Connect with the best strength and conditioning content as well as thousands of professionals and begin growing your career opportunities today! Members annually receive more than 500 peer-reviewed articles and have access to more than 350 member-only lecture and demonstration videos.

Student members are required to provide verification of their current full-time student status to the NSCA Membership Department within 30 days of becoming a student member or of renewing a student membership.

The Boyd Epley Award, the highest NSCA honor, recognizes individuals who exhibit historical impact, achievements and dedication to the NSCA over the course of their career.

This article encompasses some of the necessary experience, education, certifications, and personal development needed to become a strength and conditioning coach.

The Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) is a practitioner with training and applied experiences across the scientific disciplines applicable to sport science and athletic performance (i.e., generalist) or predominantly within a select few (i.e., specialist). These scientific disciplines, as related to sports performance, include, but are not limited to: biomechanics, data science, nutrition, physiology, psychology, research methods, and strength and conditioning. A CPSS demonstrates competency in the application of scientific disciplines, assessment, training theory and process, needs analysis, monitoring, communication, and education with the primary goal of safely and effectively improving athletic performance.

Building a Strength and Conditioning Résumé

The CASCE Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) is a working committee that reports to the CASCE Board of Directors. The ARC is responsible for comprehensive reviews of programs seeking CASCE accreditation. Members of the ARC synthesize data and information contained in a program’s self-study, site visit report, program response, and progress report to determine compliance with the CASCE Professional Standards and Guidelines. The ARC also makes recommendations to the CASCE Board of Directors regarding accreditation action.

The CASCE Standards Committee is a working committee that reports to the CASCE Board of Directors (BOD). This group is responsible for review related to the professional standards and guidelines for clarification and to make recommendations to the CASCE BOD related to standard language, revisions, glossary, etc. The Standards Committee will bring forward suggestions after receiving public comment on proposed changes and work closely with the ARC, stakeholders, and staff to gather data on standards that are new, unclear, or challenging.

Want to break into tactical strength and conditioning? Start by understanding the physical and stress demands of tactical work. Whitney Tramel explains what coaches need to know before stepping into this space. Drawing on her experience across military, police, and fire settings, she outlines the training qualities tactical professionals need to stay ready. She also discusses the growing focus on “holistic health.” In her view, that means looking at the whole individual and supporting longevity across a demanding career. As Tactical Program Manager at the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a PhD candidate studying stress physiology, Tramel connects research with the realities of tactical coaching. She also addresses a side many coaches are not ready for: tactical athletes often trust their strength coach with conversations that reach far beyond training. Learn what the role requires, what coaches often miss, and how to enter the tactical field with clarity. Reach out to Whitney by email: whitney.tramel@nsca.com | Find Eric on Instagram: @ericmcmahoncscs and LinkedIn: @ericmcmahoncscs Looking to enter the tactical space or keep growing in it? Explore the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) certification and join us at 2026 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in Orlando this August 17 – 20.