NSCA Certification Exams | A Year In Review

Providing this annual summary is one of the requirements stipulated by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the organization that accredits three of the NSCA certification exam programs—the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®), the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® (NSCA-CPT®), and the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®). The Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) and Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®) certification program will undergo application for NCCA accreditation in the future.

CSCS Exam

In 2024, the CSCS exam was administered to 9,166 candidates The pass rate for the Scientific Foundations section of the exam was 66% and the pass rate for the Practical/Applied section was 46%. As of December 31, 2024, 40,660 professionals held the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential.

NSCA-CPT Exam

In 2024, the NSCA-CPT exam was administered to 4,918 candidates with a pass rate of 78%. As of December 31, 2024, 13,042 professionals held the NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer credential. 

TSAC-F Exam

In 2024, the TSAC-F exam was administered to 303 candidates with a pass rate of 82%.  As of December 31, 2024, 1,703 professionals held the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator credential.  

CPSS Exam

In 2024, the CPSS exam was administered to 257 candidates with a pass rate of 62%. As of December 31, 2024, 423 professionals held the Certified Performance and Sport Scientist credential. 

CSPS Exam

In 2024, the CSPS exam was administered to 27 candidates with a pass rate of 56%. As of December 31, 2024, there were 208 professionals held the Certified Special Population Specialist credential. 

[1] Based on forms administered in the United States