In 1985, the certification body of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) was established in order to create a certification program for those in the field of strength training and conditioning. This certifying body later became known as the NSCA Certification Commission. The CSCS certification was created in 1985 and was followed by the NSCA-CPT certification in 1993. Today, the NSCA Certification Commission has more than 25,000 CSCS and NSCA-CPT certificate holders.

"The NSCA Certification Commission's credentials in strength training and conditioning and personal training are recognized as the standard of excellence, not only in the United States but throughout the world by experts in the field. This level of recognition has been fueled by both certification programs becoming nationally accredited and has created professional and financial opportunities for many who have earned NSCA credentials." Thomas R. Baechle Ed.D., CSCS,*D; NSCA-CPT,*D, Executive Director

The CSCS and NSCA-CPT credentials are the only fitness-related certifications that have been nationally accredited for more than ten years through the esteemed National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), based in Washington, D.C. In order to meet criteria set forth by the NCCA, the certification program evolved from a committee to a commission in 1992 with its own officers (Executive Council) and became administratively and financially independent of the NSCA. The NSCA Certification Commission is solely responsible for the CSCS and NSCA-CPT examinations, policies and procedures.

The NCCA measures the ability of certifying organizations in any industry to accurately discriminate between qualified and unqualified professionals. To earn the recognition of the NCCA, a credentialing body must demonstrate an ability to develop and administer psychometrically sound examinations through a series of criteria, which include:

• The examination is developed from job analysis data gathered from a national study.
• Pass/fail rates and reliability statistics are a matter of public record.
• Examination development involves qualified professionals such as content experts and individuals with expertise in exam development that are known as psychometricians.

Both certifications are accredited through 2008, at which time the NSCA Certification Commission will apply for renewal.