Certified Special Population Specialist Exam Prerequisites

1. Have at least one of the following: 

• A Bachelor's degree or higher degree granted by an accredited institution in Exercise Science or a related field (e.g., physical therapy, chiropractic medicine). (refer to Certification Handbook for a list of acceptable accredited institutions)
• A current license as a physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, athletic trainer, or registered dietitian.
• A current NSCA certification (CSCS, NSCA-CPT, TSAC-F).
• A NCCA-accredited personal trainer certification.

Candidates in the United States and Canada must submit an official transcript showing attainment of at least a bachelor's degree (BS/BA), physical therapy degree, chiropractic medicine degree granted by an accredited institution or certificate/lincense that was received at the completion of the approved program within 1-year of exam date. (refer to Certification Handbook for a list of acceptable accredited institutions)

Candidates outside of the United States and Canada may submit a photocopy of the final transcript, degree diploma or certificate that was received at the completion of the degree program, showing attainment of approved program within 1-year of exam date.

2. Have a current CPR/AED certification. (refer to Certification Handbook for acceptable CPR/AED certifications).

• Documentation only needs to be submitted if candidate indicated they did not hold a current CPR/AED certification when completing the registration process.
• Individuals that do not have current CPR/AED certification can still register and take the exam; however, a copy of valid CPR/AED certification must be received within 1-year of exam date.

3. Have a minimum 250 hours of related practical experience.

• Candidates must submit a completed CSPS Practical Experience Form. 
  • Hours must be consistent with the CSPS Scope of Practice (see below) and describe a candidate’s principle or supporting role in managing clients with unique needs.
  • Candidates must be able to perform the following:
    • Educate a client on the basic pathophysiology and science of health status, condition, disorder, or disease.
    • Perform health appraisals, fitness evaluations, SMART goal development, program design, motivational/coaching techniques, and client outcome monitoring.

It is appropriate for candidates to include parallel hours for clients with comorbidities. For example, experience may count in three domains if a candidate works with a client who is obese, has Type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis of the knee. Hours are subject to a random audit. It is strongly recommended that candidates gain experience in each CSPS content domain.

Send supporting documentation to:

1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
FAX: 719-632-6367 (copies of CPR/AED only)
Email: exams@nsca.com

Documentation will not be returned. If candidates mail the transcript, the registrar’s seal must remain intact. NSCA accepts official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) that are transferred using a secure document transfer program (e.g., escrip-safe, eDocs).