The Weightlifting Training Specialist credential is for individuals who want to demonstrate a higher level of strength and conditioning knowledge. The purpose of the certification is to ensure that the candidate possesses the skills and competency required to train individuals safely, effectively, and efficiently using a wide variety of major strength training exercises including weightlifting movements.
To attain this credential individuals must meet all eligibility requirements detailed on this page, pass the Weightlifting Training Specialist examination, and commit to a standard of professional accountability.
- Age Requirements: candidates must be 18 or older at the time of application
- Education and Experience: candidates are required to have a current USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach credential or 2,500 hours of equivalent professional experience over the last 12 months.
The Weightlifting Training Specialist examination consists of multiple-choice questions across a range of key domains. Questions may contain videos of exercise techniques and focus on applied knowledge in each domain. There are a total of 120 questions on the exam and candidates will have 2.5 hours to complete the exam.
Candidates are tested on a broad range of topics critical to being an effective trainer. These topics include Mobility Assessment, Programming, Pedagogy, Training, Leadership and Management, Lifestyle Education, and Safety.
WTS examinations may be taken in-person or virtually with a live proctor once eligibility and identify is verified with a government issued photo ID. If the candidate fails to pass the examination, additional attempts are offered at the retest rate. To start the process of scheduling a virtual or an in-person examination at USAW HQ in Colorado Springs, CO, please contact education@usaweightlifting.org.
USAW administers virtual examinations through Strasz Online Proctoring Service, a Pearson Vue Consolidator, to monitor test administration for candidates. Candidates need a stable internet connection. The test is administered on either a PC or laptop equipped with a web camera and the newest version of the Google Chrome browser. Candidates must also have a mobile device with the proctoring application installed and a working camera.
Candidates do not need to install software on their computer. The Chrome extension used by the proctoring service can be removed once the test session has been completed, as can the mobile application.
View Study GuideView Candidate Handbook
Exam Topics | Percentage of Questions | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
Mobility Assessment | 14% | 16-17 |
Programming | 18% | 21-22 |
Pedagogy | 11% | 13-14 |
Training | 24% | 28-29 |
Leadership & Management | 10% | 12 |
Lifestyle Education | 12% | 14-15 |
Safety | 11% | 13-14 |
Total | 100% | 120 |
Weightlifting Training Specialist Fees | USAW Member | Non-member |
|---|---|---|
Application Fee (nonrefundable) | $99 | $99 |
Examination Fee | $600 | $1,000 |
Level 1 Certification | $549 | $549 |
Retest Fee | $250 | $500 |
Recertification Fee | $250 | $500 |
The Weightlifting Training Specialist credential utilizes a 3-year recertification process. The process was designed to ensure the preservation of USA Weightlifting's high standard for professional trainers.
To maintain your WTS credential, within the 3-year recertification window, candidates must:
• Abide by the USA Weightlifting Code of Conduct
• Complete a recertification exam
• Have a current USAW Level 1 Coach credential or maintain 2,500 documented hours of professional experience per year.
How to Use Army CA Program Funding to Enroll in USAW Level 1 Course or Earn the WTS Credential
- Visit Army Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) for information about the WTS Credential offered by USA Weightlifting. The direct link to the WTS is here.
- Contact education@usaweightlifting.org for a custom quote.
- For USAW Level 1: Select the course date you wish to attend in-person or online and include it along with your name and email. Ensure course start date is at least 45 days in the future from date of CA request.
- For WTS: Provide USAW member number, name, and email.
- Create an ArmyIgnitED Account or log into your account by visiting ArmyIgnitED
- From your ArmyIgnitED account, submit a Credentialing Assistance Request
- Navigate to the “Education Programs” dropdown menu, select “Credentialing Assistance,” click “Explore Credentials” or “Education Goals” under the Tuition Assistance Request tab.
- Click on "Create New Goal" then select "Credentialing Assistance – Non MOS Related"
- Select your credential by typing in "Weightlifting Training Specialist", then click "Submit Goal".
- Once completed, click "Apply For Funding" and review the User Agreement.
- Proceed with selecting your vendor (USA Weightlifting, Inc.), start and end date of the course, training (Weightlifting Training Specialist), and upload your personalized quote from USAW with the CA request.
- Await approval. Your CA request will route to ACAPO for review. You will be contacted if there are any issues or questions with your request. You will be notified once your CA request is approved.
- Once approved, USAW will reach out with steps for course registration.