NSCA Recertified with Distinction (*D)
A *D after an NSCA credential indicates a person has recertified with distinction. While this distinction is available to everyone, it’s one of the ways the NSCA acknowledges members who volunteer, contribute, and play a significant role in fulfilling the NSCA’s mission.
NSCA Distinction Demonstrates Professional Excellence
Recertifying with distinction enhances your professional standing and provides public recognition for your achievement. Those who put in the effort to achieve distinction, receive a specially designed certificate honoring the accomplishment, and are granted the right to use the trademark-protected “*D” as an extension of their CPSS, CSPS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, and/or TSAC-F credential(s). Distinction also includes special notation on NSCA conference badges.
Earning NSCA recertification with distinction signals your commitment to excellence and positions you as a leader in the strength and conditioning profession.
Requirements for Earning Distinction
To qualify for Recertified with Distinction status, you must:
-
- Meet the standard recertification requirements established by the NSCA for the current recertification period, including reporting in at least two different categories, and reporting a current CPR/AED certification.
- Earn and Report a total of 10.0 CEUs from NSCA activities in the current recertification period.
- Select the path to recertify with distinction in your recertification CEU application.
*NOTE: The 10 NSCA CEUs of NSCA activity are not pro-rated during the first recertification cycle, like standard recertification CEUs are. Example: If you earned a certification in the second year of the current cycle, you would be required to report a pro-rated amount of CEUs (2.0) and pay a pro-rated recertification fee. However, when applying for *D, you are still required to report 10 NSCA CEUs, regardless of certification date.
Steps for Reporting *D
Step 1: Open Your Recertification Application
-
- Log in to your NSCA account.
- Click the Certifications tab, then Report CEUs from the menu on the right
- Open your recertification page by selecting ‘Create New Application’ (or ‘Details’ if your application is already started).
- Ensure you select your “Pending” application for the current recertification cycle/evaluation period.
Step 2: Choose Your Pathway
-
- Once your application is open, in the left column, click ‘Recertification Pathway’.
- Scroll down and select the option for ‘Recertification with Distinction’, then click ‘Next’ to save.
Step 3: Report CEUs and Other Recertification Requirements
-
- Report 10.0 NSCA CEUs earned directly through NSCA* (pre-approved courses do not qualify unless completed via Human Kinetics).
- You must also:
- Report CEUs in at least two categories
- Report your current CPR/AED certification
- Agree to the recertification affirmation
*Note: Some NSCA activities may have already been reported for you.
Step 4: Checkout
-
- Proceed to checkout and pay your recertification fee.
- Once payment is complete, your certification will be updated with *D.
Example of activities that count toward *D
NSCA CEU opportunities that count towards this distinction are activities that are paid for, or events that are registered for, through the NSCA’s website.
- Presenting at NSCA events
- Publishing articles in NSCA publications
- Volunteering on an NSCA committee
- Earning additional NSCA certifications
- Attending/Live Streaming NSCA events
- Passing NSCA quizzes
- Reviewing articles, abstracts, or books in NSCA publications
- Completing home studies through Human Kinetics
*D Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get *D for multiple certifications?
A: Yes, once your distinction requirements have been met, you will be able to request distinction for all certifications.
Q: How do I display *D with my credentials?
A: You would list the certification, then a comma, then the *D (no spaces) Example: CSCS,*D.
Q: Is *D forever? Or do I need to renew *D each cycle?
A: You would be required to meet the *D requirements every cycle, if you wish to maintain the *D status.
- Privacy Policy
- Your Privacy Choices
- Terms of Use
- Retraction and Correction Policy
- © 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association