I’m (soon to be) a CSCS

This has been a long time coming, but I wanted to post a quick update to let everyone know that I passed my exam to obtain my National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist designation.

The reason I say soon to be is because my college transcripts (a bachelor’s degree is one requirement to hold this cert) are on their way to the NSCA, then I have to wait for them to process everything to get the paper copy (suitable for framing!) of the certification.

But all requirements are met.

What is it?

From the NSCA website:

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®) are professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs and provide guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCS® consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.

Why This Certification?

There are a number of nationally recognized certifications out there.

They cover a wide range of specialties, but I believe that strength is the most important factor (not the only, but very important) in overall health, to say nothing of athletic development.

I want to train people to get stronger, and while I could have accomplished that with any designation, I figured if I was taking the time to study and putting out a bunch of money I wanted to focus as much on strength as possible.

I believe this is also one of the more respected certifications and slightly more difficult to obtain.

So What Now?

The certification is always just the first step.

Book knowledge is great, but actually training people is where the rubber meets the road.

Just using myself as a case study, I’ve already modified some of my opinions on how training should go.

I still love the Starting Strength program, and plan to start everyone out that way.

However, I find my opinions on things after the Novice Linear Progression changing based on the way my goals have changed.

So from here I plan to learn as much as possible so that I can proceed with changing lives through strength.

Thanks for letting me brag a little bit!