Start Building Better Athletes | 1.9 CEUs
NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES)
Price
$71.00 $49.00 /month
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Course Details
Course Description
Train smarter to build strong, powerful, resilient athletes. NASM’s Performance Enhancement Specialization arms you with the science, strategies, and coaching skills to optimize strength, conditioning, recovery, and performance—no matter the sport, age, or level. This is where elite coaches sharpen their edge and turn potential into results.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this course. However, it is recommended that candidates have at least one of the following credentials:
- NASM CPT Certification
- Bachelor’s degree in a health or fitness field
- Accredited health and fitness certification or licensed certification from a healthcare or wellness profession
Course Sections
Section 1: Coaching and Sport Psychology
Strengthen the mental edge. Build trust, motivation, and resilience using sport psychology and ethical coaching strategies.
Section 2: Introduction to Sport Science
Apply science to performance. Use the OPT™ Model and biomechanics to design smarter, results-driven programs.
Section 3: Assessments, Testing, and Monitoring
Evaluate athletes with precision. Use assessments and testing to track progress and tailor training to individual goals.
Section 4: Components of the Integrated Training Model
Train across all domains—flexibility, power, speed, strength, and recovery—to build complete, high-performing athletes.
Section 5: Program Design
Design customized programs using biomotor development and periodization. Support peak performance and injury resistance.
Section 6: Nutrition and Supplementation
Fuel performance with smart nutrition. Apply evidence-based strategies for intake, hydration, and safe supplementation.
Exam Details
After completing the course, you will take a timed online exam consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. The exam must be completed within 90 minutes. To pass the exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 70%; if you do not, you have up to three attempts to reach this requirement.
Rated brand in the industry
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14,000+
Partnerships with gyms and health clubs
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Self-Study
Unlock Peak Potential.
$49.00 / Monthly
$71.00*$49 down + 12 payments30% OFF
- Pay in full
- 4 monthly payments
- 12 monthly payments
- 17 monthly payments
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STUDY SMARTER, TRAIN BETTER
- 1.9 CEUs
- 100% Online & Self-Paced Program
- Instructional Videos & Study Guide
- Practice Quizzes & Exam
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Premium Self-Study
Sports Performance Elevated.
$59.00 / Monthly
$96.00*$49 down + 12 paymentsOVER 35% OFF
- Pay in full
- 4 monthly payments
- 12 monthly payments
- 17 monthly payments
-
UNLEASH PERFORMANCE OUTCOMES
- 1.9 CEUs
- Everything in PES Self-Study: 100% Online, Self-Paced Program, Instructional Videos, Study Guide, Practice Quizzes, and Exam
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PES Hardcover Textbook
- The perfect additional study tool to the digital learning platform.
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PES Program Generator
- Easy-to-use template to create macrocycles (yearly workout plans) for your clients.
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Functional Anatomy Course
- Master functional anatomy to revolutionize your fitness assessments and exercise programming.
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Sports Performance & Nutrition Bundle
Redefine Sports Performance.
$89.00 / Monthly
$171.00*$49 down + 12 paymentsOVER 45% OFF
- Pay in full
- 4 monthly payments
- 12 monthly payments
- 17 monthly payments
- TRAIN LIKE A PRO
- Everything in PES Premium Self-Study: 100% Online, Self-Paced Program, Instructional Videos, Study Guides, Practice Quizzes, Exam, Hardcover Textbook, Program Generator, and Functional Anatomy Course
- Certified Sports Nutrition (CSNC) Course
- Learn the evidence-based science of performance nutrition to help athletes and clients achieve peak performance.
What is the NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES)?
The NASM Performance Enhancement Specialization (PES) is an advanced program developed by over 30 experts on athletic performance, sport psychology, assessments, testing, program design, and the science of coaching, that helps you learn how to train athletes using strength, power, speed, agility, and conditioning methods through the Maximal Power phase of the OPT™ Model.
Is the PES NCCA-accredited?
NASM’s PES is an advanced specialization, not an NCCA-accredited certification. NASM's NCCA-accredited credentials are NASM-CPT and AFAA-CGFI.
What does a Performance Enhancement Specialist do?
An NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist helps athletes and high-level clients improve sports performance through individualized sport-specific training programs built around the Maximal Power phase of NASM’s OPT™ Model. Performance Enhancement Specialists evaluate movement quality, athletic demands, and assessment data to create programs that support strength, speed, agility, power, conditioning, recovery, and reduced sports injury risk. They also apply coaching, cueing, communication, leadership, nutrition, recovery, and mental performance strategies to help athletes train effectively and maximize athletic outcomes.
Are there prerequisites for the PES?
There are no required prerequisites for the Performance Enhancement Specialization. NASM recommends an accredited fitness certification (such as the NASM-CPT), a healthcare or wellness credential, or a related degree, but anyone can take the program.
How long does it take to complete the PES?
Performance Enhancement Specialization is entirely self-paced and fully online. Many candidates finish in 6 to 8 weeks while working full time. You have five years access to the program from date of purchase.
How is the PES exam structured?
The NASM PES exam is online and open-book. It has 100 multiple-choice questions, a 90-minute limit, and a 70% passing score, with up to three attempts. You have one year from purchase to take the exam.
What is the Maximal Power phase?
The Maximal Power phase is an advanced stage of NASM's OPT™ Model that the PES adds to develop explosive power and athletic performance beyond general fitness training.
How is NASM’s PES different from a strength and conditioning certification like the NSCA-CSCS?
The NASM PES is designed for professionals who want a practical framework for improving athletic outcomes without required prerequisites. A strength and conditioning certification like the NSCA-CSCS has a different scope and eligibility pathway, including a bachelor’s degree requirement, and is more academically focused and built around a research setting and the philosophy of performance training. NASM’s PES provides immediate practical application without losing the science base. For those who already have the CSCS, the Performance Enhancement Specialization is a perfect complement for their education given the practical application and more directive programming that it offers.
How much do coaches with the PES credential earn?*
In NASM's 2026 State of the Personal Trainer Survey (N = 1,133, ±2.9%, 95% confidence), personal trainers who added the PES credentials reported earning about 22% more than their peers. Actual earnings vary by setting and experience. To view the full report, click here.
Does the PES credential expire?
Once you pass the exam, your NASM PES credential does not require renewal and does not expire. You have five years access to the program from date of purchase.
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