Introduction

Athletes who want to maximize performance in their respective sport often seek the assistance of a qualified strength coach; more specifically a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS). This type of exercise professional analyzes athlete performance, identifies any weak points, then develops or makes corresponding changes to the athlete’s training program.

Strength, power, agility and speed are the primary components of sports performance targeted for improvement by the CSCS. The CSCS certification is acquired through the National Strength and Condition Association (NSCA), which is a standard requirement to practice as a strength coach.

CSCS vs CPT | Difference Between Strength Coach and Personal Trainer

Both the CSCS and CPT need to know nutrition and proper exercise techniques. They also need to know anatomy and physiology. However, their focus is not the same. The CSCS focuses on helping athletes improve physical ability for a given sport. The CPT works to enhance a person’s total health and fitness levels.

Although here is some overlap in the methods they use, the CSCS is more educated in the areas of exercise science and sports performance than the average certified personal trainer.

Both CSCSs and CPTs can work in various commercial gyms, however you’ll be hard pressed to find a CPT training athletes in the weight room of a collegiate or professional sports team.

Requirements for Becoming a Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Though graduating with a 4-year bachelor’s degree in any subject (or being a college senior) is required to sit for the CSCS, a bachelor of science in kinesiology (the study of movement of the body), exercise science or related major is highly recommended to prepare for this certification exam.

The CSCS exam consists of multiple-choice questions exclusively, divided into two parts. The first section (90 questions in 1.5 hours) covers the candidate’s scientific knowledge in such areas as muscular anatomy and energy metabolism. The second part (120 questions in 2.5 hours) explores practical applications, including workout programming, athletic performance testing and exercise technique.

If a total score of 70 or higher is achieved, the CSCS certification is awarded. By no means an easy feat, passing is challenging by any standard with NSCA reporting a 63% pass rate for the CSCS exam.

In order to maintain this certification, the NSCA requires its Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists to complete 6 continuing education credits (CECs) every 2-year period.

Job Requirements of the Strength & Conditioning Specialist

Frequently, the CSCS is employed in settings that have sports teams, either at the high school level or, more frequently, at the collegiate and professional levels. Their primary goal is to help improve athletic performance through proper physical conditioning.

The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential may also be required for some job positions outside of strength coaching, such as athletic department director or gym facility manager.

5 Common CSCS Job Duties

When preparing the athlete in preseason, postseason, and in-season, the CSCS will perform the following:

  • Make a physical assessment of players similar to the one a personal trainer makes of his or her clients.
  • Design a lifting, running and conditioning program for the athlete.
  • Observe the athlete’s technique in doing the exercises and make corrections as needed.
  • Be sure proper eating habits are followed to enhance exercise recovery and maximize athletic performance.
  • Put the athlete through a series of tests to determine where there is a weakness in performance.

Examples of athletic performance tests administered by the CSCS:

  • Vertical jump for power
  • 40-yard dash for speed
  • 1-repetition lift maximum in bench press, squat and deadlift for strength
  • Hexagon obstacle test for agility
  • 12-minute run for endurance

3 Primary CSCS Work Settings

High School

Some high school coaches are CSCSs and provide a solid introduction to the fundamentals of exercise and correct lifting techniques to young athletes.

College or University

If the CSCS works in a collegiate setting, he or she will be responsible for the conditioning of all the athletes/teams of different sports. For example, the training for a tennis player will differ compared to that of a football player.

Professional Sports

At the professional level, the CSCS only has to focus on one sport. Quite often, he or she is considered part of the coaching staff. There is a great deal of pressure on the CSCS to ensure the team is optimally conditioned and reaches peak performance by the time their season rolls around. On the flip side, their is a huge sense of accomplishment that comes with the athlete’s or team’s success.