NASM Scholarship for Exercise Science Students | SMSB Academy

The Scholarship
Built for Exercise
Science Students

We Award NASM Certifications — Fully Covered — to Qualifying College Students

Not every fitness career starts the same way. We work with universities to match students with the NASM certification that actually aligns with where they're headed — then help make it happen.

Apply for the Scholarship
$1,399 Max certification value awarded
Application Closes In —

Apply Now

Start Your Application

Takes under two minutes. After reviewing your application, we'll reach out to schedule a brief scholarship interview — where we'll identify the right certification track for your career goals.

Want to learn more before applying?

NASM in the Field

Trusted by the Best

The certification you earn through this scholarship is the same standard trusted at the highest levels of professional sport.

Three Tracks

Which Path
Are You On?

Scholarship winners receive the certification matched to their career — not a one-size-fits-all course. During your interview, we identify the right track together.

NASM CES

Post-Injury
Care Track

For students entering clinical, rehab, or allied health careers. The Corrective Exercise Specialization builds assessment-based training skills that directly complement DPT, ATC, and similar graduate programs.

  • Physical Therapist (DPT)
  • Occupational Therapist (OT)
  • Athletic Trainer (ATC)
  • Chiropractor (DC)
Learn More
NASM PES

Performance
Coaching Track

For students pursuing athletic performance and strength careers. The Performance Enhancement Specialization covers speed, power, and periodization — the framework trusted at the highest levels of sport.

  • Strength & Conditioning Coach
  • Sports Performance Coach
  • Tactical Strength Coach
  • Speed & Agility Coach
Learn More
NASM CPT

General
Fitness Track

For students ready to start working with clients and building a career in fitness. The CPT is the most recognized entry point in the industry — and includes a job guarantee.

  • Personal Trainer
  • Online Fitness Coach
  • Wellness Coach
  • Studio Owner
Learn More

The Process

How It
Works

01

Submit Your Application

Tell us about your major and your motivation. Takes less than two minutes.

02

Scholarship Interview

We learn about your goals and identify which certification best fits your career path.

03

Winners Selected

Regional scholarship winners are awarded the certification matched to their track — fully covered.

04

Everyone Gets a Discount

Even if you aren't selected as a winner, all applicants receive a significant discount on their matched certification.

Apply for This Scholarship
30+
Why NASM

The Standard
Employers Recognize

For over 30 years, NASM has produced the most respected fitness professionals in the industry. When hiring managers review resumes, NASM certifications signal knowledge, rigor, and commitment.

  • ✓

    NCCA Accredited

    The gold standard of certification accreditation. Recognized by employers across every fitness setting.

  • ◎

    100% Online & Self-Paced

    Study around your class schedule. No hard deadlines — complete it in weeks or take the full 180-day window.

  • →

    Job Guarantee (CPT)

    Get your first personal training job within 90 days of passing — or the cost of the guarantee is refunded.

  • ⊕

    Career-Aligned Tracks

    CES, PES, and CPT are each built for specific career paths — not a generic credential to collect.

FAQ

Common
Questions

Who can apply for the scholarship? +
Active college students majoring in Exercise Science, Kinesiology, Health & Wellness, Strength & Conditioning, or a related fitness field. Scholarships are awarded regionally — during each round, only applicants from the designated region are eligible.
What does the scholarship award? +
Scholarship winners receive the NASM certification that best fits their specific career path — fully covered. Depending on your goals, that could be:
  • NASM CES (Corrective Exercise Specialization) — Post-Injury Care Track
  • NASM PES (Performance Enhancement Specialization) — Performance Coaching Track
  • NASM CPT (Certified Personal Trainer) — General Fitness Track
Your certification match is identified during the scholarship interview, not decided in advance.
What if I'm not selected as a winner? +
Every applicant who completes the interview process receives a significant discount on their matched certification — even if they aren't a scholarship winner. Our goal is to help as many qualified students get into the field as possible.
How does the scholarship interview work? +
It's a short, relaxed conversation — not a test. We'll ask about where you're at in school, what drew you to the fitness field, and where you want to take your career. Based on that, we'll identify which certification track makes the most sense for you and explain exactly why it fits your goals.
How long does it take to complete the certification? +
All NASM programs are 100% online and self-paced. Most students finish in 10–15 weeks, but you can complete in as few as 4 weeks or spread it across the full 180-day access window — whatever works with your schedule.
Why NASM over other certification providers? +
NASM holds NCCA accreditation — the highest standard in the fitness certification industry — and has been producing respected professionals for over 30 years. When employers see NASM on a resume, they know the candidate has put in serious work. It's a comprehensive, science-based credential that opens doors across every fitness career path, not a weekend course.