How to start a career in strength and conditioning coaching

Behind every successful major sports team is a dedicated group of strength and conditioning coaches, trainers, and operations managers who work tirelessly to help athletes surpass their physical performance goals. Strength and conditioning jobs play a critical role in molding elite competitors through comprehensive strength training, aerobic conditioning, and nutritional planning, maximizing every athlete’s potential.

Strength and conditioning coach positions with professional and collegiate teams, including highly competitive NCAA strength and conditioning jobs, are among the most coveted careers in the sports industry. Top sports organizations such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, and NLB seek exceptional individuals for both head and assistant strength and conditioning coach jobs to lead athletes through scientifically-grounded programming. These fitness experts and physical performance coaches leverage top-notch training methods and technology to develop exercise programs that drive optimal athletic outcomes.

Like the path to becoming a professional athlete, pursuing a career as a strength and conditioning coach requires significant dedication. Earning a recognized strength and conditioning coach certification, such as the CSCS credential, is a requirement for most roles. From getting your CSCS certification to landing your first job, we’ll walk you through each step and provide helpful advice on how you can stand out from the crowd.

What do strength and conditioning coaches do?

Strength and conditioning coaches work with athletes and clients at various levels to help them achieve top shape and better perform at their game. They are responsible for creating custom training routines, teaching athletes and clients how to effectively perform exercises and use equipment, and maintaining a positive and safe gym environment. They rely on the principles of exercise science to develop workouts and diet plans, track physical and achievement statistics, and back their reasoning behind each regimen.

Job duties for strength and conditioning coaches include:

• Taking assessments of athletes to determine the best workout plan based on physical characteristics
• Working with athletes on fulfilling their workout plans and making changes if necessary
• Consulting with athletes on their dietary and lifestyle choices
• Collecting and analyzing performance data
• Assisting injured athletes with rehabilitative exercises
• Helping athletes work through the physical and mental stress of competition
• Ensuring gym equipment is maintained and up to code

Being a successful strength and conditioning coach involves a lot of professional preparation, but it also requires ”the ability to communicate, attention to detail, a high level of initiative, and above all else… integrity,” according to Michael W. Favre, MEd, CSCS. Remember that your ability to lead and inspire athletes is just as important as your credentials. For top athletes, S&C coaches provide a pillar of support throughout high-pressure athletic seasons.

How to become a strength and conditioning coach

Education requirements

The first key step in meeting strength and conditioning coach education requirements is earning your bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. A degree in exercise science or a related field gives you a deep understanding of biological systems and exercise physiology, and prepares you for strength and conditioning coach certifications. Remember, all CSCS candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree to be eligible to take the exam. If you intend to further your expertise with a master's in exercise science, it is important to maintain a solid academic record. A 3.0 GPA or higher will maximize your options for admission to well-ranked graduate programs.

While working toward your degree, prioritize developing both technical and interpersonal skills essential for becoming a strength and conditioning coach. Excel in your science courses to build a strong knowledge base, but also dedicate time to improving your writing and communication abilities. These will be essential for crafting compelling resumes and cover letters, and will prepare you for interviews as you progress in the job search. Practicing communication and listening skills, both inside and outside the classroom, will help you gain the well-rounded experience that distinguishes top-tier strength and conditioning professionals in the industry.

Get certified

A CSCS certification is often required to apply for high-level strength and conditioning coaching positions, including those at NCAA Division 1 programs. Candidates become certified once they pass the CSCS exam, a 4-hour assessment that includes questions on anatomy, physiological adaptations, psychology, training methods, and program implementation. The exam is designed to evaluate whether test takers can comprehend complex scientific concepts and their practical application to strength and conditioning practices. For comprehensive preparation, use CSCS courses, textbooks, and practice materials to guide you through each topic.

The CSCS certification is administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), a recognized nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing exercise science and supporting a professional community of fitness experts. While NSCA membership is not mandatory to sit for the CSCS exam, joining can provide aspiring coaches with invaluable professional development resources and certification discounts.

Consider graduate education

There are many CSCS job seekers, but only a select number of CSCS positions are available on elite strength and conditioning teams. Allen Hendrick, MA, CSCS, shared his insights with the NSCA: “In most cases, you might not be seriously considered for an entry-level strength and conditioning coaching position without a graduate degree.”

Earning a master’s in exercise science, sports medicine, kinesiology, or a related discipline can significantly enhance your application for CSCS roles. Completing a graduate program prepares you for the CSCS exam and provides advanced training through opportunities like graduate assistantships. This educational background equips you with the expertise to participate in exercise science research, publish peer-reviewed articles, present at professional events, and contribute meaningfully to the scientific community. To find the right CSCS course or accredited program that aligns with your career goals, explore the NSCA’s list of CASCE-accredited graduate programs, which meet rigorous standards in physical education and exercise science.

Gain on-the-job training

Before applying to entry-level roles, boost your application by demonstrating to employers that you have practical experience in addition to your credentials. Gaining hands-on experience ensures you develop the real-world skills that are essential in a CSCS coach’s people-focused role. Building relationships with athletes and clients, providing informed advice, and motivating them requires more than textbook knowledge. Entering the job search with proven client-facing experience and a clear record of leadership will set you apart in the competitive CSCS landscape.

For those pursuing a master’s degree or who are newly certified, actively seeking out strength and conditioning internships and volunteer opportunities is highly recommended. As Favre notes, “Excelling in an internship is a great way of establishing a reputation as a good strength and conditioning coach. Impressing your supervisors not only provides great references, but can open up job opportunities as well.” Along with these avenues, consider roles that offer transferable skills, such as managing a weight room or working at a gym. Leadership experience can also be gained by taking initiative in student organizations dedicated to fitness and wellness, further reinforcing your qualifications for future strength and conditioning jobs.

Finding your first strength and conditioning job

After you’ve completed your educational requirements, fulfilled your CSCS certification, and enhanced your resume with hands-on training, you’re ready to begin your search for strength and conditioning jobs. The NSCA provides a dedicated job board featuring open S&C coach positions, including professional strength and conditioning jobs. The NCAA also has its own directory of open positions known as “The Market.” You can also find listings on HigherEdJobs.com.

Searching and applying for jobs online is a fine starting point, though landing strength and conditioning jobs with professional teams, collegiate athletic programs, or minor league organizations demands a more proactive approach.

Expanding your network within the NSCA, connecting with experienced strength and conditioning professionals, and consistently attending industry conferences or workshops all help boost your visibility for desirable positions. Building these relationships can open the door to assistant strength and conditioning coach jobs and strength and conditioning volunteer opportunities, which are highly regarded by employers. Strengthening your online presence through a dynamic portfolio website, insights via a blog or newsletter, or by contributing articles to the NSCA can also uplift your reputation in the field.

When applying for your first full-time role, broaden your perspective beyond jobs with major league sports teams or high-profile D1 schools. Assistant strength and conditioning coach jobs are available at college athletic centers, K-12 schools, community gyms, and a wide variety of other training facilities. Each year of hands-on work you gain makes you a stronger candidate for highly sought-after NCAA strength and conditioning jobs and professional coaching positions.

Strength and conditioning continuing education

As part of your CSCS career progression, maintaining your CSCS certification requires completing several hours of continuing education every three years. Choose Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that are directly relevant to your work as a strength and conditioning coach to reinforce your commitment to professional development. Selecting courses and CEUs connected to your CSCS course content will strengthen both your expertise and your reputation within the fitness industry. Earning supplementary certifications related to the CSCS not only supports recertification but can also improve your long-term career mobility.

Strength and conditioning career outlook

Although available positions at the most elite organizations can be competitive, the overall outlook for coaching jobs is strong. As the sports, fitness, and athletic performance industries continue to grow, there is an increasing demand for qualified performance coaches. This growth is further fueled by a heightened focus on scientifically-informed training, injury prevention, and athlete mental health across both collegiate and professional athletics.

Conclusion

The road to becoming a strength and conditioning coach is demanding, but it offers immense rewards. Earning your certifications, beginning your professional experience early, and actively building a strong professional network are all crucial steps in this journey. These actions help transform your ambition into a fulfilling role within the sports industry.

Entry-level positions as a strength and conditioning coach or physical performance coach at schools, fitness centers, or local gyms provide valuable hands-on experience. These roles not only allow you to apply your knowledge but also serve as important stepping stones toward coaching at the collegiate level or with professional sports teams.

If landing a top-tier coaching position takes time, don’t lose motivation. Each experience offers an opportunity to refine your strategy and expand your skills as a physical performance coach. Stay committed, keep learning from setbacks, and remain proactive in your job search. By maintaining focus, adaptability, and enthusiasm throughout every stage of your training and career development, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goal of becoming a successful strength and conditioning coach.