My Education- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

In the previous post on education I recounted my experience at Hope College. While much of it was exceptionable, parts of it were inadequate. The exercise Science program was no exception to that statement. While many students in the program went on to Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs, the career path for the rest of us was fairly limited despite Professor Slette’s awesome job of showing us different careers.


Besides physical therapy, the second major career path that was pushed in the program was to become a Strength Coach. In fact, I even took a 3 credit class that prepared students to take the test to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. And that is what I did. Those of you that know me may find this funny, as I’m sure you don’t imagine me as a whistle-blowing deadlift-yelling coach. It’s just not me. I never had interest in that…Although I do handle most of the strength work for the high school Track and Field team I coach.

Maybe a bit of background first. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the organization in which I hold my “main” coaching certification. The NSCA leads the industry in research, education, and advancement of the careers in coaching. They put on fantastic conferences that motivate me to do more in my career. They always bring the biggest of names and the most forward of thinkers. The University of New England here in Maine puts on a superb  NSCA conference. I’ve been to equally great events at Rhode Island College.


Anyway, after graduating college and living in Thailand for a bit, I decided to formalize my self and become a a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA. It wasn’t too difficult for me since my studies at Hope funneled me in that direction. Happily, I passed the test and it was official- I was a CSCS which credentialed me to work with professional, college, and high school sports teams.

nsca.com

"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, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate."

The CSCS is one of the few coaching certifications that requires a Bachelor’s Degree. While this is not meant to be elitist (because there are coaches who never graduated high school that are far better than me), it speaks to how the NSCA wants this certification to act as a stamp of the coaches commitment to education. Within the next few years the NSCA will even require future CSCSs to have a Bachelor’s degree in an exercise science related field. Also, we need to re-certify every three years which requires dozens of hours of education and hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.  The CSCS has become the gold-standard in the field of coaching.


So I am a CSCS. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Ready to taken the world of athletics.


Not really.


While the CSCS required the education to learn every element of human metabolism, force diagrams, macronutrients, exercise prescription, proper weight room design, etc. . . it isn’t all that important for my daily work. Yes, it is my credential. It looks good on a resume. It gives me a lot of benefits, but really it didn’t prepare me to work outside of the athletics.


Every person I work with (athlete or non-athlete) has a body in which these use. They can all use their bodies. Some better than others. Simply becoming a CSCS may have educated me on how a knee should track when performing a max-effort front squat, but it taught me nothing about progressing a 60-year old with apprehension to squat surrounding and old knee injury from 80’s.


This is no fault to NSCA. Their certification is designed for coaches of athletes (typically at a high level). The fault is more mine. I recognized this early on so I chose specialize more of my education toward non-athletes, aging populations, and those recovering from injury.


With all that being said, I am happy that I became a CSCS. I really like the research and education put out by the NSCA. They positively push the needle in legitimizing all of our work. The CSCS distinction's reputation helps me when interviewing for jobs. I do use principles learned through the process daily. It is worth it.


I would encourage young coaches to become a CSCS, but I would always add a “but”. I do believe it is the bare minimum. Education doesn’t stop at the certification. Once you’ve gotten your certification continue to study the areas that interest you or will help you in your career. Educate yourself to help the people that have hired you to help them. Specialize. Always be learning.


For those interested,
https://www.nsca.com/