National Strength and Conditioning Association

Professional Strength and Conditioning Education and Certificationnsca.com

NSCA is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit founded in 1978 that certifies and serves over 60,000 strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, tactical athletes, researchers, and educators worldwide through professional certifications, peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and continuing education.

Company typePrivate
Founded1978
HeadquartersColorado Springs, United States
Headcount51–100
GTM typeB2C
OfferingServices

What National Strength and Conditioning Association does

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit founded in 1978 and headquartered at 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado. The organization serves over 60,000 global members including strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, tactical athletes (military, law enforcement, and firefighting personnel), researchers, educators, and students pursuing careers in exercise science. NSCA's stated mission is to support and disseminate research-based knowledge and its practical application to improve athletic performance and fitness, executed through a portfolio of professional certifications, peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and continuing education.

Its core product set comprises six professional certifications (CSCS, CSPS, TSAC-F, NSCA-CPT, CPSS, RSCC) recognized as industry credentials, five recurring publications (Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, Strength and Conditioning Journal, NSCA Coach, TSAC Report, Personal Training Quarterly) backed by a content library of 4,000+ peer-reviewed articles, and the CASCE accreditation system that certifies university educational programs. Supporting digital infrastructure includes NSCA TV (200+ free educational videos), the NSCA Coaching Podcast (160+ episodes), the NSCA Member Network community platform hosting 25+ Special Interest Groups, an e-commerce bookstore, a new NSCA Apparel Store, a public job board, and annual in-person events (the NSCA National Conference and Tactical Annual Training). The organization operates with 51–100 employees.

Revenue mechanics span recurring membership dues, one-time certification exam fees plus recertification, transaction-based event revenue from national and tactical conferences and regional clinics, continuing education courses, e-commerce product sales, and donations/grants through the NSCA Foundation. In January 2024, NSCA LLC (a Delaware corporation) filed an SEC Form D for a $1,100,000 exempt securities offering involving equity interests in a pooled investment fund. As a nonprofit, NSCA is not venture-backed or publicly traded and is governed by a board of directors. Specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed.

National Strength and Conditioning Association firmographics

Firmographics

Name: National Strength and Conditioning Association
Legal name: National Strength and Conditioning Association
Website: https://nsca.com
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1978
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 51–100 employees
Short description: NSCA is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit founded in 1978 that certifies and serves over 60,000 strength and conditioning coaches, personal trainers, tactical athletes, researchers, and educators worldwide through professional certifications, peer-reviewed journals, conferences, and continuing education.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

National Strength and Conditioning Association industry classification

Industry

Product category: Professional Strength and Conditioning Education and Certification
NAICS: Educational Support Services (611710), Professional Organizations (81392), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (61171)
SIC: Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)
akta.pro primary industry: National/State Examination Boards & Testing Agencies (EDADAFAA)
akta.pro secondary industries: National/Institutional Accreditors (Career, Faith-Based, Distance, etc.) (EDADACAB), Continuing Education (CE/CPD) & Provider Accreditation Bodies (EDADACAF), Professional Certification & Training Content Publishing (Exam Prep, CE/CPD) (MPAJACAL), Certification & Credentialed Creator Programs (MPACALAI)

Keywords

Professional certification programs
Strength and conditioning education
Exercise science publishing
Sport performance coaching
Tactical strength training

Where National Strength and Conditioning Association is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Colorado Springs
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

National Strength and Conditioning Association business model

Business model

GTM type: B2C
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

Membership Dues: Annual membership fees providing access to journals, NSCA TV, publications, CEU quizzes, and member benefits including insurance, pro deals, and voting rights
Certification Programs: Certification exam fees for CSCS, CSPS, TSAC-F, NSCA-CPT, and CPSS credentials including exam preparation materials and recertification fees
Events and Conferences: Revenue from national conferences, tactical annual training events, state/provincial events, and exhibitor fees
Education and Training: Online courses, continuing education units, and educational content including exam preparation materials
NSCA Bookstore: E-commerce sales of exam prep materials, books, gear, and apparel through the NSCA Apparel Store
NSCA Foundation: Nonprofit foundation accepting donations and offering grants, scholarships, and coaching advancement programs

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

National Strength and Conditioning Association product offering

Product offering

Core offering

The NSCA is an educational nonprofit that develops, administers, and delivers internationally recognized professional certifications (CSCS, CSPS, TSAC-F, NSCA-CPT, CPSS, RSCC), publishes peer-reviewed scientific journals and trade publications, and produces continuing-education content such as NSCA TV and the NSCA Coaching Podcast. It also accredits collegiate strength and conditioning programs through CASCE and operates a Job Board, bookstore, conference programming, and an NSCA Foundation grants program.

Product overview

The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) operates as a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit offering a comprehensive portfolio of professional certifications, peer-reviewed publications, and continuing education resources. The core certification offerings include CSCS, CSPS, TSAC-F, NSCA-CPT, CPSS, and RSCC credentials targeting various specializations in strength and conditioning. The publishing ecosystem comprises five journals: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (JSCR), Strength and Conditioning Journal (SCJ), NSCA Coach, TSAC Report, and Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ). Additional offerings include NSCA TV (video platform), the Coaching Podcast (160+ episodes), NSCA Bookstore (exam prep materials), NSCA Job Board, NSCA Member Network community, NSCA Apparel Store, and annual events including the National Conference and Tactical Annual Training. The organization also provides a Sport Performance Bundle for athletes and coaches. All products serve the NSCA's mission of advancing strength and conditioning research and education through cutting-edge publications and certifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

NSCA Foundation: A foundation under the NSCA focused on coaching advancement programs, grants, scholarships, and DEI initiatives.
CASCE Accreditation
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (JSCR)
Strength and Conditioning Journal (SCJ)
TSAC Report
NSCA Coach
Personal Training Quarterly (PTQ)
NSCA TV

Products and services

CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) Certification NCCA-accredited certification exam for professionals who design and implement strength and conditioning programs for athletes in collegiate, professional sport, and tactical settings.
NSCA-CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) Certification Certification credentialing personal trainers in evidence-based program design, exercise technique, and client assessment for the general fitness consumer market.
CSPS (Certified Special Population Specialist) Specialty certification for fitness professionals working with populations such as older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic disease.
TSAC-F (Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator) Certification Certification for practitioners developing strength and conditioning programs for tactical athletes (military, fire/rescue, and law enforcement personnel).
CPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) Certification for sport scientists applying physiological monitoring, testing, and performance analytics in athlete development programs.
RSCC (Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach) Experienced-based registered credential for established strength and conditioning coaches who meet professional practice milestones.
CASCE Programmatic Accreditation Programmatic accreditation service evaluating collegiate strength and conditioning curricula against NSCA-defined standards, awarded to qualifying universities.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (JSCR) Peer-reviewed scientific research journal publishing original research, meta-analyses, and review articles in strength training, conditioning, and sport science.
Strength and Conditioning Journal (SCJ) Practical, peer-reviewed journal delivering applied articles, technique analyses, and programming insights for practicing strength and conditioning coaches.
NSCA Coach Trade publication delivering practical coaching articles, exercise techniques, and sport-specific programming guidance to practicing coaches.
TSAC Report Periodical publication providing research summaries and applied programming content tailored to tactical strength and conditioning facilitators.
Professional Trainer Qualification (PTQ) Qualification publication supporting personal trainer competence demonstration and continuing education in evidence-based fitness programming.
NSCA TV On-demand streaming video platform delivering continuing education lectures, exercise technique demonstrations, and conference presentation content to members and certification holders.
NSCA Coaching Podcast Audio podcast series featuring interviews with coaches and sport scientists producing applied insight and professional development content.
NSCA Job Board Online employment marketplace listing professional openings in collegiate athletics, professional sport, tactical performance, and commercial fitness for credentialed members.
NSCA Bookstore Online retail channel selling NSCA-published textbooks, study guides, continuing education materials, and branded apparel to members and exam candidates.
NSCA Annual Conference and Events In-person conferences, conventions, and continuing education events providing live presentations, workshops, networking, and CEU credits.
NSCA Foundation Grants and Scholarships Philanthropic grants and scholarships awarded to NSCA members, students, and researchers advancing strength and conditioning practice and education.
NSCA Membership Network Community Online member community providing network access, content sharing, and peer connection among credentialed strength and conditioning professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

Access to 4,000+ peer-reviewed articles for evidence-based programming
+1 more outcomes

Companies that use National Strength and Conditioning Association

Customer profile

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

National Strength and Conditioning Association technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

National Strength and Conditioning Association partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights6 records

National Strength and Conditioning Association competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Direct peers

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): ACSM certifies exercise physiologists, personal trainers, and clinical exercise specialists, and publishes peer-reviewed research in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise — directly comparable to NSCA's JSCR.
National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF): NCSF offers personal trainer and strength coach certifications targeting the same entry-level to mid-career fitness professionals as NSCA, with overlapping CEU and recertification mechanics.
American Council on Exercise (ACE): ACE provides personal trainer, group fitness, and health coach certifications competing head-to-head with NSCA-CPT; ACE also offers a study resource ecosystem and continuing education platform analogous to NSCA's.
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA): ISSA provides online personal trainer and strength training certifications with a self-paced, digital-first delivery model that competes with NSCA on accessibility and price.
Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA): AFAA certifies group fitness and personal trainers and offers continuing education, overlapping with NSCA's NSCA-CPT and CEU portfolio in the broader fitness professional market.
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM): NASM is a leading personal trainer and performance certification body offering CPT, PES, and CES credentials, directly competing with NSCA's NSCA-CPT and CSCS in the same fitness professional buyer segment.

Emerging players

USA Weightlifting (USAW): USAW offers sport-specific weightlifting and coaching certifications that overlap with NSCA's performance coaching audience, particularly for athletes in Olympic-style strength sports.
International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA): IUSCA is an international academic-focused body that certifies and accredits university strength and conditioning programs, directly competitive with NSCA's CASCE accreditation function outside the US.

Others

Pearson VUE / Prometric (testing services): Computer-based certification testing providers such as Pearson VUE and Prometric are the underlying infrastructure for NSCA's exam delivery, making them an enabling supplier relationship rather than a competitor.

Regional players

NSCA Italy / NSCA Global Affiliates: NSCA-affiliated regional organizations (Italy, Nordic, Japan, etc.) operate in their geographies but share branding, certifications, and standards with NSCA, providing regional market data points for international expansion.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

National Strength and Conditioning Association financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

National Strength and Conditioning Association leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

National Strength and Conditioning Association funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

National Strength and Conditioning Association M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about National Strength and Conditioning Association

What does National Strength and Conditioning Association do?

Is National Strength and Conditioning Association a public or private company?

National Strength and Conditioning Association is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was National Strength and Conditioning Association founded?

National Strength and Conditioning Association was founded in 1978. It employs 51 to 100 people.

Where is National Strength and Conditioning Association based?

National Strength and Conditioning Association is headquartered in Colorado Springs, United States, in the North America region.

How does National Strength and Conditioning Association make money?

Six revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are certification Programs, events and Conferences, education and Training, NSCA Bookstore and NSCA Foundation.

Who are National Strength and Conditioning Association's main competitors?

Direct peers on record are American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF), American Council on Exercise (ACE), International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Emerging players are USA Weightlifting (USAW) and International Universities Strength and Conditioning Association (IUSCA). Pearson VUE / Prometric (testing services) is listed as an others. NSCA Italy / NSCA Global Affiliates is listed as a regional player.

Does National Strength and Conditioning Association have an API?

No public API is recorded for National Strength and Conditioning Association.

What industry is National Strength and Conditioning Association in?

National Strength and Conditioning Association's product category is Professional Strength and Conditioning Education and Certification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADAFAA, National/State Examination Boards & Testing Agencies, with a secondary code of EDADACAB, National/Institutional Accreditors (Career, Faith-Based, Distance, etc.). Its NAICS code is 611710 and its SIC code is 8200.