Strength and Conditioning Coaches

Certification or Licensing

The National Strength and Conditioning Association offers the certified strength and conditioning specialist, certified personal trainer, certified special population specialist, certified performance and sport scientist, and tactical strength and conditioning-facilitators designations to applicants who pass a rigorous examination and meet other requirements. Visit https://www.nsca.com/certification/certification-overview for more information.

The Collegiate Strength & Conditioning Coaches Association offers two levels of voluntary certification. Coaches who have a bachelor's degree, pass an examination, have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and satisfy other requirements are eligible for the strength and conditioning coach certified designation. Those who have worked as full-time, collegiate and/or professional strength and conditioning coaches for a minimum of 12 years, have earned the strength and conditioning coach certified designation, and satisfy other requirements may receive the master strength and conditioning coach designation. Visit https://www.cscca.org/certification to learn more.

Strength and conditioning coaches do not need to be licensed. Some employers may require that strength and conditioning coaches be certified in CPR.