First Accredited Academic Programs in Strength and Conditioning

The Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Programs (CASCE, pronounced kass-key) is pleased to announce the accreditation of the first academic institutions with strength and conditioning programs to achieve CASCE accreditation:

Avila University: Undergraduate Program
Central College: Undergraduate Program
Springfield College: Undergraduate and Graduate Program
University of Mary-Hardin Baylor: Undergraduate Program

CASCE accreditation signifies a commitment to the highest standards of excellence, credibility, professionalism, and safety for strength and conditioning students, educational institutions, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) professionals, and their athletes.

On behalf of CASCE, we would like to offer our sincere congratulations to these pioneering programs on being the first to achieve this important accreditation,” says CASCE Chair Todd Miller, PhD, CSCS*D, TSAC-F, FNSCA. “Each of these programs has demonstrated diligence, professionalism, and a commitment to the highest standard of excellence for its students, faculty, and the athletes they serve. Their efforts and achievements demonstrate leadership in building an even stronger strength and conditioning profession.”

CASCE accreditation is part of an initiative by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) to elevate and advance the strength and conditioning profession. As the accrediting agency, CASCE is responsible for developing and maintaining a quality assurance process that ensures all future professionals are capable and well-prepared to enter the strength and conditioning profession. This accreditation process establishes a qualified workforce that has the professional knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to meet industry standards, keep athletes safe, and attain success.

Beginning in 2030, candidates sitting for the CSCS exam will be required to graduate with a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a strength and conditioning-related field from an NSCA-approved agency. This upcoming change to the eligibility rules for the CSCS exam was announced by the NSCA in 2018. Anyone holding the CSCS credential or earning a CSCS credential before December 31, 2029, will not be affected by the new requirement.

“The change to CASCE accreditation will further elevate the status and professionalism of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists, as well as that of educational programs and of the entire industry,” says Michael Massik, NSCA Executive Director. “It clarifies a standard of excellence that aligns evidence-based knowledge with everyday practice, and it provides students and practition-ers the tools to safeguard their athletes from unnecessary injury while helping them achieve peak performance.”

CASCE accreditation is a non-governmental peer-review process that allows institutions to be evaluated by other professionals working in the industry who understand the needs and demands from a shared perspective. Programs must demonstrate compliance with the CASCE Professional Standards and Guidelines and use these standards as a resource for ongoing program improve-ment, growth, and achievement.

The CASCE accreditation process takes place over a two-year period, with application submissions accepted annually from October 1 through December 1.

Information on CASCE accreditation, including its importance, process, resources, and application process, may be found here.