Built for
Exercise Science
Backed by NASM
We partner with universities to help Exercise Science students get a head start in their fitness career. A National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification is the credential employers recognize, and we make sure you earn the one that actually matches where you're headed.
Select your career track
Post-Injury Care
DPT · Occupational Therapy · Athletic Training · Chiropractic
Performance Coaching
Strength & Conditioning · Sports Performance · Tactical
General Fitness
Personal Training · Wellness Coaching · Studio Management
Not sure where to start? Check if you qualify for a scholarship. Scholarships are awarded regionally each round, and we'll help you find the right certification either way.
The Process
Two Ways to Get Certified
Apply for the scholarship and we'll match you to the right certification through a career interview. Prefer to enroll directly? You can choose your certification at any time, and we're always happy to help guide you to the right track if you'd like.
For Qualifying Students
Scholarship Program
Each regional round, we award fully covered NASM certifications to qualifying Exercise Science students. All applicants receive a discount, even without winning the scholarship.
Learn More & ApplyEnroll Anytime
Direct Enrollment
Get certified year-round with interest-free payment plans starting at $38/month. No scholarship round required. Choose your certification and get started today.
View Certifications & PricingApply for the Scholarship
Tell us about your major and your motivation. Takes less than two minutes to apply.
Career Interview
A relaxed conversation about your goals. We identify which certification track is the right fit for your career path.
Winners Selected
Regional scholarship winners receive their matched certification fully covered. All applicants receive a discount.
Get Certified
Complete your NASM program online at your own pace. Most students finish in 10–15 weeks.
NASM in the Field
Trusted by the Best
The certification you earn through SMSB Academy is the same standard used by performance professionals at the highest levels of sport.
Scholarship Program
A NASM Certification.
Fully Covered.
Each round, we award NASM certifications to qualifying Exercise Science students at no cost, matched to their specific career path and not a generic one-size-fits-all award.
Scholarships are regional and awarded to students who demonstrate a clear career direction. Can't wait for the next round? Every applicant who completes the interview receives a significant discount on their matched certification regardless of outcome.
Fully covered. The scholarship covers the complete cost of your NASM certification.
Career-matched. CPT, CES, or PES is selected based on your goals, identified during the interview.
Everyone benefits. All applicants receive a discount even without winning.
University partnerships. We work directly with Exercise Science programs to bring this to eligible students.
Guaranteed awards. For every 25 students from your university who apply, we guarantee one scholarship recipient. 50 applicants means two winners, and so on.
What the scholarship covers
One certification.
The one that fits your career.
Winners receive the NASM certification matched to their career path, identified during the scholarship interview and not assigned in advance.
Why NASM
The Standard Employers Recognize
For over 30 years, NASM has produced the most respected fitness professionals in the industry. NCCA accreditation ensures every certification meets the highest standard of rigor, recognized by employers across every fitness and health setting.
NCCA Accredited
The gold standard of certification accreditation, recognized by employers across every fitness setting.
100% Online & Self-Paced
Study around your class schedule. Complete in as few as 4 weeks or use the full 180-day access window.
Job Guarantee (CPT)
Get your first personal training job within 90 days of passing, or the guarantee cost is fully refunded.
Career-Aligned Tracks
CES, PES, and CPT are built for specific career paths, not a generic credential to collect.
Direct Enrollment
Find Your Path
Available year-round with interest-free payment plans. Want guidance on which track fits your goals? Reach out and we'll help you choose before you commit to anything.
Post-Injury Care Track
For students entering clinical, rehab, or allied health careers. The CES builds assessment-based skills that directly complement DPT, ATC, and similar graduate programs.
- Physical Therapist (DPT)
- Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Athletic Trainer (ATC)
- Chiropractor (DC)
Performance Coaching Track
For students pursuing athletic performance and strength careers. Covers speed, power, and periodization, the framework trusted at the highest levels of professional sport.
- Strength & Conditioning Coach
- Sports Performance Coach
- Tactical Strength Coach
- Speed & Agility Coach
General Fitness Track
For students ready to start working with clients. The most recognized entry point in the fitness industry. It includes a job guarantee within 90 days of passing.
- Personal Trainer
- Online Fitness Coach
- Wellness Coach
- Studio Owner
View full certification details, pricing, and interest-free payment plans starting at $38/month.
View Pricing & EnrollFor Faculty & Advisors
Bring the Scholarship
to Your Program
SMSB Academy partners directly with university Exercise Science departments to make the scholarship available to eligible students each round. We handle everything. Faculty simply share the opportunity with their students.
- No cost or administrative burden to the university
- Students receive career-matched NASM certifications at no cost
- All applicants receive a discount regardless of scholarship outcome
- Strengthens career readiness outcomes for your program
- Guaranteed awards by volume: for every 25 students from your university who apply, we guarantee one scholarship recipient. 50 applicants means two winners, and so on.
Interested in partnering?
Let's Connect
Reach out to discuss bringing the SMSB Academy scholarship program to your institution. We'll walk you through how the partnership works and what it looks like for your students.
Contact UsFAQ