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To be eligible to take the SCCC Certification Examination, an individual must be a currently practicing, full-time, strength and conditioning coach on the collegiate or professional level, or a student preparing to become a full-time strength and conditioning coach on this level.


Our goal as an association is to identify, educate, serve, and prepare those individuals who want to be solely full-time strength and conditioning coaches of collegiate and professional athletic teams. Dual certification in other fields is not recommended in order to protect the integrity and value of the SCCC Certification and the profession of full-time collegiate and professional-level strength and conditioning. The various positions of strength and conditioning coach, sport coach, athletic trainer, physical therapist, teacher/researcher, personal trainer, etc., are each so broad and vast in scope that it is impossible to be effective and competent in more than one of these professions simultaneously. Each of these professions has its own organization and certification, designed specifically to meet its unique needs.


With its certification process, the CSCCa is providing a door, through which only those individuals who want to be full-time strength and conditioning coaches on the collegiate and professional level can pass. We hope to send a message to all institutions that a full-time strength and conditioning coaching position is extremely important and should be provided at every institution with an athletic program.

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Standard Candidate Requirements
Standard Candidate Requirements

Standard Candidate Requirements

  • Graduating students
  • Strength and conditioning coach of collegiate or professional athletic team with less than 6 years full time experience


ATTENTION: CSCCa membership is not required for obtaining or maintaining SCCC Certification, but CSCCa members do receive discounted rates. Annual membership dues (membership year runs from August 1- July 31) must be paid by corresponding deadlines in order to receive the member discounted pricing for: conference registration, SCCC Certification fees, and CEU reporting & CSCCa course fees. A non-compliance fee will be assessed for individuals who do not pay the membership fee by the corresponding deadline, but who have received discounted pricing for any CSCCa dues and fees.


Requirement, Description, & Deadlines

Exam Application

Applications can be submitted here. 

February 16, 2024


CSCCa Code of Conduct

A signed CSCCa Code of Conduct must be submitted to the CSCCa National Office in order to sit for the SCCC Certification Exam. 

Click here to download

February 16, 2024


Practicum Waiver & Information Form

A Practicum Wavier & Information Form must be submitted to the CSCCa National Office at the beginning of your 640-hour CSCCa approved internship. 

February 16, 2024


Certification Fee

Certification Fee Member: $360 -- Non Member: $470

February 16, 2024


Bachelor's Degree

Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. A sealed, official transcript verifying attainment of a Bachelor's Degree is required. Transcripts issued to students or copies will not be accepted. Transcripts must be sent from the University's Records Department directly to the CSCCa National Office either electronically to cert@cscca.org or mailed in an official, sealed envelope.

February 16, 2024


New Academic Course Requirements

Effective August 1, 2024, all first time SCCC Candidates will be required to have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution and have received academic credit on their official transcripts for the following courses (5 TOTAL):

• Anatomy & Physiology (2 classes)

• Exercise Physiology (1 class)

• Biomechanics or Kinesiology (1 class)

• Nutrition (Sports Nutrition Preferred) (1 class)


CPR/AED/First Aid

Copy of the front and back of CPR, First Aid, and AED certification card obtained only through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, which must be current on the date of the exam, must be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the national office. While First Aid courses may be completed entirely online, we cannot accept any CPR, and AED card obtained solely online. We do strongly recommend, however, that the First Aid portion include an in-person skills assessment if at all possible. Additionally, CPR/First Aid/AED Courses must meet AHA requirements.

March 15, 2025


Internship Completion Verification Form

Internship completion verification form signed and submitted by a CSCCa-approved mentor at the completion of a 640-hour CSCCa-approved internship

March 15, 2025


Practicum Fee

Practicum Fee of $230. Required to cover CSCCa administrative costs of the program 

March 15, 2024


Program Design

Submission of a program design to the CSCCa National Office via email. Template and instructions will be emailed to registered candidates in early

March. April 1, 2024

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Retake Candidate Requirements
Retake Candidate Requirements

The following is a summary of SCCC Certification Requirements for candidates re-taking one or both portions of the SCCC Certification Exam:


ATTENTION: CSCCa membership is not required for obtaining or maintaining SCCC Certification, but CSCCa members do receive discounted rates. Annual membership dues (membership year runs from August 1- July 31) must be paid by corresponding deadlines in order to receive the member discounted pricing for: conference registration, SCCC Certification fees, and CEU reporting & CSCCa course fees. A non-compliance fee will be assessed for individuals who do not pay the membership fee by the corresponding deadline, but who have received discounted pricing for any CSCCa dues and fees.


Requirement, Description, & Deadlines

Exam Application

Applications can be submitted here. 

December 2024 Retake Exam: October 18, 2024

Spring 2025 Retake Exam: February 14, 2025

 

Certification Fee

Certification Fee Member: $205 -- Non-Member: $250

December 2024 Retake Exam: October 18, 2024

Spring 2025 Retake Exam: February 14, 2025

 

CPR/AED/First Aid

Copy of the front and back of CPR, First Aid, and AED certification card obtained only through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, which must be current on the date of the exam, must be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the national office. While First Aid courses may be completed entirely online, we cannot accept any CPR, and AED card obtained solely online. We do strongly recommend, however, that the First Aid portion include an in-person skills assessment if at all possible. Additionally, CPR/First Aid/AED Courses must meet AHA requirements.

December 2024 Retake Exam: November 3, 2024

Spring 2025 Retake Exam: March 14, 2025


Program Design*

*This is only required for candidates that are retaking the Practical Exam

Submission of a program design to the CSCCa National Office via email. Template and instructions will be emailed to registered candidates in early March.

March 29, 2025

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6 Years or More Full-Time Employed Candidate Requirements
6 Years or More Full-Time Employed Candidate Requirements

The following is a summary of SCCC Certification Requirements for actively practicing full-time collegiate or professional-level strength and conditioning coaches who have a minimum of 6 years full-time collegiate and/or professional-level strength and conditioning coaching experience to be sent to cert@cscca.org:


ATTENTION: CSCCa membership is not required for obtaining or maintaining SCCC Certification, but CSCCa members do receive discounted rates. Annual membership dues (membership year runs from August 1- July 31) must be paid by corresponding deadlines in order to receive the member discounted pricing for: conference registration, SCCC Certification fees, and CEU reporting & CSCCa course fees. A non-compliance fee will be assessed for individuals who do not pay the membership fee by the corresponding deadline, but who have received discounted pricing for any CSCCa dues and fees.

 

Requirement, Description, & Deadlines

Exam Application

Applications can be submitted here. 

February 16, 2024

 

CSCCa Code of Conduct

A signed CSCCa Code of Conduct must be submitted to the CSCCa National Office in order to sit for the SCCC Certification Exam. 

Click here to download

February 16, 2024

 

Employment Verification Letter(s)

All candidates with 6 or more years of full-time employment as a strength and conditioning coach in the collegiate and/or professional sports setting must provide formal employment verification letters to validate their work experience. Formal employer verification letters should be submitted to cert@cscca.org to allow validation of work history.

*Note: Years in which an individual may have served in a dual role capacity as a part-time strength & conditioning coach, as an intern, resident, graduate assistant, practicum student, or private trainer etc., will not b counted towards the 6 year requirement.

February 16, 2024

 

Certification Fee

Certification Fee Member: $360 -- Non Member: $470

February 16, 2024

Bachelor's Degree

Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. A sealed, official transcript verifying attainment of a Bachelor's Degree is required. Transcripts issued to students or copies will not be accepted. Transcripts must be sent from the University's Records Department directly to the CSCCa National Office either electronically to cert@cscca.org or mailed in an official, sealed envelope.

February 16, 2024

New Academic Course Requirements

Effective August 1, 2024, all first time SCCC Candidates will be required to have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution and have received academic credit on their official transcripts for the following courses (5 TOTAL):

• Anatomy & Physiology (2 classes)

• Exercise Physiology (1 class)

• Biomechanics or Kinesiology (1 class)

• Nutrition (Sports Nutrition Preferred) (1 class)

 

CPR/AED/First Aid

Copy of the front and back of CPR, First Aid, and AED certification card obtained only through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, which must be current on the date of the exam, must be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the national office. While First Aid courses may be completed entirely online, we cannot accept any CPR, and AED card obtained solely online. We do strongly recommend, however, that the First Aid portion include an in-person skills assessment if at all possible. Additionally, CPR/First Aid/AED Courses must meet AHA requirements.

March 15, 2025

Refund and Cancellation Policy

Below is a table outlining the cancellation/refund policy for the next two scheduled SCCC Certification Exams. Please note that refunds are subject to a processing time and may take up to three weeks after the completion of the scheduled testing window.

*Cancellation Note: In order to receive a refund or to have payment applied to a later exam, the SCCC Candidate must request a cancellation in writing. Appeals for refunds after the established deadlines due to extenuating circumstances may be submitted by email to the CSCCa National Office. Please be aware, however, that appeals will not be accepted more than two weeks after the applicable testing window closes.
December 2023 Exam Cancellation Received By: Spring 2024 Certification Exam Cancellation Received By: Terms of Cancellation
Before October 13, 2023 Before February 16, 2024 Full refund provided*
October 13, 2023 - November 2, 2023 February 16, 2024 - March 15, 2024 $25 Non-refundable cancellation fee*
November 3, 2023 - December 1, 2023 March 15, 2024 - April 12, 2024 $100 Non-refundable cancellation fee*
After December 1, 2023 After April 13, 2024 No refund provided*

Retake Candidates


Candidates who are retaking the SCCC Certification examination.

Upcoming Testing Windows:
* Written Exam: December 1-31, 2023 and April 1- May 5, 2024
* Practical Exam : May 6, 2024
Please send all requirements into cert@cscca.org 

Retakes and Recertification

ATTENTION: There is now Member and Non-Member pricing. Membership is no longer required for National Conference attendance or SCCC certification and CEU fulfillment. Annual membership dues (membership year runs from August 1- July 31) must be paid by corresponding deadlines in order to receive the member discounted pricing for: conference registration, SCCC Certification fees, and CEU reporting & CSCCa course fees. A non-compliance fee will be assessed for individuals who do not pay the membership fee by the corresponding deadline, but who have received discounted pricing for any CSCCa dues and fees.

The following is a summary of SCCC Certification Requirements for candidates re-taking one or both portions of the SCCC Certification Exam:

**DECEMBER 2023 WRITTEN RETAKE EXAM REQUIREMENTS**

Exam Application

 Applications can be submitted here. 
October 13, 2023

Current CSCCa Membership Dues 
Membership Dues Student $55/year Full time: $110/year (optional) 
October 13, 2023

Certification Fee
Certification Fee Member: $205 -- Non Member: $250
October 13, 2023

Requirement Description Deadline
CPR/AED/First Aid Card Copy of the front and back of CPR, First Aid, and AED certification card obtained through the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or a similar organization which must be current on the date of the exam, must be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the national office. While First Aid courses may be completed entirely online, we cannot accept any CPR, and AED card obtained solely online. We do strongly recommend, however, that the First Aid portion include an in-person skills assessment if at all possible. Additionally, CPR/First Aid/AED Courses must meet AHA requirements. 
November 3, 2023
**SPRING 2024 EXAM REQUIREMENTS**

Requirement Description Deadline
Exam Application
 Applications can be submitted here. 
February 16, 2024

Current CSCCa Membership Dues 
Membership Dues Student $55/year Full time: $110/year (optional)
February 16, 2024

Certification Fee
 Certification Fee One Portion- Member: $205 -- Non Member: $250
Two Portions- Member: $360 -- Non Member: $470
February 16, 2024

CPR/AED/First Aid Card 
Copy of the front and back of CPR, First Aid, and AED certification card obtained only through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, which must be current on the date of the exam, must be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the national office. While First Aid courses may be completed entirely online, we cannot accept any CPR, and AED card obtained solely online. We do strongly recommend, however, that the First Aid portion include an in-person skills assessment if at all possible. Additionally, CPR/First Aid/AED Courses must meet AHA requirements.
March 15, 2024

Program Design **if retaking Practical Exam Submission of a program design to the CSCCa National Office via email. Template and instructions will be emailed to registered candidates in early March. 
April 1, 2024

Full-Time Candidates with 6 Years Experience


Collegiate or professional-level strength and conditioning coaches who have been coaching full-time on the collegiate or professional-level for 6 or more years.

Certification fees will be accepted after August 1, 2023.
Upcoming Testing Windows:
-Written Exam: April 1- May 1, 2024
-Practical Exam : May 6, 2024

Full-Time for 6 or more years with a collegiate and/or a professional athletic team


ATTENTION:
There is now Member and Non-Member pricing. Membership is no longer required for National Conference attendance or SCCC certification and CEU fulfillment. Annual membership dues (membership year runs from August 1- July 31) must be paid by corresponding deadlines in order to receive the member discounted pricing for: conference registration, SCCC Certification fees, and CEU reporting & CSCCa course fees. A non-compliance fee will be assessed for individuals who do not pay the membership fee by the corresponding deadline, but who have received discounted pricing for any CSCCa dues and fees.

The following is a summary of SCCC Certification Requirements for actively practicing full-time collegiate or professional-level strength and conditioning coaches who have a minimum of 6 years full-time collegiate and/or professional-level strength and conditioning coaching experience to be sent to cert@cscca.org:


Requirement Description Deadline
Exam Application Applications can be submitted here.
February 16, 2024

CSCCa Code of Conduct
A signed CSCCa Code of Conduct must be submitted to the CSCCa National Office in order to sit for the SCCC Certification Exam.
February 16, 2024

Current CSCCa Membership Dues
Membership Dues Full time: $110/year
(optional)
February 16, 2024

Certification Fee
Certification Fee Member: $360 -- Non Member: $470
February 16, 2024

Bachelor's Degree
Completion of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution. A sealed, official transcript verifying attainment of a Bachelor's Degree is required. Transcripts issued to students or copies will not be accepted. Transcripts must be sent from the University's Records Department directly to the CSCCa National Office either electronically cert@cscca.org or mailed in an official, sealed envelope.
February 16, 2024
CPR/AED/First Aid Card
Copy of the front and back of CPR, First Aid, and AED certification card obtained only through the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association, which must be current on the date of the exam, must be faxed, mailed, or emailed to the national office. While First Aid courses may be completed entirely online, we cannot accept any CPR, and AED card obtained solely online. We do strongly recommend, however, that the First Aid portion include an in-person skills assessment if at all possible. Additionally, CPR/First Aid/AED Courses must meet AHA requirements.
March 15, 2024

Program Design**
Submission of a program design to the CSCCa National Office via email. Template and instructions will be emailed to registered candidates in early March.
April 1, 2024

Pass Written Certification Examination
A passing score on the written certification exam must be obtained.

Pass Practical Certification Examination*
Passing score on both stations of the CSCCa Practical Certification Examination, administered by a panel of Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches. This includes providing a reasonable rationale for a strength and conditioning program design by the candidate for a specified sport.


CSCCa
111 West Anderson Lane
Suite #D217
Austin, TX 78752

Contact us
(801) 375-9400
info@cscca.org

Monday-Friday
9 AM - 4 PM CST