Thanks, Rich.

You will not learn much about programming from the CSCS exam. Periodization theory, yes. Practical application that works with athletes/clients? No.

So if you don’t care about the certification, nor do the people you train, your time would be better spent reading training books, watching DVDs, attending seminars, and interning under accomplished strength coaches. Those will do much, much more for your program design skills than studying for the CSCS ever will.

I have written a comprehensive game plan for strength coaches looking to break into the industry here: https://next-level-athletics.com/strength-conditioning-coach/

Also be sure to check out these resources for self-studying: https://next-level-athletics.com/best-strength-and-conditioning-books/

To answer your other question… forget about any of those PT courses. No reason to collect multiple certifications. Nobody ever became a great coach thanks to a piece of paper or a string of alphabets after their name.

If you truly want a cert, opt for the CSCS. If not, take the self-studying path.

Hello Yunus!
I’m sorry, I wasn’t clear enough in the explanation, I know very well that the NSCA book it’s “The Bible” for this test, you stated that very clear. To be sincere I also have to say that my message was incomplete because I had my cat jumping on the keyboard and pressing the Enter key while I was still working on it.
I was just trying to understand a “strategy” to use with these two books, since I have no background studies I’m trying to extend every piece of information I read on the textbook with researches and videos, I think that I’ll buy the CSCS study guide only when I’ll feel prepared enough to spot mistakes and errors in that one!
I really loved your article and thank you for your answer.

Bye!

None of that contradicts the advice in the article. Read the NSCA book and use the practice exams in the study guide to prepare for the real thing. I never said the study guide would replace the NSCA book.

You’ll want to check that with the NSCA directly.

Aha, I understand. Thanks so much man, really appreciate this, I wish you success on all your endeavors.

Peace

Not really.

Just that whoever is responsible for hiring you in a team/club setting will very likely want to see that you have some kind of appropriate credentials on paper before doing so. Hence, you should have the CSCS for that.

As an independent trainer, you’d be selling your services directly to athletes who could care less about the letters after your name. They want to know what you can do for them and the results you can help them achieve, not which cert you have passed.

Thanks again for your valuable input. I was planning to be able to train in both settings to be honest. Is there a difference for my approach at this stage that I should be aware of?