| If you are looking to find a job as a coach | | | | The CSCS Exam |
| or trainer, becoming a Certified Strength and | | | | |
| Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) will surely | | | | The CSCS exam is comprised of two sections |
| fast track your way to the job of your | | | | that will test your knowledge on Strength and |
| choice. Created in 1985, the CSCS program | | | | Conditioning. |
| aims to identify individuals who display | | | | |
| knowledge and skill in designing and | | | | The first section is the Scientific |
| implementing strength and conditioning | | | | Foundations section which is composed of 80 |
| programs for athletes that are safe and | | | | multiple choice questions that measure your |
| effective. | | | | knowledge on exercise sciences such as |
| | | | anatomy, exercise physiology, bioenergetics, |
| The creation of the CSCS program has raised | | | | biomechanics, and acute and chronic |
| the bar of competence among the strength and | | | | adaptations to anaerobic and aerobic |
| conditioning practitioners the world over. To | | | | exercises, and nutrition. You will be given 1 |
| date, 19,500 professionals which include | | | | and ½ hours to take this exam. In this |
| athletic trainers, physical therapists, | | | | section, 58 questions will be on exercise |
| strength and conditioning trainers, | | | | sciences, while 22 will be on nutrition. |
| chiropractors, physicians, researchers, | | | | |
| educators and coaches, hold the credentials | | | | The second section of the exam consists of |
| of CSCS. What's more, CSCS is accredited by | | | | 110 multiple choice questions that are to be |
| the National Commission for Certifying | | | | answered in 2 and ½ hours. The Practical |
| Agencies (NCCA) and has been nationally | | | | or Applied section tackles program design, |
| accredited since 1993. | | | | exercise techniques, testing and evaluation |
| | | | and organization and administration. Forty of |
| Requirements | | | | the 110 questions will be based on a video |
| | | | which will assess proficiency in exercise |
| In order for you to be able to take the CSCS | | | | techniques, functional anatomy and testing |
| exam, you must submit an official and | | | | procedures. Exercise technique and Program |
| original transcript of records of previous | | | | Design will have 78 questions, 10 questions |
| academic work which shows that you hold | | | | will be on Organization and Administration |
| either a bachelor of arts or bachelor of | | | | while 22 will be on testing and evaluation. |
| sciences degree from a school, college or | | | | |
| university accredited by any of the | | | | As a Certified Strength and Conditioning |
| following: Middle State Association, New | | | | Specialist accredited by NCCA, there is no |
| England Association, North Central | | | | doubt that you would be able to land the job |
| Association, Northwest Association, Southern | | | | of your choice. You may soon find yourself |
| Association and Western Association. | | | | working with athletes and scientifically |
| | | | creating programs that will improve their |
| If you are a college senior, you must show | | | | performance. |
| proof that you are currently enrolled in an | | | | |
| accredited institution. Also your exam scores | | | | With the growing number of athletes all over |
| and results will not be released until you | | | | the world, it will be comforting to know that |
| are able to submit a transcript that will | | | | you, as a member of the CSCS who was able to |
| verify that you have graduated from an | | | | make it through the rigorous Certified |
| accredited institution. | | | | Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam, |
| | | | have an edge over other job applicants. |