Certification Exams

Certifications signal that you are knowledgeable about Exercise Science and qualified to help others achieve their health and fitness goals. Becoming certified makes you more marketable, meaning more people will want to work with you. The Exercise Science Department lays a foundation of preparation for students to take certification exams from industry-leading national fitness organizations. While additional studying and/or requirements are necessary to pass the certification exams, your coursework and internships will provide a strong basis of relevant knowledge and experiences.

The Exercise Science Department recommends taking exams from either the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Which exam you choose to take will depend on the type of setting you want to work in and your career goals. Currently, the following options are available:

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

• Certifications
• ACSM Certified Personal Trainer
• ACSM Certified Group Exercise Instructor
• ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist
• ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist
• Specialty Credentials
  • ACSM Exercise is Medicine Credential
  • Autism Exercise Specialist
  • ACSM/ACS Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer
  • ACSM/NCHPAD Certified Inclusive Fitness Trainer
  • ACSM/NPAS Certified Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist

For more information, please visit the ACSM website.

National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)

• Certifications
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
  • Certified Performance and Sport Specialist
  • NSCA Certified Personal Trainer
  • Certified Special Population Specialist
  • Tactical Strength & Conditioning Facilitator

For more information, please visit the NSCA website.