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      • Thoracic Spine >
        • Adam's Forward Bend Test
        • Passive Neck Flexion Test
        • Thoracic Compression Test
        • Thoracic Distraction Test
        • Thoracic Foraminal Closure Test
      • Lumbar Spine/Sacroiliac Joint >
        • Active Sit-Up Test
        • Alternate Gillet Test
        • Crossed Straight Leg Raise Test
        • Extensor Endurance Test
        • FABER Test
        • Fortin's Sign
        • Gaenslen Test
        • Gillet Test
        • Gower's Sign
        • Lumbar Quadrant Test
        • POSH Test
        • Posteroanterior Mobility
        • Prone Knee Bend Test
        • Prone Instability Test
        • Resisted Abduction Test
        • Sacral Clearing Test
        • Seated Forward Flexion Test
        • SIJ Compression/Distraction Test
        • Slump Test
        • Sphinx Test
        • Spine Rotators & Multifidus Test
        • Squish Test
        • Standing Forward Flexion Test
        • Straight Leg Raise Test
        • Supine to Long Sit Test
      • Shoulder >
        • Active Compression Test
        • Anterior Apprehension
        • Biceps Load Test II
        • Drop Arm Sign
        • External Rotation Lag Sign
        • Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Sign
        • Horizontal Adduction Test
        • Internal Rotation Lag Sign
        • Jobe Test
        • Ludington's Test
        • Neer Test
        • Painful Arc Sign
        • Pronated Load Test
        • Resisted Supination External Rotation Test
        • Speed's Test
        • Posterior Apprehension
        • Sulcus Sign
        • Thoracic Outlet Tests >
          • Adson's Test
          • Costoclavicular Brace
          • Hyperabduction Test
          • Roos (EAST)
        • Yergason's Test
      • Elbow >
        • Biceps Squeeze Test
        • Chair Sign
        • Cozen's Test
        • Elbow Extension Test
        • Medial Epicondylalgia Test
        • Mill's Test
        • Moving Valgus Stress Test
        • Push-up Sign
        • Ulnar Nerve Compression Test
        • Valgus Stress Test
        • Varus Stress Test
      • Wrist/Hand >
        • Allen's Test
        • Carpal Compression Test
        • Finkelstein Test
        • Phalen's Test
        • Reverse Phalen's Test
      • Hip >
        • Craig's Test
        • Dial Test
        • FABER Test
        • FAIR Test
        • Fitzgerald's Test
        • Hip Quadrant Test
        • Hop Test
        • Labral Anterior Impingement Test
        • Labral Posterior Impingement Test
        • Long-Axis Femoral Distraction Test
        • Noble Compression Test
        • Percussion Test
        • Sign of the Buttock
        • Trendelenburg Test
      • Knee >
        • Anterior Drawer Test
        • Dial Test (Tibial Rotation Test)
        • Joint Line Tenderness
        • Lachman Test
        • McMurray Test
        • Noble Compression Test
        • Pivot-Shift Test
        • Posterior Drawer Test
        • Posterior Sag Sign
        • Quad Active Test
        • Thessaly Test
        • Valgus Stress Test
        • Varus Stress Test
      • Foot/Ankle >
        • Anterior Drawer
        • Calf Squeeze Test
        • External Rotation Test
        • Fracture Screening Tests
        • Impingement Sign
        • Navicular Drop Test
        • Squeeze Test
        • Talar Tilt
        • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Test
        • Test for Interdigital Neuroma
        • Windlass Test

My Experience as a CSCS

9/20/2012

14 Comments

 
      I became a CSCS in August 2011 but my interest in strength and conditioning principles started back in high school.  As a competitive high school and club soccer player I quickly learned the value of sports performance training.  Competing in some of the top soccer tournaments around the country made me realize how important building my speed and strength were to be successful.  I trained in multiple speed programs, agility and jumping programs, and “injury prevention” programs, all while lifting weights.  Looking back on it, none of the programs had any structure to them.  Luckily I had a gym teacher my senior year that was a CSCS/ATC who taught me the principles and got me interested in becoming a strength and conditioning specialist. 

      How has my CSCS helped me?  First and foremost, I really enjoy sports performance training and I pursued the CSCS to have the opportunity to train high-level athletes.  I have structured evaluations, performance enhancement programs (speed, agility, plyometrics, power), and taught proper weight training techniques for multiple athletes at both the collegiate and high school levels.  It has been a very rewarding experience working with these high level athletes and I continue to learn more about strength and conditioning everyday.  From a physical therapy aspect, I have benefited tremendously.  During my clinical rotations I have never failed to give more challenging exercises to my patients.  I think the biggest benefit is understanding how and when to effectively change the intensity of the rehabilitation program.  Unfortunately, physical therapy curriculum is so dense that it’s almost impossible to teach all the different types of exercises out there and how to effectively change intensity (sets, reps, type of contraction, speed of reps, rest time, etc) in a program.  

      Overall, my experience as a CSCS has been wonderful from both a physical therapy and strength & conditioning aspect.  I can confidently say that I understand dosage and exercise prescription better than most of my peers because of the additional knowledge I’ve gained.  If you are interested in pursuing a strength and conditioning job on the side from physical therapy, the CSCS certification is the one to start with.  Right or wrong, it is still considered the “gold standard” in the industry (although there are some definite gaps in the CSCS test).  For those who aren’t interested in becoming a CSCS but would like to learn the principles, the Essentials of Strength and Conditioning book is a must read starting point (I don’t agree with all of their principles-namely the periodization principles but for beginners it’s a great resource!). 

      Please leave a comment if you would like any additional posts on anything to do with the CSCS, whether its study tips for the exam, any other strength and conditioning certifications, or just general questions!  

                                                                                  -Brian
14 Comments
Tom
11/25/2012 11:07:00 pm

Brian, I am a first year a first year PT student and I was thinking about getting CSCS certified. I don't know what I want to specialize in yet but figured it would still be good to have the cert. Is it worth getting even though I might not go into sports care? Do you recommend or think it is possible to get it completed while in school?
Tom

Reply
Brian
12/1/2012 07:34:57 am

Tom,

I have two thoughts. If your interested in strength and conditioning but don't want to train athletes on the side then maybe studying the material from the CSCS is the best route. However, if you could see yourself working with athletes one day then it might be a good idea to take the exam. It opens a lot of doors for you.
I do think it is possible to complete while in school, however that also depends on your background in strength and conditioning. Most people take 5-7 months to prepare for the CSCS. I had a strong background in strength and conditioning as well as a mentor before I took it so I only needed 1-2 months. Best time to take it would probably be during a summer break or christmas break when you can sit down for that last month to grind out the studying. I hope this helps and if you decide to take it and have any more questions or study tips feel free to email me! -Brian

Reply
Brian
11/26/2012 09:35:35 am

Tom,

Thanks for your question. I have two thoughts. If your interested in learning about strength and conditioning then studying the CSCS materials is a great way to start. That being said, you don't have to necessarily become certified to learn strength and conditioning. Therefore the best way I can answer your first question is if your not sure if you want to be a strength coach and a PT or in some type of sports/ortho setting then you may want to wait. On the other hand, the certification can help potentially separate you from other students because of the additional knowledge you gain. It opens a lot of doors. If S&C is a passion then I'd say go for it.
I do think it is possible to get completed during school. I took mine within 2 months following undergraduate (my senior year was technically first year of PT school). Being successful with studying during school really depends on your experience in strength and conditioning. Most people spend 6-8 months studying, others maybe 2-3. If you have a summer off that might be best.

I hope this helped you consider both options. If you decide to get the CSCS feel free to email me, I'd be more than happy to send you any tips/information on the test!
-Brian

Reply
Nick
1/28/2013 01:07:51 am

Hi guys I just wanted to add my two cents on this. I am a first year DPT student and I received my CSCS about a month prior the beginning of my program. Overall I think that if you plan on working with athletes it would be a solid choice. You do receive some good information about programming from a basic level. I agree with the previous post in that I do not share the same beliefs on periodization. It's just important to understand that the NSCA has an agenda and they have their own opinions to the manipulations of a training program. I worked under one of the country's best strength coaches and he does not agree with many things the NSCA states. Enough of the soapbox though. I plan on possibly specializing in neuro post grad so I think that the CSCS could benefit all therapists.

Reply
Rex
6/1/2014 02:39:07 pm

Brian, I am going to PT school in fall 2014, and want to take the CSCS however I am wondering if it is worth it since I won't take advantage of having this certification until after I get my DPT. By then I believe I would have to re-new it. Do you think it is still worth it to try to get it within the next couple months before school starts.

Reply
Brian
6/23/2014 02:11:37 am

Rex,

You can get it now or during a break at school (christmas breaks). I don't think you need it yet unless you think you can use it to work extra jobs during summer and/or christmas breaks. Focus on the 1st semester of PT school and then decide if that is something you want to pursue during a break. Let me know if you have other questions!
-Brian

Reply
Cristina
3/2/2016 11:06:08 am

Brian,
I will be graduating with my DPT in 5 months and will most likely be getting my MTC within the next 8 months or so.
I started studying for the CSCS and I just talked to someone at NCSA regarding the preparation for the exam. The lady that I spoke to was quite discouraging in that she explained that if I do not have any training experience with college or professional athletes, passing the practical part of the CSCS exam will be VERY difficult. I do not have this type of experience. I was an high school athlete and for the last 3 years I have been weight-training with a personal trainer 5x/week.
What are your thoughts on the practical part of the exam? Is it possible to pass without having the experience she mentioned?
Thank you!

Reply
Brian
3/2/2016 11:51:10 pm

Cristina,

I disagree with the lady you spoke with. Training college or professional athletes to pass the practical section of the CSCS is in no way required. Simply understanding and being able to recognize via video how to spot poor weightlifting technique or plyometric technique is what is required. I would be sure to watch videos on those techniques and study them. I am sure the NSCA has lots of prep materials that can be useful. Don't hesitate to get any materials you may need to ensure passing. Study the NSCA essentials book hard and you will pass.

- Brian

Reply
Sona
12/8/2017 09:00:17 am

Hey Brian! I ran across this post while searching the web regarding CSCS benefits for a PT. I am a first year PT student, and I am potentially interested in working with athletes once I graduate. However, I come from a psychology background. I have trained in dancing for 8 years, but do not have any background in sports or training. Being in PT school has made me realize that working with athletes would be an incredible opportunity, but I definitely lack the background that many other students came in with. I know this exam will definitely set me aside from the other students, but I was wondering if it was at all possible to even pass this exam within 2-3 months. I have a break/rotations coming up so I will have time to study a lot, but I didn't want to spend money on an exam that might not give me the results I need. Please let me know what your opinion is on this matter. I would also prefer to continue this conversation over email. Thanks, and gave a great day!

Reply
Brian
12/16/2017 06:53:04 pm

Hi Sona,

I do think it is very possible to pass with 2-3 months of studying despite not having a background. Feel free to email me at studentphysicaltherapist@gmail.com and I will send over some study tips!

Reply
Samuel TeBos
7/13/2018 06:51:46 pm

Does CSCS certification increase your chances of getting into DPT school? I am looking at getting certified during my gap year.

Reply
TSPT
7/13/2018 09:03:37 pm

It should help! Good luck!

Reply
Tamika link
12/28/2018 08:36:10 am

Hi Brian. Thank you for the article. I am a graduate student and will obtain my FMS and CSCS before graduation. I enjoy training athletes and love assisting in getting stronger and teaching the correct techniques. I am wanting to obtain my DPT and wondered how the process works work coming from a trainer standpoint?

Reply
SportsCare link
4/25/2019 02:43:18 am

Thanks by the way with your post, very informative and helpful!


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    Authors

    James Heafner DPT, Chris Fox DPT, and Brian Schwabe DPT, CSCS are recent graduates of Saint Louis University's Program in Physical Therapy. 

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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Insider Access
    • About Insider Access
  • Online Courses
    • Hooper's Knee
    • Physical Therapist Entrepreneur Course
    • Physical Therapist Consultant Course
    • Orthopedic Management of the Cervical Spine
    • Return to Sport Essentials Course
  • Resources
    • Newsletter
    • Business Minded Sports Physio Podcast
    • Day in the Life of a Sports PT
    • Residency Corner
    • Special Tests >
      • Cervical Spine >
        • Alar Ligament Test
        • Bakody's Sign
        • Cervical Distraction Test
        • Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion Test
        • Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT)
        • Deep Neck Flexor Endurance Test
        • Posterior-Anterior Segmental Mobility
        • Segmental Mobility
        • Sharp-Purser Test
        • Spurling's Maneuver
        • Transverse Ligament Test
        • ULNT - Median
        • ULNT - Radial
        • ULNT - Ulnar
        • Vertebral Artery Test
      • Thoracic Spine >
        • Adam's Forward Bend Test
        • Passive Neck Flexion Test
        • Thoracic Compression Test
        • Thoracic Distraction Test
        • Thoracic Foraminal Closure Test
      • Lumbar Spine/Sacroiliac Joint >
        • Active Sit-Up Test
        • Alternate Gillet Test
        • Crossed Straight Leg Raise Test
        • Extensor Endurance Test
        • FABER Test
        • Fortin's Sign
        • Gaenslen Test
        • Gillet Test
        • Gower's Sign
        • Lumbar Quadrant Test
        • POSH Test
        • Posteroanterior Mobility
        • Prone Knee Bend Test
        • Prone Instability Test
        • Resisted Abduction Test
        • Sacral Clearing Test
        • Seated Forward Flexion Test
        • SIJ Compression/Distraction Test
        • Slump Test
        • Sphinx Test
        • Spine Rotators & Multifidus Test
        • Squish Test
        • Standing Forward Flexion Test
        • Straight Leg Raise Test
        • Supine to Long Sit Test
      • Shoulder >
        • Active Compression Test
        • Anterior Apprehension
        • Biceps Load Test II
        • Drop Arm Sign
        • External Rotation Lag Sign
        • Hawkins-Kennedy Impingement Sign
        • Horizontal Adduction Test
        • Internal Rotation Lag Sign
        • Jobe Test
        • Ludington's Test
        • Neer Test
        • Painful Arc Sign
        • Pronated Load Test
        • Resisted Supination External Rotation Test
        • Speed's Test
        • Posterior Apprehension
        • Sulcus Sign
        • Thoracic Outlet Tests >
          • Adson's Test
          • Costoclavicular Brace
          • Hyperabduction Test
          • Roos (EAST)
        • Yergason's Test
      • Elbow >
        • Biceps Squeeze Test
        • Chair Sign
        • Cozen's Test
        • Elbow Extension Test
        • Medial Epicondylalgia Test
        • Mill's Test
        • Moving Valgus Stress Test
        • Push-up Sign
        • Ulnar Nerve Compression Test
        • Valgus Stress Test
        • Varus Stress Test
      • Wrist/Hand >
        • Allen's Test
        • Carpal Compression Test
        • Finkelstein Test
        • Phalen's Test
        • Reverse Phalen's Test
      • Hip >
        • Craig's Test
        • Dial Test
        • FABER Test
        • FAIR Test
        • Fitzgerald's Test
        • Hip Quadrant Test
        • Hop Test
        • Labral Anterior Impingement Test
        • Labral Posterior Impingement Test
        • Long-Axis Femoral Distraction Test
        • Noble Compression Test
        • Percussion Test
        • Sign of the Buttock
        • Trendelenburg Test
      • Knee >
        • Anterior Drawer Test
        • Dial Test (Tibial Rotation Test)
        • Joint Line Tenderness
        • Lachman Test
        • McMurray Test
        • Noble Compression Test
        • Pivot-Shift Test
        • Posterior Drawer Test
        • Posterior Sag Sign
        • Quad Active Test
        • Thessaly Test
        • Valgus Stress Test
        • Varus Stress Test
      • Foot/Ankle >
        • Anterior Drawer
        • Calf Squeeze Test
        • External Rotation Test
        • Fracture Screening Tests
        • Impingement Sign
        • Navicular Drop Test
        • Squeeze Test
        • Talar Tilt
        • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Test
        • Test for Interdigital Neuroma
        • Windlass Test