- Last Updated:
- 10/18/2024
- Chelsea Ramsey
The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA) really brings some muscle to the personal trainer certification space. Their background in strength and conditioning training helps to lift trainers into a more niche training environment.
Insurance Canopy takes a look at the NSCA’s certification to help you learn more about the costs, curriculum, and how it can benefit you as a personal trainer.
What Is The National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)?
The NSCA is a non-profit organization started in 1978 by researchers, educators, and experienced coaches. According to their website, the NSCA is, “dedicated to advancing the strength and conditioning and related sport science professions around the world.”
Through evidence-based knowledge and practical application of industry practices, NSCA is helping a community of fitness professionals maximize their impact in their work. They continually work with sport scientists, certified trainers, and industry professionals to adapt new practices and further industry standards.
Pros & Cons of NSCA
It’s important to know if a certification is right for your needs and goals as a trainer. After looking at NSCA certification reviews, course curriculum, and additional benefits, here are some pros and cons to consider.
Pros
- The NSCA is one of the most nationally and internationally recognized associations in the industry.
- Select from a comprehensive list of continuing education unit (CEU) opportunities in different niches.
- Certification exams are provided at test centers around the world, with the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) exams available in Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish.
Cons
- Study materials and exam registration are separate. All study materials are also itemized, with few course material bundles available.
- In-person exams only
- The multiple certification programs offered and the extensive website can be confusing for new visitors to the page.
Not sure NSCA is right for you? See more Insurance Canopy reviews of the best personal trainer certification programs, so you can choose with confidence.
What to Know About the NSCA Personal Trainer Certification
NSCA is primarily known for its strength and conditioning programs, but also conducts a high quality, research-driven personal trainer certification program.
All official certifications you can obtain through NSCA include:
- NSCA Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®)
- Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®)
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
- Certified Performance & Sports Scientist® (CPSS®)
- Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®)
Each of these programs have their own prerequisites to sitting their exams. The one common requirement for all is a CPR/AED* certification.
*Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillator (AED)
NSCA-CPT
The Certified Personal Trainer exam covers:
- Client consultations and overall fitness assessment techniques
- Program planning
- Techniques of exercise
- Safety, emergency procedures and legal issues
The program helps you learn the skills needed to lead safe and effective exercises, create fitness plans, motivate clients, and how to respond in some emergency situations. This course is designed for those without previous practical or educational experience.
Requirements
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Hold a valid CPR/AED certification
Cost
- Member rate: $300
- Non-member rate: $435
These fees also do not include any of the study materials, which are available for purchase online.
Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)
This is the other program provided by NSCA designed for those without extensive prior experience or education. It is geared toward those who wish to work with law enforcement, first responders, and other emergency personnel groups to improve their fitness and decrease their injury risks.
Requirements
- Be 18 years or older
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Hold a valid CPR/AED certification
Cost
- Member rate: $300
- Non-member rate: $435
These fees also do not include any of the study materials, which are available for purchase online.
Additional NSCA Certifications
NSCA is also known for providing higher level, specialized programs that require additional education and go above and beyond the standards of traditional CPT courses.
These programs are intended for individuals already working in a health and fitness field or those who wish to expand upon their educational credentials:
- Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS): a more advanced certification tailored for those wanting to work with athletes; higher education required
- Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS): an advanced certification designed for collaboration with other health professionals; higher education required
- Certified Performance & Sports Scientist (CPSS): the most advanced, science-focused certification offered by NSCA; higher education required
Continuing Education & Recertification
In order to keep your certification current, you must recertify every three years. This time period is a year longer than most other certification programs, plus you get two recertification options.
Option One: Continuing Education Courses
This option requires you to complete a specific number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) based on your certification date (see table here). You will need to complete anywhere from 1–6 CEUs and pay a per credential fee. The prices vary based on NSCA membership status.
Option Two: Retake and Pass Exam
Instead of completing CEUs, you can choose to retake your certification exam, with the stipulation that you must also pass it.
The exam and curriculum are updated each year, so you will need to review any new materials to help you pass the updated version.. You will also need to pay the exam registration fee again.
How a NSCA Certification Can Benefit You
Due to NSCA’s reputation, course offerings, and standards, we recognize them as the premier program for those who want to focus on strength training and/or those with prior educational or professional experience. It’s an internationally recognized program with global connections.
NSCA offers extensive online resources including informational content, client assessment tips, program design, and business advice. You also have the opportunity to join NSCA’s Personal Trainers Professional Development Group, where you can network with other personal trainers.
How a NSCA Certification Can Benefit You
Before you jump into your training, it’s important you have the right protection in place. Strength training comes with its fair share of risks, such as pulling a muscle due to improper form or dropping a heavy weight onto another person’s foot by mistake.
Accidents like these can lead to lawsuits, medical bills, or facility repairs that you’ll be expected to pay.
Personal trainer insurance is designed to cover the cost of claims like these. With Insurance Canopy, you can get a policy instantly online for as little as $15 per month, whereas a single claim could run into the thousands.
You wouldn’t have your clients lift without a spotter, so why would you train without insurance? Learn more and get a free quote today!
FAQs About NSCA Personal Trainer Certification
NSCA stands for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. NSCA is an educational program helping fitness professionals earn and maintain both basic and advanced certifications in the industry.
The pass rate for first-time participants in 2022 was reported at 66%, while 2023 the pass rate was 78%. While 2023 saw a higher pass percentage, you should still expect the NSCA exam to be challenging and prepare accordingly.
The NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer exam consists of 155 total multiple choice questions, including 140 scored and 15 “non-scored” questions with 25–35 image and/or video-based questions throughout.
You have three hours to complete the test, and to pass you need to earn a 70% or higher.
Expect 3–9 months for studying and exam preparation. The more previous experience you have, the less time it will likely take you to complete everything.
Chelsea Ramsey | Copywriter
Ohio-based copywriter Chelsea Ramsey leverages her experiences as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer, a role-playing game writer, and a former auto claims adjuster. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Ohio State University and a TEFL certification from Oxford Seminars. Before working at Veracity, Chelsea wrote for Zulily and trained with clients at her local community center. Fully trained on Insurance Canopy’s coverage, she now writes to assist fitness professionals and entertainers in finding their ideal insurance policies.
Ohio-based copywriter Chelsea Ramsey leverages her experiences as an American Council on Exercise (ACE) certified personal trainer, a role-playing game writer, and a former auto claims adjuster. She holds a bachelor’s in English from Ohio State University and a TEFL certification from Oxford Seminars. Before working at Veracity, Chelsea wrote for Zulily and trained with clients at her local community center. Fully trained on Insurance Canopy’s coverage, she now writes to assist fitness professionals and entertainers in finding their ideal insurance policies.
