Exercise Science Career Certifications

Key Takeaways:

Certifications enhance job competitiveness and demonstrate specialized knowledge in areas like personal training and nutrition.
Notable certifications include ACE for personal trainers, ISSA and NCSF for strength and conditioning, and NASM for performance enhancement.
Sports nutrition certifications like CISSN and CSNC are crucial for integrating diet with athletic performance.
Health and wellness coaching certifications, such as those from NBHWC and ACE, expand career opportunities in lifestyle management and coaching.

If you are a recent graduate with a degree in exercise science, you’re entering an exciting phase. You can finally apply what they’ve learned in school to real jobs! However, you may face a lot of competition in the health and fitness industry. That’s why you need to help yourself stand out by adding certifications to your resume.

Organizations like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) offer hundreds of certifications.

In this article, we will give you some of the best certifications that exercise science graduates can pursue. These certs can help you advance your career and make yourself more competitive in their field. Many of them offer online options too.

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The Value of Exercise Science Certifications

Earning certifications in exercise science is a key step for those aiming at a health and fitness career. These certifications show a professional’s commitment and boost their knowledge in specific areas. They truly help you stand out.

Getting certified after college brings many advantages. It makes you more competitive in the job market and expands your skills. These certifications demonstrate specialized expertise, a potential for higher pay, and dedication to ongoing learning.

Here is how Reddit users responded to a post asking “Do I need a certification or is my exercise science degree enough?”:

“I’ve been a trainer for over 10 years, and work a lot on the hiring side now. I know from experience, most gyms will either require a cert, or request you get one within a certain period of employment regardless of education.” – Reddit user Tkrad

“Where I live, all commercial gyms require a cert regardless of degree” – Reddit user Fangbianmian14

Top Fitness Certifications – ACE

For exercise science graduates looking to stand out, getting the right credentials is key. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) offers top-notch fitness trainer certification guides. They provide comprehensive personal trainer certification requirements that meet the highest standards.

ACE is known for its high-quality accredited exercise science programs. They offer a wide range of study tools to fit everyone’s needs. You can even take the exams online. ACE makes learning flexible with their digital textbook options so you can study anywhere, anytime. And if you face any hurdles, you can retake the exam with a retest voucher they provide.

Best Strength and Conditioning Certifications

In the field of strength and conditioning, getting the best certifications is vital.

Strength and Conditioning Certification (SCC)

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) provides a top-notch certification. The Strength and Conditioning Certification (SCC) is offered online and in-person. ISSA says: “You’ll learn exactly how to help your clients work with what they have to build unbelievable endurance, strength, power, and speed.”

The Certified Strength Coach Certification (CSC)

The Certified Strength Coach Certification (CSC) is NCCA-accredited and NCAA-recognized. It is administered by the National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF). This program will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance human performance.

Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES)

The NASM offers a Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) certification. Learn about the science of improving sports performance by studying basic ideas in exercise science, sports psychology, coaching, and sports nutrition. This will help you guide your clients to perform their best in any sport.

Sports Nutrition Certifications

Securing a sports nutrition certification is a top move for graduates in exercise science. It combines diet strategies with athletic performance. This knowledge helps graduates boost a team’s success.

Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN)

For graduates interested in sports nutrition, the Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN) is perfect. This cert comes from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN). It covers topics like energy systems, supplements, and how nutrients affect the body.

Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC)

NASM’s Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC) certificate is also a highly regarded certification. This self-paced online program allows you to start a new career from home in just two weeks, offering an easy and convenient way to begin.

Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist (CSNS)

The Certified Sports Nutrition Specialist (CSNS) is also a great choice. It is administered by the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). The certification teaches trainers and coaches about the advanced nutritional needs for sports and competitions.

Health and Wellness Coaching Certifications

There is a growing need for skilled health and wellness coaches. These experts help people reach their health goals. If you’ve studied exercise science and want more career choices, health and wellness coaching certifications can give you a nig leg up.

NBHWC Health & Wellness Coaching Certicate

The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching’s cert involves thorough training and a tough exam. It is the gold standard for this field. It is perfect for those who want to deeply understand how to help people change their lifestyles and improve their health.

ACE Health Coach Certification

ACE offers an excellent Health Coach Certification. It combines knowledge of fitness, nutrition, and wellness. It’s designed for people who already know a lot about exercise and want to help others live healthier lives.

Personal Trainer Certifications

Personal Trainer certs are important for anyone who wants to help others reach their fitness goals. They give you the skills to create customized workout plans and offer motivation to your clients.

ACTION Certification

ACTION offers an NCAA-accredited cert that includes aspects of personal training and wellness. This online program helps trainers how to integrate fitness and wellness to help clients achieve overall health.

NETA’s Personal Trainer Certification

NETA’s Personal Trainer Certification is another great choice. It covers both the theory and the practical side of personal training. This makes it perfect for graduates in exercise science who want to use what they’ve learned to train clients.

NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT)

The NASM offers a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification that can help you kick-start your career. The self-paced online program allows you to conveniently start your new career from home in as little as 4 weeks, making it easy and flexible.

Conclusion

After getting a degree in exercise science, choosing the right certifications can help you stand out. These certs show your commitment and increase your expertise. Especially in specific areas like fitness, strength training, or nutrition. From helping athletes perform better to guiding people to live healthier, certifications can open up new job roles. They can also lead to better pay. If you’re serious about making a difference in health and fitness, getting certified is a smart choice. It can broaden your career options and improve your ability to help others reach their health goals.

Best Certifications for Exercise Science Graduates