This article describes how introduction of evidence-based practices requires today’s fitness professional to raise the bar of his or her education and analytical experience by actively and consistently using techniques of research in order to perform their job as a fitness professional.

Student members are required to provide verification of their current full-time student status to the NSCA Membership Department within 30 days of becoming a student member or of renewing a student membership.

Building a Strength and Conditioning Résumé

The CASCE Accreditation Review Committee (ARC) is a working committee that reports to the CASCE Board of Directors. The ARC is responsible for comprehensive reviews of programs seeking CASCE accreditation. Members of the ARC synthesize data and information contained in a program’s self-study, site visit report, program response, and progress report to determine compliance with the CASCE Professional Standards and Guidelines. The ARC also makes recommendations to the CASCE Board of Directors regarding accreditation action.

The CASCE Standards Committee is a working committee that reports to the CASCE Board of Directors (BOD). This group is responsible for review related to the professional standards and guidelines for clarification and to make recommendations to the CASCE BOD related to standard language, revisions, glossary, etc. The Standards Committee will bring forward suggestions after receiving public comment on proposed changes and work closely with the ARC, stakeholders, and staff to gather data on standards that are new, unclear, or challenging.

The Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS) is a practitioner with training and applied experiences across the scientific disciplines applicable to sport science and athletic performance (i.e., generalist) or predominantly within a select few (i.e., specialist). These scientific disciplines, as related to sports performance, include, but are not limited to: biomechanics, data science, nutrition, physiology, psychology, research methods, and strength and conditioning. A CPSS demonstrates competency in the application of scientific disciplines, assessment, training theory and process, needs analysis, monitoring, communication, and education with the primary goal of safely and effectively improving athletic performance.

This article encompasses some of the necessary experience, education, certifications, and personal development needed to become a strength and conditioning coach.

This exercise technique excerpt demonstrates the Zercher squat as a possible alternative and more field-specific squat for tactical athletes.