Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches

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    RSCC Reference Modules

    Study and reference materials are provided below in preparation for the online RSCC Renewal Course scheduled from December 1-7. Please note that the renewal course includes pertinent information to answering the questions contained in the course.

    From December 1-7, the online course will be available for RSCC members to complete; increased fees will be assessed for courses completed after December 7.

    You must log in to access the materials, which are only available to RSCCs. 

    RSCC Renewal Course 2012

    Renewal Course Study Document (PDF)

    Additional Resources

    Note: These downloadable modules are not the actual RSCC Renewal Course. They are presented to help you study. Click here between Dec 1-7 to register for the RSCC Renewal Course.

    Module 1: Testing and Evaluation   Module 1 (PDF) 
       
    Module 2: Metabolic Profiling and Conditioning  Module 2 (PDF) 
       
    Module 3: Rehabilitation, Restoration and Recovery  Module 3 (PDF) 
       
    Module 4: Performance-Enhancing Substances  Module 4 (PDF) 
       
    Module 5: Facility Risk Management  Module 5 (PDF) 
       
    Module 6: Environmental Risk Management  Module 6 (PDF) 
       
    Module 7: Nutrition and Supplements  Module 7 (PDF) 
     

    The Coaching Development Path

    rscc_pyramid 
     
    The NSCA Registry of Strength and Conditioning Coaches encourages high standards of professional practice and responsibility. The NSCA maintains a registry of individuals who have demonstrated they are experienced coaches who practically apply foundational knowledge to assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes for the primary goal of improving sport performance.

    They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, provide guidance (or advice) for athlete nutrition, injury prevention or reconditioning. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic, athletic training, and sport coaching fields, Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches (RSCC, RSCC*D or RSCC*E) consult with and refer athletes to these professionals when appropriate.

    Get started on the Coaching Development Path by becoming an Associate Member! Learn More About Associate Membership.

    Qualifications for Strength and Conditioning Coaches 

    • Applicants must maintain a current NSCA Membership. 
    • Applicants must achieve and maintain the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) certification. 
    • Bachelor’s degree in exercise science or related field to strength and conditioning such as the "Scientific Foundations" domain of the CSCS® examination content description.   Experience and certification may be considered in lieu of an exercise science (or related field) degree.  
    • Applicants must have a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification 
    • Applicants must have employment as a full-time strength and conditioning coach for two or more years in professional sports or at a college/university.   High school, private setting, and graduate assistantships may qualify, based on review.  
    • Applicants must submit an affirmation letter detailing their strength and conditioning experience.  This letter must be signed by a supervisor for each job position in consideration towards the RSCC, RSCC*D, or RSCC*E experience requirement.  The NSCA will conduct a formalized assessment of the candidate’s practical and applied employment experience. By signing the RSCC application, the supervisor acknowledges that the candidate has demonstrated and conducted sport-specific testing sessions, designed and implemented safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and has the experience to be recognized with the Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach distinction. 
    • The RSCC*D (Distinction) has the same requirements as RSCC except ten or more years of experience as a strength and conditioning coach. 
    • The RSCC*E (Emeritus) distinction (RSCC*E) has the same requirements as RSCC except twenty years or more of experience as a strength and conditioning coach.  There is no application or renewal fee for the RSCC*E.  

    Download Application

    KeithOsbourne 

    The RSCC Registry

    The NSCA Registry of Strength and Conditioning Coaches encourages high standards of professional practice and responsibility. The NSCA maintains a registry of individuals who have demonstrated they are experienced coaches who practically apply foundational knowledge to assess, motivate, educate, and train athletes for the primary goal of improving sport performance. 

    They conduct sport-specific testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provide guidance (or advice) for athlete nutrition, injury prevention or reconditioning. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic, athletic training and sport coaching fields, Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches (RSCC, RSCC*D or RSCC*E) consult with, and refer athletes to, these professionals when appropriate.

    ring

    RSCC*D are eligible to purchase RSCC rings from Jostens. Contact Jill Kotke at Jostens for prices and ordering information. 

    Jostens
    Specialty Markets CCC
    148 E. Broadway
    Owatonna, MN 55060

    Phone (800) 854-7464
    Fax (507) 455-6174 


    RSCC*E Rings are provided FREE at January RSCC Meet & Greet or July RSCC Luncheon by:

    Direct Fitness Solutions

    RSCC Program FAQs

    A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) pertaining to the Registered Strength and Conditioning (RSCC) Program.

    How long will the RSCC Renewal Course take to complete?

    A PowerPoint document is provided at the beginning of each section to help you complete each five-question section of the course. Reading the PowerPoint document and answering the questions should take less than one hour to complete; however, there is no time limit to complete all 25 questions. You will be able to have the questions and verbiage files open at the same time on your screen. Once you are confident in your answers, submit the questions for grading.

    Can I refer to the Renewal Course PowerPoint Chapters when taking the quiz?

    Yes. This practice is encouraged.

    Is there a time limit? What happens if my computer shuts down while taking the quiz?

    There is no time limit. Your quiz is not “official” until you hit the Submit button. If you start the quiz and cannot finish it, you may return later to take it again. Note: Your answers will not be saved until you hit the Submit button. If you start the quiz and do not finish, you will have to start over from question #1.

    Are there any CEUs available for completing the RSCC Renewal Course?

    Completion of the Renewal Course will provide 0.5 CEUs annually towards your CSCS®.

    What does the RSCC Renewal Course cost?

    A $25 renewal fee serves to renew your RSCC status until December 2014, and covers the cost to print an updated certificate.

    What is the passing score for the RSCC Renewal Course?

    Failure to score 70% or higher will require a second attempt. Please note, each attempt requires a $25 fee.

    What happens if I do not pass the RSCC Renewal Course before 12:00 AM December 8?

    Failure to complete the RSCC Renewal Course before December 8 will result in removal from the RSCC Registry. A late option is available for a $100 fee per attempt after December 7.

    What happens once I complete the RSCC Renewal Course?

    Your new certificate will be printed and mailed in January. The RSCC Registry will be updated on the website.  

    Q. Is the RSCC different than CSCS®?

    Experts in the strength and conditioning, medical, dietetic, athletic training, and sport coaching fields are all encouraged to have the CSCS® certification. In addition, strength coaches are encouraged to join the NSCA Registry of Strength and Conditioning Coaches (RSCC, RSCC*D or RSCC*E). The Registry is separate and distinct from the medical, dietetic, athletic training, and sport coaching fields by recognizing professionals who are employed full-time as strength and conditioning coaches in either the scholastic, collegiate or professional levels. These coaches have a minimum of two years of experience in the practical application of assessing, motivating, educating, and training athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. The RSCC conducts sport-specific testing sessions, designs and implements safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provides guidance (or advice) with regard to sport nutrition, injury prevention or reconditioning. 

    Q. Does a strength and conditioning coach (RSCC) need to work at a school or with a professional team or can a strength and conditioning coach (RSCC) work in the private sector? 

    If a strength and conditioning coach has trained sport teams for the purpose of athletic performance for two or more years in the NCAA, MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, USOC, or if he/she oversees high school strength and conditioning program, they qualify. If the candidate's primary goal is training to improve fitness or appearance they may not qualify. The NSCA’s Coaching Committee will assess each candidate’s status using these criteria. Some coaches training at private centers will be approved in the application process. Each candidate is subject to an on-site visit by an NSCA representative to assure the candidate meets the RSCC qualifications.  

    Q. Is the registry for athletic trainers?

    The NSCA Registry of Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches is limited to full-time strength and conditioning coaches. ATC’s, Physical Therapists or other medical professionals who are the strength and conditioning coach at their school may apply for consideration. 

    Q. What are the areas of liability for a Registered Strength and Conditioning Coach? 

    Specific areas of liability for anyone that supervises a strength and conditioning program are: 

    1. Pre-participation screening and clearance 

    2. Personnel qualifications

    3. Program supervision and instruction 

    4. Facility and equipment setup, inspection, maintenance, repair and signage

    5. Emergency planning and response 

    6. Records and record keeping 

    7. Equal opportunity and access

    8. Participation in strength and conditioning activities by children 

    9. Supplements, ergogenic aids and drugs