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Best strength and conditioning coach certifications
The best certifications for a strength and conditioning coach are Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Personal Trainer, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC).
Strength and conditioning coach certifications demonstrate your competency as a strength and conditioning coach to employers. However, not all strength and conditioning coach certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best strength and conditioning coach certifications. Obtaining a strength and conditioning coach certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
11 best certifications for strength and conditioning coaches
| Rank | Strength and conditioning coach certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) | NSCA-CC |
| 2 | Certified Personal Trainer | CIAR |
| 3 | Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC) | CSCCa |
| 4 | Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) | NASM |
| 5 | Master Certified Coach (MCC) | ICF |
| 6 | NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) | NSCA-CC |
| 7 | Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT) | AFPA |
| 8 | Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC) | BOC |
| 9 | Master Strength and Conditioning Coach (MSCC) | CSCCa |
| 10 | Fitness Nutrition Certification | ISSA |
| 11 | Strength and Conditioning Certification | ISSA |
11 best strength and conditioning coach certifications
1. Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Learn more about becoming a strength and conditioning coach with the NSCA certification! Visit NSCA.com for more information on strength and conditioning jobs, strength and conditioning internships, continuing education and CEUs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
2. Certified Personal Trainer
The purpose of The Cooper Institute Personal Trainer (CI-PTr) Certification Examination is to provide assurance of mastery and application of knowledge and skills directly related to the performance of the job entitled `Personal Trainer' through a defensible, reliable, valid and rigorous process. The successful completion of the CI-PTr Certification Examination results in credentialing to ensure certificants' professional knowledge, skills and tools to provide sound fitness and health programming to their clients, provide assurance to clients and employers, protect the public, and advance the profession.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC)
The most comprehensive certification of its kind and the most specific to the field of strength and conditioning coaching, the SCCC (Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified) certification identifies individuals who possess the knowledge, skills, techniques, and expertise necessary to be an effective strength and conditioning coach on the collegiate and professional level.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)
You'll understand the science of human movement and discover cutting-edge, evidence-based sports performance exercise techniques that can help you build tougher, faster and stronger athletes.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
5. Master Certified Coach (MCC)
ICF defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, which is particularly important in today's uncertain and complex environment. Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole. Standing on this foundation, the coach's responsibility is to: Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve Encourage client self-discovery Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies Hold the client responsible and accountable This process helps clients dramatically improve their outlook on work and life, while improving their leadership skills and unlocking their potential.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)
Personal trainers are health/fitness professionals who, using an individualized approach, assess, motivate, educate and train clients regarding their health and fitness needs. They 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, personal trainers refer clients to other health care professionals when appropriate.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Advanced Personal Training Certification (APT)
AFPA's Advanced Personal Trainer Certification Program has been nationally and internationally recognized since 1994. AFPA provides the most comprehensive and authoritative resources for you as an Advanced Personal Trainer, whether you are working in a health/fitness club currently as a Personal Trainer or if you are working with athletes at the high school or collegiate level.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Athletic Trainer Certification (ATC)
BOC provides a certification program for the entry level Athletic Trainer and establishes requirements for maintaining status as a Certified Athletic Trainer.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
9. Master Strength and Conditioning Coach (MSCC)
The second level of certification offered by the CSCCa is the Master Strength & Conditioning Coach (MSCC), which is undoubtedly the highest honor that can be achieved as a strength and conditioning coach. It represents professionalism, knowledge, experience, expertise, as well as longevity in the field.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Fitness Nutrition Certification
ISSA's Fitness Nutrition Certification course blends nutritional science and practice in order to help you successfully guide them toward a better body... both inside and out.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
11. Strength and Conditioning Certification
ISSA's Strength and Conditioning Certification course has been designed to provide you with the knowledge, expertise, and specific training techniques to enable athletes to expand the capacity of their bodies to perform the most difficult athletic feats, while remaining strong and free from injuries.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a strength and conditioning coach?
The best strength and conditioning coach certification is Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is awarded by the National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certification Commission. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this strength and conditioning coach certification:
- To become a certified Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for strength and conditioning coaches?
The most in-demand strength and conditioning coach certification is Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this strength and conditioning coach certification will give you access to more strength and conditioning coach jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a strength and conditioning coach career and salary?
The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification will help you to secure a personal trainer position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A personal trainer's average salary is $38,768 whereas strength and conditioning coaches make an average salary of $49,382.
The most common combination of strength and conditioning coach certifications include: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Personal Trainer, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Certified (SCCC).
Online courses for strength and conditioning coachs to earn certifications
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