Credential Guidelines

Highest Academic Degree

After your name, list the abbreviation of your highest academic degree (separated by a comma and space). Typically, this is only done with a Master’s degree or higher.

• • Examples: Master of Science (MS), Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (MEd), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Licensure or Other Certification

Next, list any abbreviated licensure or non-NSCA certification(s) (separated by a comma and space), such as:

• • Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) or Licensed Athletic Trainer (LAT)
  • Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN)
  • Physical Therapist (PT)

NSCA Certification

Then, add any of your applicable NSCA certifications in the following order:

• • CPSS, CSPS, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, TSAC-F

Certifications that require a degree or higher eligibility requirements (such as the CPSS and CSCS) are listed first. Always add a comma and a space after each certification when continuing the sentence

• • Example: John Smith, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, spoke at the conference.

Note that you do not need to use the trademark symbol when listing credentials after a certificate holder’s name.

Distinction

NSCA certifications may qualify for Distinction or *D®, a designation you can earn with additional NSCA CEUs each cycle. If you earn Distinction, display your credentials by adding a comma, no space, an asterisk, and a capital D:

• • CSCS,*D

Follow with a comma and a space when listing multiple certifications or continuing the sentence:

• • Example: Jane Smith, MEd, CPSS,*D, NSCA-CPT, led the clinic.

While *D is an NSCA trademark, you do not need to use the trademark symbol when listing it after a certificate holder’s name.

Recognition

List your abbreviated recognitions, such as Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach® (RSCC), after your certification(s).

Examples:

• • John Smith, CSCS, NSCA-CPT, RSCC
  • Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach or RSCC
  • Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach with Distinction or RSCC*D (no comma, no spaces)
  • Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach Emeritus or RSCC*E (no comma, no spaces)
  • USA Weightlifting or USAW, including Level 1 (USAW-1) and Level 2 (USAW-2)
  • USA Track & Field or USATF

Fellowships

Lastly, list the abbreviation of any fellowships, such as Fellow of the NSCA (FNSCA).

Examples:

• • Fellow of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) or FNSCA
  • Fellow of the National Strength and Conditioning Association Emeritus or FNSCA*E
  • Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) or FACSM

When writing out your credentials, make sure to use the proper capitalization, hyphenation, and trademark symbols:

• • Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® or CPSS®
  • Certified Special Population Specialist or CSPS®
  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® or CSCS®
  • NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer® or NSCA-CPT®
  • Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® or TSAC-F®

All NSCA certification titles, abbreviations, and seals are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and cannot be used in a proprietary manner without permission from the NSCA.

The NSCA provides all certificate holders with digital seal(s) for each certification cycle that can be used on business cards, websites, social media, and email signatures at no cost.

• • To download your digital seals, log in to your Accredible account to access your digital certificate(s) and badge(s).