To my knowledge, the NSCA-CSCS certification prepares an individual to work primarily with athletes. However, if one holds the CSCS certification, is it possible to work as a personal trainer at fitness clubs such as Bally's, L.A. Fitness, Lifestyles, etc.? Or would you first have to obtain a basic personal trainer certification such as the NSCA-CPT?
NSCA-CSCS = personal trainer?
- Thread starter busupshot83
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Yes, you can work pretty much wherever you want.
I recently received a response from the NSCA regarding my initial question:
"A CSCS-certified individual does not have to deal with a "special" type of client because any particular "medical need" of an athlete is evaluated and addressed by the team doctor or the head athletic trainer at the institution. Also, the team doctor/athletic trainer performs the athlete's initial assessment of health (via a physical examination at the beginning of the school year or season); the CSCS typically does not have anything to do with an athlete until after the athlete has passed the initial physical examination and is ready to begin training.
The NSCA-CPT, however, must perform all of the "client consultation and fitness assessment" on the client. As a matter of fact, it is the initial medical and exercise history review and fitness evaluation that is one of the most critical responsibilities of a personal trainer. Also, the NSCA-CPT may work with training clients who have never exercised or may have pre-existing medical limitations; two situations that a CSCS usually does not have to deal with.
Further, a CSCS is required to understand the more advanced application of exercise program design as it relates to sport performance, whereas, the NSCA-CPT typically does not have to understand advanced program design. Instead, the NSCA-CPT must have a good understanding of the design of exercise programs for a variety of "special populations" (e.g., those who may be pregnant, hypertensive, diabetic, etc.). There are exceptions, however, such as personal trainers who work with competitive athletes.
A CSCS certified individual is NOT certified to work one-on-one with clients."
If the CSCS is not certified to work one-on-one with clients, how are they able to attain positions at local fitness centers?
"A CSCS-certified individual does not have to deal with a "special" type of client because any particular "medical need" of an athlete is evaluated and addressed by the team doctor or the head athletic trainer at the institution. Also, the team doctor/athletic trainer performs the athlete's initial assessment of health (via a physical examination at the beginning of the school year or season); the CSCS typically does not have anything to do with an athlete until after the athlete has passed the initial physical examination and is ready to begin training.
The NSCA-CPT, however, must perform all of the "client consultation and fitness assessment" on the client. As a matter of fact, it is the initial medical and exercise history review and fitness evaluation that is one of the most critical responsibilities of a personal trainer. Also, the NSCA-CPT may work with training clients who have never exercised or may have pre-existing medical limitations; two situations that a CSCS usually does not have to deal with.
Further, a CSCS is required to understand the more advanced application of exercise program design as it relates to sport performance, whereas, the NSCA-CPT typically does not have to understand advanced program design. Instead, the NSCA-CPT must have a good understanding of the design of exercise programs for a variety of "special populations" (e.g., those who may be pregnant, hypertensive, diabetic, etc.). There are exceptions, however, such as personal trainers who work with competitive athletes.
A CSCS certified individual is NOT certified to work one-on-one with clients."
If the CSCS is not certified to work one-on-one with clients, how are they able to attain positions at local fitness centers?
Care to elaborate?
Because fitness centers hire people with no certifications at all. That's the reality of this business.
I understand... thanks for responding.
Depends on the establishment... some require an exercise science degree, some require certification when you start working, some want it within a couple months, some not at all.
At the same time, some places may hire CSCS certified individuals with the understanding that they are going to complete CEUs that will enable them to work with special populations, or that they will work primarily with clients focussed on athletic performance.
There's a lot of variation out there.
if you get your CSCS, you try to go to work for organizations...like a professional sports team.
CSCS is more advanced. I have the materials for the test, but I don't think I'll ever have the time to commit it to memory and take the test.
Hindsight being 20/20, I would have had a different major in college.
and Chad is right. most CPT's work for themselves. Gym's hire people with good bodies, and then give them a few handouts on nutrition and exercise routines, and charge $25 or more a session.
CSCS is more advanced. I have the materials for the test, but I don't think I'll ever have the time to commit it to memory and take the test.
Hindsight being 20/20, I would have had a different major in college.
and Chad is right. most CPT's work for themselves. Gym's hire people with good bodies, and then give them a few handouts on nutrition and exercise routines, and charge $25 or more a session.
BTW, I don't know if it was taken this way or not, but my comment wasn't meant to be smart or anything. It's just unfortunate that that really is the reality of the business.
Illini is right in that it does vary from establishment to establishment, but generally speaking commercial health clubs are way lenient when it comes to hiring trainers. I once applied for a position at a commercial facility and they had never heard of the NSCA. Seriously, the director of personal trainer has never heard of the NSCA? I'm sorry, but if your job is to hire personal trainers and oversee the personal training department you should know these things.
Don't worry: I did not take your comment to be "smart." I appreciate your concern and professionalism though 
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