I’m sure there are a few people here with one of these certifications. I’m trying to figure out what the difference between the two might be. They are thru the same organization and cost about the same. The only thing that I can tell that separates the two is that the CSCS requires a college degree (though it does not seem to require a degree in exercise physiology or the like) while the NSCA-CPT does not. Did they just create two different certifications that are essentially the exact same thing but make one for college grads and one for non grads? What is the point of that? Or is one certification more in depth or cover different material?
Pretty simple. Although there may be some overlap, essentially the CSCS is geared toward training athletes and CPT is geared toward traditional personal training (i.e. lay people)
The two exams are different. Both are excellent certification and I think it depends on what one wants. NSCA CPT is more basic and as mentioned, does not require a degree. NSCA CPT is much better than ACE and some other certifications for the person who want to be a personal trainer. If you want to be a personal trainer and don’t have a degee, go with NCSA CPT. If one is interested working with a team or has a degree, go with CSCS even if there is no desire to work with a team.
Although I have never taken the CPT exam, I understand is it much easier than the CSCS and the CPT exam is shorter.
If you want to design a program for the gym rat, the CPT is for you. You will need to know that extending you knee out will work the quads.
If you want to design a program for the collegiate swimmer and can remember your physiology and kinesiology, then CSCS is for you. CSCS will break test questions down more in depth. If your your are doing a squat, what phase of the squat does actin combine with myosin in the hamstring.
Nutrition, Injury prevention, rehab and sports specific training are also big parts of CSCS.
If you want to design a program for the collegiate swimmer and can remember your physiology and kinesiology, then CSCS is for you.
If you want to design a program for a collegiate swimmer, I suggest finding the best known coach in your area, sitting on deck and learn. Then seek out other experienced coaches, and sit on deck with them.
Most coaches including swim coaches don’t have a strength and conditioning training.
Coaches coach the team. The CSCS staff designs specific programs for the each position that include strength, conditioning, and injury prevention programs for athletes.
Strength and conditioning comes from swimming… specificity.
Injury prevention: sit down before taking a hit from the bong. 