NSCA-CSCS = "normal" personal trainer? - JP Fitness Forums

busupshot83 · 01-07-2008, 01:40 AM

To my knowledge, the NSCA-CSCS certification prepares an individual to work primarily with athletes as a strength and conditioning coach.

However, if one holds the CSCS certification, is it possible to work as a normal 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?

Lisa~ · 01-07-2008, 05:46 AM

The CSCS would cover it, and is more respected as well. But the NSCA offers the CPT, which is designed specifically for the personal trainer. That's an option as well.

busupshot83 · 01-07-2008, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa~

The CSCS would cover it, and is more respected as well. But the NSCA offers the CPT, which is designed specifically for the personal trainer. That's an option as well.

Lisa:

Thanks... just wanted to make sure.

busupshot83 · 01-08-2008, 09:53 AM

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?

Lisa~ · 01-08-2008, 11:52 AM

I was already ACE certified (I know, don't laugh) and training clients when I took my CSCS exam. So, I don't know what to tell you except maybe to ask the gyms where you might want to work which certifications they will honor. I think there are several paths to the same destination. I also think any gym would hire you if you had your CSCS or your CPT. You'll have to learn more about fitness assessments and special populations on your own than the CPT is going to teach you anyway. No matter which cert you get, you still have to continue learning and adding to your skills.

busupshot83 · 01-08-2008, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa~

I was already ACE certified (I know, don't laugh) and training clients when I took my CSCS exam. So, I don't know what to tell you except maybe to ask the gyms where you might want to work which certifications they will honor. I think there are several paths to the same destination. I also think any gym would hire you if you had your CSCS or your CPT. You'll have to learn more about fitness assessments and special populations on your own than the CPT is going to teach you anyway. No matter which cert you get, you still have to continue learning and adding to your skills.

Thanks for answering Lisa, I really appreciate it. I have my bachelor's in English, and was recently accepted into medical school, but have decided to pursue fitness as a career. I just purchased the study materials to take the CSCS certification, and wanted to make sure that I am investing properly. Long-term wise, I plan on obtaining my M.S. in Dietetics. Thanks again.

j1992s · 02-24-2008, 03:54 PM

I recently spoke to a manager at a Lifestyle Family Fitness nearby to me about that very issue. Hie said their main concern is that they don't want to employ anyone with the marginal "certifications" we all know about, and that they would be thrilled to have a CSCS working at their facility. As it was put to me, it would be like a board-certified plastic surgeon applying for a job as a paramedic - fair or not, that's how it was put.

Jeff

kuri · 02-24-2008, 08:25 PM

I wish we had more CSCS's or CPTs at the gym I work at.

I don't know if it's indicative of the NASM curriculum but we have a load of NASM-CPTs that can't train worth a shit. Alot of single leg stand on a bosu while OH pressing light DBs for fat loss clients etc...