Free NSCA CEUs - Courses
While I use a structured continuing education plan with a combination of live and online courses, sometimes you just need to fill in the gaps. Doing that with free NSCA CEU courses can be handy. While I have not personally completed all of these courses, they are free. There are not nearly as many NSCA free CEU courses as there are for free NATA CEUs and PT CEUs, but this list is a start.
In order to help others trying to use this page, please let me know if there are additional ones I don't have listed or if a link is broken. Click HERE to contact me.
Essential Elements of Running
This is a foundational course that covers the terminology and knowledge needed to become a running analysis expert. This is Class C as a pre-approved home study course for NSCA.
If you need a refresher or are new to running biomechanics and anatomy, Essential Elements of Running is a free ceu course that gives providers the knowledge and terminology needed to become a running expert.
Free NSCA CEU Opportunities for Members
The NSCA offers 12 free approved CEUs for members each year.
Additionally, NSCA members gain access to select complimentary quizzes, each for a limited time. Once the complimentary period ends, the quiz will be offered at standard rates. The list of current quizzes can be found here.
Current Quizzes (Updated 3/12/25):
Effective Decision-Making in Strength and Conditioning
NCSA CEU Categories
The NSCA divides CEUs into 4 categories and you need to have CEUs from at least two categories.
Category A Attendance
Attending clinics, conferences, seminars, workshops, or live-streamed events.
Category B Share Your Expertise
Speaking at an event or on a panel, being published, or volunteering with the NSCA. Just to note, teach academic courses does not count toward CEUs.
Category C Educational Activities
This includes activities like First Aid, Internships, college courses, getting an additional NSCA certification, pre-approved home study courses, and personal development.
Category D NSCA Quizzes & Assessments
Take Earn a passing score on any NSCA or USADA Quiz which includes NSCA Strength & Conditioning Journal (SCJ) Quizzes, NSCA Video Quizzes, NSCA Conference Quizzes, and USADA Coaching Advantage Quiz
Here is a complete list of NSCA Approved Events and NSCA Approved Providers
What if I am dual credentialed ATC CSCS or PT CSCS, do my NATA CEUs count toward my NSCA CSCS Certification CEUs?
The short answer is yes (kind of) as long as the course falls under the scope practice of the NSCA Certificaiton Exam. The NSCA gives a pretty explicit answer that I have provided below:
From NSCA "Only continuing education content that relates to the scope of practice and Detailed Content Outline (DCO) of an NSCA certification exam will be accepted. Below are some examples of acceptable and unacceptable content. If you have questions about the acceptability of a particular activity’s content, contact the NSCA prior to engaging in the activity for credit.”
Examples of Unacceptable Content:
Surgery
Diagnosing
Kinesio Taping
Treatment
Radiology/Imaging
General Business
Group Fitness/Holistic Activities
Unrelated Alternative Health Topics (e.g., hypnosis, acupuncture)
Allied Health Topics beyond the NSCA credential scope of practice (e.g., athletic training, physical therapy or massage therapy specific techniques)"
Examples of acceptable content:
Anatomy and Physiology
Nutrition
Biomechanics
Organization and Administration (Refer to the current DCO for allowed content)
Training Techniques
Sport Psychology
Program Design
Testing and Evaluation
Exercise Technique
Return to Play Reconditioning
