Employers Tout NSCA Certification Commission's Credentials of Distinction

Lincoln, Nebraska - August 1, 2005.  In an effort to validate its stronghold in the fitness certification marketplace, the NSCA Certification Commission conducted a survey of 770 employers of Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist^® (CSCS^® ) and NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer^® (NSCA-CPT^® ) credential holders.  The survey found that more than 88% of the employers polled believed the NSCA certifications to be the most preferred in the fitness profession. 

"In order to ensure we were providing our certificate holders with credible and useful certifications, the Commission conducted the survey to ask employers how they viewed our certifications and what they believed were the important overall competency areas of strength and conditioning and fitness professionals," said Dr. Thomas R. Baechle, executive director of the NSCA Certification Commission.

The 19-question survey was conducted last year to determine the perceptions and opinions of the employers of CSCS and NSCA-CPT credential holders.  The survey revealed that those holding CSCS and NSCA-CPT credentials were deemed valuable to an organization based on the characteristics of quality of work, knowledge, ability to apply knowledge, earning potential and that they were less of a liability risk.

Other key findings include:

• When employers were asked if NSCA Certification Commission certifications increased the chances of a prospective employee being hired by their organization or facility, 86% of those employing CSCS certificate holders and 87% of NSCA-CPT employers agreed
• When employers were asked if NSCA Certification Commission certified individuals were more likely to advance in their careers compared to individuals who are not NSCA certified, 88% of those employing CSCS certificate holders and 80% of NSCA-CPT employers agreed
• Survey results revealed 93% of employers believed that CSCS certified individuals will improve athletic performance of athletes in their programs
• Survey results revealed 97% of employers consider NSCA-CPT certified individuals to be very knowledgeable fitness professionals
• Survey results revealed employers believe the most important areas of competence for fitness professionals are in technique instruction and program design, and a sound knowledge in the exercise sciences

Based on the results of the survey, employers apparently view the CSCS and NSCA-CPT credentials as the premiere certifications in the fitness profession.  "Those who hold one or both of these prestigious credentials can be proud to know they have obtained the most rigorous and challenging certifications available and these credentials will improve their chances of being hired and will assist them in future career advancements," Baechle said.

For a more in-depth look at the survey's findings, visit www.nsca-cc.org/employer-survey.html.  For information about the NSCA Certification Commission's CSCS and NSCA-CPT credentials, call toll-free 888-746-2378, e-mail commission@nsca-cc.org or visit www.nsca-cc.org.