CSCA Certification Programs

The Canadian Strength and Conditioning Professional (CSCP) certification is allocated to an individual who has completed all academic and professional experience requirements set forth by the Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association. CSCP coaches have successfully demonstrated coaching and knowledge proficiency and are qualified to design and implement effective and safe strength and conditioning programs for athletes of all levels.

Legacy Distinction
Certification Overview

CSCP Legacy Distinction

Closing Date: March 2026

The CSCP Legacy Distinction recognizes currently practicing strength and conditioning coaches that meet all of the requirements of the CSCP credential and due to considerable professional coaching experience are exempt from the New Professional pathway exam and mentorship requirements.

Prerequisites

  • Applicants will have completed a university degree in Kinesiology, Human Kinetics, Exercise Science, Physical Education, Sports Sciences, Health Sciences, or a closely related field.
  • Currently practicing as a strength and conditioning coach in the field of strength and conditioning, sports performance, sports science or other related field.
  • Current CSCA General Member
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification

  • Safe Sport Course completion https://safesport.coach.ca/participants-training

  • NCCP Make Ethical Decision course completion https://coach.ca/nccp-make-ethical-decisions

  • 3 year work minimum for applicants who are working as a full-time strength and conditioning coach
  • Minimum 5,000 cumulative hours for part-time and self-employed coaches – see attached recording sheet.

  • Professional resume or CV

Fees

  • Application Fee – $300

  • NCCP Make Ethical Decisions Course – $85*

  • Safe Sport Training Course – Free

  • 5 year renewal fee – $100

* A fee of $85 will apply to those who choose to complete the NCCP Make Ethical Decisions online Evaluation without first taking the NCCP Make Ethical Decisions training.

CSCP Competency Checklist

  • Successful completion of the CSEP HPS examination
  • Undergraduate Degree in exercise science or a similar field
  • Current First Aid and CPR certification
  • NCCP – Safe Sport Training Course completion
  • NCCP – Make Ethical Decisions Course completion
  • Current professional liability insurance

Canadian Strength and Conditioning Specialist Certification Pathway

POSTED: December 2025

Title/Level Name Requirements
CSCP1 Canadian Strength
and Conditioning
Professional Level 1
  • CSCA Member
  • High Performance Specialization (HPS)
  • Completed minimum 250 hour CSCA approved mentorship program within the past 3 years *
  • Completed undergraduate degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science program
CSCP2 Canadian Strength
and Conditioning
Professional Level 2
  • CSCA Member
  • High Performance Specialization (HPS)
  • Approved Legacy Distinction (prior to April 2026)
  • 10 years of professional experience and supporting documentation ^
  • Graduate degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science program or mentorship of 10 CSCP1s
CSCP3 Canadian Strength
and Conditioning
Professional Level 3
  • CSCA Member
  • High Performance Specialization (HPS)
  • Approved Legacy Distinction/CSCP2 and
  • 20+ years of experience
  • History of conference presentations, article submissions, or knowledge dissemination
  • Graduate degree in Kinesiology or Exercise Science program
CSCPa Canadian Strength
and Conditioning
Professional
(academic)
  • Professor, researcher or other, actively contributing to the field of strength & conditioning
    • Employed within a University, College or Technical School or, industry collaborator
    • Has taught minimum 1 Exercise Science based course within the past year, or
    • Has taught minimum 1 lab section from a Exercise Science based course within the past year, or
    • Published minimum 1 Exercise Science research article within a peer-reviewed journal
  • Not currently practicing

* Must accomplish the competency checklist. Hours can be accumulated during an Undergraduate program beginning in 3 rd year.
^Legacy application documentation (athlete, coach, supervisor)