What are the prerequisites in order to sit for the CSCS exam?

To be eligible to sit for the CSCS examination (within the United States, and Canada), candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or currently be enrolled as a college senior from an accredited institution.

Outside the United States and Canada: Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree as defined by the United States educational system or currently be enrolled as a college senior in a college/university recognized by the ministry of education in that particular country.

To be eligible to take the CSCS examination, candidates must hold current CPR and AED certification. Registrants must submit a copy of current CPR/AED certification card.

Bachelor’s Degree or Higher

Registrants must submit an original, official transcript of their academic work, showing attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) or chiropractic medicine degree granted by an accredited institution.

College Seniors

The NSCA will not release exam scores until transcripts verifying graduation and noting the degree earned have been received. College seniors who pass the CSCS exam do not become CSCS certified until: They have graduated from college; and The NSCA Certification receives their original, official transcript verifying graduation and the degree earned.

CPR and AED Certification

Must have a hands-on training component (certification through a course completed entirely online will not be accepted). The NSCA Certification will not release exam scores until documentation of valid CPR and AED certification has been received.

For more detailed information regarding CSCS exam prerequisites, please visit the NSCA exam certification site.

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