The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) and the Canadian Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCA) have collaborated to introduce a new evidence-informed credential for Canadian strength and conditioning coaches.
The Certified Strength and Conditioning Professional (CSCP) credential will provide a clear path for professionals interested in this sector to pursue premier training, ongoing development and a preferred qualification for employers hiring strength and conditioning coaches across Canada.
With the requirements for obtaining popular strength and conditioning credentials ever-changing, which may result in challenges for graduates of Canadian schools to qualify for existing US-based certifications, the new credential will be more accessible.
“Canada has long been home to some of the best and brightest in the world of strength and conditioning, and now these professionals will have a Canadian option to recognize their specific skills and expertise in this field,” – Zach Weston, CSEP CEO
The inclusion of the CSEP High Performance Specialization (CSEP-HPS) as a fundamental component of this new credential further recognizes CSEP as the Gold Standard in Exercise Science and Personal Training in Canada.
To become a CSCP, offered through the CSCA, candidates will have two primary pathways to pursue:
- For new strength and conditioning candidates, the required completion of the CSEP-HPS will serve to verify their foundational theoretical knowledge in this sector. After candidates complete the CSEP-HPS, they will need to complete a CSCA mentorship program, which will follow a newly developed evaluation framework.
- Current CSEP Professional Members (CSEP Certified Personal Trainers and CSEP Clinical Exercise Physiologists) are eligible to pursue the CSEP-HPS and add the new credential by completing the CSCA Strength and Conditioning mentorship program. The scope of practice of the credential within those of either a CSEP-CPT or CSEP-CEP – holding the CSEP-HPS – are covered under CSEP’s member Professional Liability Insurance Policy, which offers worldwide coverage for working with elite and professional athletes.
For more information about the Certified Strength and Conditioning Professional credential, visit the Frequently Asked Questions or contact Cole Hergott at Cole.Hergott@twu.ca.