In the Fall of 2003, I decided that I wanted to be certified as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) by the NSCA. The CSCS distinction along with the NSCA Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) distinction are the only nationally recognized certifications of this type by the National Commission for Certifying Agecies. "These certifications have become the measure of excellence among professionals in the industry."(www.nsca-lift.org/AboutNSCA/history.shtml) I passed the test in April 2004. Below are links to the NSCA as well as an outline of study notes I used when preparing for the test.