TSAC Program

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    * TSAC-Approved Programs currently providing evidence-based knowledge and assessments that align with the NSCA’s and the TSAC Program’s national standards and guidelines.

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    Welcome to the TSAC Program

    TSAC History Video

    The Tactical Strength and Conditioning (TSAC) Program is an educational program designed specifically to optimize mission/job performance for tactical athletes and tactical facilitators.

    Since 2005, the program has been achieving that goal through a combination of cutting-edge research, proven training methods and field experience, leading to reduced injury risks and increased strength, power, speed, agility, and aerobic and anaerobic fitness.

    The NSCA together with leaders in SWAT, special operations forces, conventional military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue developed this program with one goal in mind – provide the highest level of physical training possible to those who serve and protect our country and local communities. 


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    Stay up-to-speed with the latest training techniques and demands in the tactical field, all from evidence-based research.

    Check out the TSAC Report...  
    Ensure that your department/unit is providing the highest level of effective physical training for your tactical athletes through an NSCA TSAC approval. *

    Contact the TSAC Program...  
    Get certified to ensure that your tactical athletes are getting the highest standard of training possible.

    Learn More About TSAC-F Certification... 
    Encourage your personnel to become TSAC-F certified, and to reap the benefits of NSCA membership.

    Learn More About TSAC-F Certification...  
    Further your tactical training knowledge with researchers and experts involved directly with your field at NSCA events.

    Learn More About the TSAC Conference... 
    Receive on-site training from certified experts in regards to the specific needs of your department and/or unit at a location best suited for you.

    Contact the TSAC Program...  
    Sign-up to train with certified professionals at the NSCA Headquarters’ Performance Center (Colorado Springs only).

    Contact the TSAC Program…  
    Work with qualified professionals and participate in training at the NSCA Headquarters’ Performance Center (Colorado Springs only).

    Contact the TSAC Program...  
    Receive ongoing, educational support, career development, and access to a global professional community of more than 30,000, and prepare for more TSAC opportunities coming soon!

    Learn More About NSCA Memberships...   

    TSAC Staff Members

    Jason Dudley, MS, CSCS, *D, TSAC-F, RSCC, USAW-1
    Head TSAC Coach and Manager
    800 812-6826, ext. 121
    jason.dudley@nsca.com 

    Katie Miller, RD, LDN, CSCS, TSAC-F
    TSAC Coordinator
    800 812-6826, ext. 156
    katie.miller@nsca.com 

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    TSAC Conference

    The way heroes train should be the highest priority. And at the NSCA’s TSAC Conference, it is. 

    TSAC Conference is the most comprehensive event available for military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue training, all in one location. It brings together the key elements needed to build a strong, foundational knowledge for training tactical athletes, including scientific exercises and techniques backed by years of research and evidence-based principles. 

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    Leaders of the industry present on their field-related expertise, and share the safest and most effective methods for strategic implementation of procedures. Developing a substantial training toolbox is made easy with hands-on sessions and specialized tracks geared toward military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue. The unique learning opportunities are endless, so you’ll want to be there.

    Learn more about the 2014 TSAC Conference 

    TSAC Facilitator's Course - Coming 2014

    The purpose of this course is to educate attendees on proper exercise techniques and training strategies which can be implemented immediately on tactical athletes.

    Want to learn more? Contact Us.

    TSAC Outreach Facilitator's Course

    This is a three-day, customized course that can be held at a site or facility of your choice, designed to target the specific needs of your unit or department.  It provides the latest evidence-based training techniques for tactical operations presented by industry experts.

    Want to learn more? Contact Us

    All NSCA conferences and events are subject to changes in location and date; as well as possible cancellation without notice. 

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    TSAC Report

    The TSAC Report is is an online publication specific to the techniques and demands required for training tactical athletes.  Articles are written by a wide variety of experts in tactical training and research and are all panel reviewed.  

    The TSAC Report contains columns dedicated to three main areas of the tactical population including military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue. The full publication is available to Associate and Professional members of the NSCA.  The public version of the publication, which includes highlighted articles, is available to anyone interested.

    View Current Report
    View Archived Reports
    Join as an NSCA Member!

    Write for the NSCA TSAC Report

    Interested in writing for the NSCA TSAC Report? Download the Author's Guidelines or email the NSCA Publications Department at tsacreport@nsca.com.

     

    NSCA-Certified Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F)

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    The scope of this distinct certification is to apply scientific knowledge to physically train military, fire and rescue, law enforcement, protective services, and other emergency personnel to improve performance, promote wellness, and decrease injury risk.

    The exam and certification were developed by a committee of subject matter experts.  The experts came from all disciplines within the protective services to not only develop, but also test and confirm each exam question.

    Interested? Learn more about the TSAC-F or register to take the exam.  

    Prepare for the TSAC-F Exam

    NSCA’s Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator’s Reference Guide eBook is now available as a study tool for candidates seeking to earn the TSAC-F certification. It targets the most comprehensive information needed when preparing to transform the way tactical athletes train, including:TSAC-F 

    • Structure and functions of body systems
    • Training adaptations
    • Testing and evaluation
    • Exercise techniques
    • Program design
    • Organization and administration of facilities
    Buy the Book!

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    The Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator's Reference Guide

    The NSCA’s Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator’s Reference Guide contents are based on theTSAC-F Exam Content Description Booklet. 

    Only the most TSAC-relevant content was selected to ensure a concise study aid for the exam. NSCA’s Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator’s Reference Guide not only provides candidates with information for the exam but also increases their knowledge of safe and effective practices in tactical strength and conditioning.

    TSAC Program FAQs

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



    Can I take part in the TSAC Program if I am not in the military or part of law enforcement/fire?

    Yes, you can. Anyone is welcome to take part in the program; however, the program is geared to those who are actively administering exercise to those in the military, law enforcement, fire fighting or first response.

    What does the TSAC Program offer? 

    The TSAC program currently offers the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) certification, the NSCA Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator’s Reference Guide, an annual TSAC Conference, TSAC Facilitator’s Courses, TSAC Outreach Facilitator’s Courses, and an online publication called the TSAC Report.  Keep a look out for our new e-book and exam prep live courses in 2013! 

    How do I sign up to receive the TSAC Report? 

    To receive the Full TSAC Report, you must be at least an Associate Level member with the NSCA.  The Public TSAC Report, with approximately half the articles for each issue, is available without an NSCA membership. Both Full and Public versions are available through NSCA’s website. 

    How can I submit an article to the TSAC Report? 

    To submit an article to the TSAC Report, please refer to Author's Guidelines or email the NSCA Publications Department at tsacreport@nsca.com

    What is the difference between the TSAC Conference and the TSAC Facilitators Course? 

    The TSAC Conference is intended to present new research and training concepts to those in the tactical field (both facilitators and operators), whereas the TSAC Facilitator’s Course is designed to educate an individual on the specifics of administering exercise to tactical individuals. 

    When is the next TSAC Facilitators Course offered?

    TSAC Facilitator’s Courses are currently on hold until 2014.

    Can I host a private TSAC Facilitator’s Course or Outreach Facilitator’s Course for my unit or department? 

    Yes, we do offer closed Facilitator’s Courses that are geared at the needs of your department or unit. The fee starts around $7,500 US but varies depending on group size and travel costs. Please contact Jason Dudley (800.815.6826 ext 121 or jason.dudley@nsca.com) for further information. 

    Will I receive CEUs for the TSAC Conference/TSAC Facilitators Course? 

    Yes. You will receive 2.0 CEUs for attending the TSAC Conference or a TSAC Facilitator’s Course in their entirety (.8 for only one day). This is consistent with the current NSCA CEU structure of 0.1 CEU per hour of attendance, or 1.0 CEU per presentation hour if you are a presenter who holds an NSCA certification. 

    Can I use those CEU’s towards a different certification? 

    Yes. The CEUs can be used towards NATA/BOC. You will need to request a certificate of attendance through the Conference Department to use to petition the CEUs towards anything else other than that. 

    Is there a certificate of completion that comes with the TSAC Facilitator’s Course? 

    No, we no longer supply a certificate of completion for the TSAC Facilitator’s course unless it is specifically requested. If you need a certificate of completion for any reason please contact our Conference Department (800.815.6826 ext 204). 

    Future Resources to Help Tactical Athletes Excel

    As the NSCA continues to build the TSAC Program to its fullest potential, it will develop more tools to help change the way tactical athletes train. These items are currently not available, but continue to check back for further updates on release dates and new opportunities. 

    Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning Textbook

    The Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning is being designed to be the most comprehensive textbook available for tactical facilitators and tactical athletes. A collection of industry-leading authors, coaches, and practitioners have been brought together to compile a complete scientifically-based, practical approach to training tactical athletes. 

    TSAC Exam Prep LIVE and ONLINE

    When these courses become available, you can expect TSAC Exam Prep LIVE to deliver a two-day experience that will focus on attendees achieving a deeper understanding of the essentials, techniques, and applications needed to successfully pass a TSAC-F certification exam.  LIVE events will be held in-person with NSCA professionals and/or industry experts presenting and giving expert insight and functional feedback on the spot, while ONLINE events deliver a multimedia experience from the comfort of your home or office.