really necessary to join NCSA? - JP Fitness Forums

malkore · 08-15-2006, 10:53 AM

I wanna get my CSCS certification...but do I really need to become a member of NCSA? I save a few bucks on training materials and the test.

or is there some BS loophole where I have to be a member in order for my CSCS cert to stay valid?

dos · 08-15-2006, 11:13 AM

First, I think you need to be a member in order to sit for the CSCS and second, why wouldn't you want to be a member anyway?

Ogedei · 08-15-2006, 11:15 AM

I think dos raises an excellent question. If you want to be CSCS why would you not want to be a member? I've considered it just to get the other 2 publications.

Lisa~ · 08-15-2006, 11:16 AM

The journals are worth reading. Great information all the time. Plus it just makes sense to support the organization.

stroutman81 · 08-15-2006, 11:37 AM

Do you mean NSCA? If so, it is well worth the price of membership to get the publications.

galya · 08-15-2006, 11:52 AM

How do you plan to stay updated with research and new material, have great reading and ongoing education, connect with other professionals in the field, know about conferences, etc. if you are not a member?

malkore · 08-15-2006, 11:56 AM

Yes, meant NSCA.

Yikes, it was just an honest question. there's a lot of organizations out there that just want your money to pay their CEO's big bank, while you get shafted.

it sounds liek membership is indeed worth it judging from your replies.

only just orderd the essential str. training 2nd edition book this morning...none of my other materials, since you get a decent discount on those with a membership, vs $7 on the one book. not to mention $120 off the test.

I just wanted to make sure before I fork over $100+ a year

Lisa~ · 08-15-2006, 12:02 PM

It's good to make sure.

We didn't mean to jump on you too hard! But it is worth it.

Alwyn · 08-15-2006, 12:03 PM

CSCS Exam Cost:

NSCA Member: $260
Non Member: $380

NSCA Membership: $120.

In other words - you don't save any money by not joining the NSCA.

Funk · 08-15-2006, 12:36 PM

Malkore:
Just get the membership now because you eclipse the cost, like Alwyn mentioned, as soon as you take the test. You'll want more of the study materials- the practice tests ecpecially. There's only two, but it'll help put into perspective what the test id going to be similar to.. After that, it's a small price to pay for the publications. One thing to consider, if you're worried about the cost of membership, you're going to crap when you pay for seminars for your CEUs

On the bright side, being a member helps with discount on all NSCA events. Good luck with the test.

-Dustin

John Izzo · 08-15-2006, 12:38 PM

I don't belong to the NSCA and I still stay updated on current research and events....thanks in part to this forum.

malkore · 08-15-2006, 02:51 PM

And I believe I'll save on training materials too as a member. what are CEU's?

Lisa~ · 08-15-2006, 02:52 PM

Continuing Education Credits

Keith Scott · 08-15-2006, 02:57 PM

I would say yes it is. The Journals are good and you get a lot of cool resources along with the membership. Not to mention that it is cheaper to take the exam.

John Izzo · 08-15-2006, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lisa~

Continuing Education Credits

CEU are Continuing Education Units

John Izzo · 08-15-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith E Scott

I would say yes it is. The Journals are good and you get a lot of cool resources along with the membership. Not to mention that it is cheaper to take the exam.

Speaking as a manager, I don't think you will get alot out of the NSCA journals at this point in your journey....becasue you are new to the personal training field, the journals may seem "too in-depth", and "scientific". You will be bombarded with studies, research, and formula's and it may be confusing. And I know, you'll just want to train once you get out there! Nothing wrong with that--there are other viable sources that you can recieve updated materials in an easier to understand format than the NSCA journals.
Training & Conditioning is a great free publication...so is Fitness Professional...IDEA puts out a good magazine...also, 100's and 100's of newsletters on teh internet.

Lost Dog · 08-15-2006, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by standAPART

I don't belong to the NSCA and I still stay updated on current research and events....thanks in part to this forum.

John, leaving yourself pretty open there, aren't you, "Mr. Controversial Article Guy?"

Lisa~ · 08-15-2006, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by standAPART

CEU are Continuing Education Units

HAHAHAHA. You are so right. Doesn't somebody have CEC's?

I respectfully disagee with you about the journals though. The Strength and Conditioning Journal is easy to understand and full of practical and useful information. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research might be hard to read since it is the studies you mention, but it's a great resource if you need to research something or support a concept. I don't read it straight through, but I skim it and always find something of interest.

Don't under estimate people. He might just love the scientific stuff.