earned NCCA accreditation in 1993, and was the first nationally accredited strength training and conditioning certification program.
When did the NSCA CPT become a certified personal trainer?
In 1996 , the NSCA-CPT became the first certified personal trainer program accredited by the NCCA. In 2014, the TSAC-F program was the first of its kind to earn NCCA accreditation. Through the accreditation process, the NSCA has demonstrated that the CSCS, NSCA-CPT, and TSAC-F programs meet or exceed NCCA Standards.
How long do you have to wait to retake a test?
Candidates must wait 90 days to retake an exam from the most recent date the exam was taken. The waiting period is industry standard to ensure adequate preparation.
What does RSCC stand for?
The NSCA’s Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach® (RSCC) designation signifies that CSCSs have demonstrated experience and knowledge in their field.
What are the two areas of professional practice?
Candidates must pass an exam that will test their knowledge, skills, and abilities in two areas of professional practice: Scientific Foundations and Practical/Applied. Click below to learn more.
What is a CSCS?
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®) 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.
Can you retake CSCS if you failed?
Candidates that failed only one section of the CSCS exam, only need to retake the failed section . However a passing score must be achieved within one-year or both sections will need to be taken again.
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What is a NSCA CPT?
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) offers a Certified Personal Trainer credential (NSCA-CPT) for personal trainers. This specific certification carries a wide variety of training-specific coverage. The NSCA also carries an additional variety of bundled specialization certifications as well.
What is the NSCA Foundation?
Founded in 2007 with the aim of supporting the advancement of strength and conditioning practical applications, the NSCA Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to providing funding to NSCA members taking part in educational and research endeavors.
What is NSCA certification?
NSCA Certifications. In addition to the Certified Personal Trainer Certification , the NSCA also offers three other types of fitness certifications: Each certification is specific to the type of training the user will be taking part in within their professional lives.
How many questions are asked in the NSCA CPT exam?
The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) exam is comprised of 140 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions that test a candidate’s knowledge in the following four domains:
What is NSCA personal trainer?
NSCA Personal Trainers are health/fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate, and train clients regarding their personal health and fitness needs. They design safe and effective exercise programs, provide guidance to help clients achieve their personal health/fitness goals, and respond appropriately in emergency situations. Recognizing their own area of expertise, a personal trainer will refer clients to other health care professionals when appropriate.
How long does it take to get a CPT from Pearson VUE?
Registration for the NSCA-CPT must be done online. Within 2-3 business days after registering, you will receive a n Authorization to Test email from Pearson VUE with instructions on how to schedule your exam. At that time, you will be able to select the date, time and location you wish to take your exam. The exam must be taken within 120 days after registering.
What is a CSPS trainer?
CSPS Trainers are fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate, and train special population clients of all ages regarding their health and fitness needs while collaborating with healthcare professionals. They design safe and effective exercise programs, provide guidance to help clients achieve their personal health/fitness goals, and recognize and respond to emergency situations. Recognizing their own areas of expertise, CSPS trainers receive referrals from and refer clients to other healthcare providers as appropriate.
What is the NSCA CPT exam?
Like ACSM, the NSCA CPT exam takes a very scientific approach to its fitness assessments, exercise prescriptions, and motivational techniques. NSCA also provides research-driven articles but they are written by certified trainers, not from scholarly journal publications.
What is the difference between NASM and ACSM?
While NASM focuses on program design, the ACSM has a distinct focus on the scientific process and improving movement through kinesiology.
How often do you need to recertify for NASM?
The NASM certification requires a recertification every three years while both the ACSM and NSCA are every two years. Each also allows for continuing education credits in lieu of retesting for recertification.
What are the top 3 personal trainer programs?
Arguably, the top three certified personal trainer programs are the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). All three programs are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), ...
What is the oldest training program?
Founded in 1954, the American College of Sports Medicine is the oldest and most established program for personal training certifications.
Is the National Academy of Sports Medicine a non profit organization?
The National Academy of Sports Medicine is relatively new compared to the other two. Founded in 1987, NASM is a for-profit organization while ACSM and NSCA are both non-profit. The NASM-CPT certification is by far the most popular choice for studying personal trainers.
Who is the best suited for NASM certification?
Who is the NASM Certification Best Suited For? Commercial trainers who want to get their feet wet and see what the fitness industry is like before pursuing higher degrees or specializations. Also ideal for those who want to work their way up in a commercial gym setting.
