Certifications

Exercise Science Certifications: CSCS, ACSM, and More

A degree and a certification do different jobs. Compare the credentials exercise science graduates earn, and check which degree rules apply before you pick a program.

Taylor Rupe, Founder & Editor

Edited by , Founder & Editor

Last updated

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ACSM Degree Rule Starts

Aug 15, 2027

ACSM programmatic accreditation policy

CSCS Degree Rule Starts

Jan 1, 2030

NSCA CSCS prerequisites

Certification-Ready Programs

9

CAAHEP and CASCE lists, September 2026
ACSM Clinical Exercise PhysiologistACSM clinical exercise physiologist (CEP) requirements, 600 or 1,200 clinical hours, exam cost, and how the 2027 CAAHEP rule affects online degrees.Personal Trainer Certifications ComparedACSM CPT vs NASM vs NSCA compared on cost, exams, renewal and NCCA accreditation, plus which ones pair with an exercise science degree.CSCS Certification: Requirements, Exam Cost and the 2030 Degree RuleCSCS certification requirements, exam cost and pass rate, plus what the January 1, 2030 CASCE degree rule means if you're picking an online degree now.CSCS Exam GuideCSCS exam format, pass rate and prep: two sections, 190 scored questions, a 50% pass rate in 2025, study timelines, costs and retake rules.ACSM Exercise PhysiologistHow to earn the ACSM exercise physiologist certification: requirements, exam, pass rate, cost, and the August 15, 2027 CAAHEP degree rule.

Rule Changes

Two Degree Rules That Change the Program You Pick

Credentials

Exercise Science Credentials Compared

Who issues each credential, whether it needs a degree, and how many programs we track state preparation for it.

Certifications for exercise science graduates
CredentialIssued ByDegree Rule TodayPrograms Stating Prep
ACSM Certified Exercise PhysiologistACSMDegree required11
ACSM Certified Clinical Exercise PhysiologistACSMDegree required14
ACSM Certified Personal TrainerACSMNo degree required10
Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistNSCADegree required40
NSCA Certified Personal TrainerNSCANo degree required6
NASM Certified Personal TrainerNASMNo degree required5
ACE Certified Personal TrainerACENo degree required6
NCCPT Certified Personal Trainer (ISSA subsidiary)NCCPTNo degree required
BOC Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)BOCDegree required2
Certifying bodies' own pages, retrieved September 29, 2026; program counts from school pages
Best Certification-Ready ProgramsOnline exercise science degrees with CAAHEP or CASCE accreditation, the credentials that ACSM-EP and CSCS candidates will need from 2027 and 2030.Best Online Strength and Conditioning DegreesOnline strength and conditioning degrees and concentrations ranked by cost, CSCS alignment, CASCE accreditation, internships and format.Best Clinical Exercise Physiology Master'sOnline master's programs built for clinical exercise physiology and ACSM-CEP candidates, ranked by cost, clinical hours, format and accreditation.Best for Personal TrainersOnline exercise science degrees for working trainers: credit for prior learning, built-in CPT certification prep and fitness-focused coursework.

Sources

All sources retrieved .

Next Step

Find a Certification-Ready Online Degree

See the online programs with CAAHEP or CASCE accreditation.

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Exercise Science Degree Programs

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