Pioneering Excellence 

The healthcare landscape faces unprecedented challenges, with chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity affecting six in 10 Americans and U.S. healthcare costs surpassing $4.5 trillion annually. Recognizing this critical need, the NSCA developed the CSPS, the first special populations certification, in 2012. Earning this credential confirms you apply evidence-based best practices across special populations.

Bridging Clinical Environments 

Modern healthcare requires expertise at the intersection of fitness and medicine. Your CSPS certification validates your ability to work across clinical, wellness, and fitness facilities, from medical centers to community programs. Healthcare providers trust CSPS professionals to understand complex conditions and deliver evidence-based programming — with employment of clinical exercise professionals projected to grow 10% by 2033, much faster than average.

Life-Changing Science 

A career as a CSPS positions you to drive meaningful change where it matters most. Whether you’re guiding post-rehabilitation progress or implementing special exercise interventions, your expertise can directly elevate your client’s recovery and quality of life. As healthcare evolves toward prevention and lifestyle medicine, you'll be at the forefront of this transformative movement, applying science-based strength and conditioning to create lasting impact.

CSPS Certification Requirements

You must have at least one of the following requirements to sit for the CSPS exam:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Exercise Science or a related field
• Current license as a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, athletic trainer, or registered dietician
• Current NSCA certification
• Current NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification

Additionally, you need:

• Current CPR/AED certification
• Minimum of 250 hours of related practical experience

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CSPS Exam Registration Fees

Exam preparation materials are not included with registration.

NSCA Membership

Save $135 on your CSPS exam and join NSCA’s elite network of fitness specialists. Unlock exclusive discounts from exam prep to events, free continuing education, and unmatched support as an NSCA Member.

Become a Member

Not Sure Which NSCA Certification Is Right for You?

Compare types of training, groups you can support, eligibility requirements, and more across NSCA’s five industry-leading certifications.

Maintain Your NSCA Certification

Once you hold the CSPS, renewal means staying current through lifelong learning. Earn qualifying continuing education units (CEUs) and recertify every three years to build your skills and advance your career.

Stay Certifed

Recertifying with Distinction (*D)

Recertifying with distinction (*D), is one of the ways the NSCA acknowledges certified individuals who volunteer, contribute, and play a significant role in fulfilling the NSCA’s mission.

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Earn NSCA’s Prestigious CSCS®

If you hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, you also qualify to sit for the CSCS. Become a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist® to deepen your expertise in exercise technique, program design, and more.

Learn More

Disclaimer: The CSPS exam is based upon the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to safely and effectively work as a special population specialist. These KSAs are developed following a job analysis and are used to create the CSPS Detailed Content Outline (DCO). To support individuals seeking certification as a special population specialist, the NSCA has developed several optional preparatory materials. The NSCA does not require, provide, or endorse any specific study guides, preparation materials, or review courses. Candidates who choose to use and/or purchase NSCA preparatory materials are not guaranteed a passing score on certification exams offered by the NSCA.