Is becoming a strength and conditioning trainer right for me?
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How to become a Strength and Conditioning Trainer
To become a qualified strength and conditioning trainer, individuals usually need a relevant degree and certification from reputable organizations. This is the typical pathway to the career:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning. Pay particular attention to courses in biology, health, and physical education.
Post-Secondary Education
Obtain a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as personal training, kinesiology, or physiology. A degree in physical therapy is another potential route to a career in strength and conditioning training.
While a bachelor’s degree is often sufficient, some trainers, especially those interested in working with elite athletes or teaching at the college level, choose to pursue a master’s degree in a related field. Doctoral degrees are rare among strength and conditioning trainers, typically pursued only by those who wish to focus on a career in academia and research.
Practical Experience / Job Search
Seek internships or volunteer opportunities with sports teams, fitness centers, athletic organizations, or schools to gain hands-on experience in coaching and training. These experiences can often lead to fulltime entry-level jobs.
Certifications from Professional Organizations
These are some well known and respected certifications available to strength and conditioning trainers:
- Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) – Offered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), the CSCS certification is one of the most recognized in the field. It is designed for professionals working with athletes and focuses on performance enhancement, injury prevention, and sports-specific training.
- Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) Specializing in Strength and Conditioning – Various organizations, such as the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE), offer personal trainer certifications that allow specialization in strength and conditioning. These certifications cover general fitness and can be a good starting point.
- Certified Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coach (SCCC) – Offered by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCa), this certification is aimed at those working in college and university settings. It emphasizes program design, coaching techniques, and athlete development.
- Certified Sports Performance Coach (SPC) – Offered by USA Weightlifting (USAW), this certification focuses on Olympic weightlifting techniques and training. It is particularly valuable for trainers working with athletes seeking to improve explosive strength and power.
- Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) – Offered by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the PES certification focuses on improving athletic performance through training, injury prevention, and biomechanics.
- Functional Movement Screen (FMS) Certification – The FMS certification, offered by Functional Movement Systems, focuses on assessing and improving movement patterns to prevent injuries and optimize performance.
- Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification (PN1) – While not specific to strength and conditioning, nutrition is a key component of fitness. This certification, offered by Precision Nutrition, provides knowledge about nutrition coaching and dietary strategies to support training programs.
It is important to note that each certification provider has its own prerequisites, study materials, and examination processes. The typical certification process involves passing a written exam that covers topics such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, program design, and nutrition.
Also providing career support to strength and conditioning trainers are the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Portfolio
Create a portfolio showcasing your training programs, client successes, and any workshops or certifications you've completed. This will be helpful when applying for jobs or building your own training business.
Continuing Education
The field of strength and conditioning is always evolving. Continuing education through workshops, seminars, and online courses helps you stay current with the latest research and trends.
Networking
Build connections. Network with professionals in the field, attend industry events, and connect with trainers, coaches, and organizations to learn from others and discover potential job opportunities.
Specialization
As you gain experience, you might choose to specialize in an area such as sports-specific training, rehabilitation, or youth athletics.