Top 11 Sports Reporter Certifications

Certifications are important for sports reporters in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge about the industry. Certifications provide employers with a way to assess prospective employees' skills and qualifications without having to conduct an in-depth interview. They also show that the reporter is committed to staying up to date on the latest industry trends and developments, which can be a valuable asset for any newsroom. Finally, certifications can help open up new opportunities for career advancement, as many employers prefer to hire those with credentials from reputable organizations.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of some of the best certifications available for Sports Reporters and to explain how they can help advance a sports reporter's career.

What are Sports Reporter Certifications?

Sports reporter certification is a type of professional credentialing that demonstrates a broad knowledge of sports reporting, including topics such as sports media, writing for broadcast, digital media and print journalism. It also provides an opportunity to gain experience in the field. Certification can be obtained from organizations like the National Sports Media Association and SPJ (Society of Professional Journalists).

Sports reporter certification is beneficial because it helps demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the position. Certified reporters are more likely to be hired due to their proven credentials. Certification also gives reporters access to additional resources and job opportunities. Additionally, it serves as a way for journalists to stay current on industry trends and developments, which can help them become more competitive in the job market. Finally, certified reporters may also receive discounts on certain services related to their profession, such as press passes or access to certain events.

Pro Tip: When considering sports reporter certification, look for programs that are accredited by the National Sports Journalism Accreditation Board (NSJAB). This organization provides assurance that the program meets specific standards of quality and is recognized across the industry.

Related: What does a Sports Reporter do?

Top 11 Sports Reporter Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Sports Reporters today.

1. Certified Sports Reporter (CSR)

Certified Sports Reporter (CSR) is a professional certification program for sports media professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of sports reporting, and it is administered by the National Sports Journalism Association (NSJA).

The CSR program consists of an online course and an exam that covers topics such as sports law, ethics, media relations, and writing for various platforms. The course takes approximately 10-15 hours to complete, depending on the individual's pace. To get certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of at least 80%.

The cost of the CSR program varies depending on whether you are an NSJA member or not. For non-members, the cost is $150; for members, it is $100. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam.

2. Certified Sports Media Professional (CSMP)

Certified Sports Media Professional (CSMP) is a certification program offered by the Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW). It is designed to give individuals an in-depth understanding of the sports media and communications industry. The CSMP certification provides knowledge, skills, and credentials for those seeking a career or advancement in the sports media industry.

The CSMP program consists of four courses that cover topics such as sports journalism, sports broadcasting, public relations, and digital media. The courses are delivered online and take approximately 12 weeks to complete. Each course includes lectures, readings, videos, quizzes, and assignments. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their CSMP certification.

The cost of the CSMP program depends on whether you are taking individual courses or the full program. Individual courses range from $599-$699 each while the full program costs $2199. Payment plans are available for both options.

To get started with the CSMP program you must first register on SMWW's website and pay for your chosen option. Once registered you will receive access to your course material and be able to begin learning right away!

3. Professional Sports Journalism Certification (PSJC)

Professional Sports Journalism Certification (PSJC) is a certification program designed to recognize excellence in sports journalism. The certification is offered by the Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE), an organization of professional sports journalists.

The PSJC requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of sports journalism through a series of tests, interviews, and writing samples. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience as a full-time sports journalist.

The certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To begin the process, applicants must submit an application form, which includes information about their education, work experience, and writing samples. Once the application is approved, applicants will be invited to take a written exam that will assess their knowledge and understanding of sports journalism topics. After passing the exam, applicants will be interviewed by APSE members and asked to provide additional writing samples for review. Finally, they will be evaluated on their overall performance during the entire process before being awarded with their PSJC certification.

The cost for the PSJC certification varies depending on the applicant's level of experience and other factors. In general, it can range from $500-$1000 USD.

4. National Sports Journalism Certification (NSJC)

The National Sports Journalism Certification (NSJC) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in sports journalism. It is offered by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) and administered by the American Press Institute (API). The NSJC was established in 2010 as part of AEJMC’s commitment to helping journalists improve their skills, knowledge, and practices.

To be eligible for the NSJC, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience as a sports journalist or related field. They must also demonstrate expertise in reporting, writing, editing, multimedia storytelling, and digital media.

The certification process takes about six months to complete. During that time, applicants must submit a portfolio of work samples that demonstrate their abilities in sports journalism. After reviewing the portfolio, API will assign an individual mentor who will provide guidance throughout the process. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification from API.

The cost of obtaining NSJC certification varies depending on the applicant’s level of experience and other factors. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 USD.

5. Certified Broadcast Sports Analyst (CBSA)

Certified Broadcast Sports Analyst (CBSA) is a certification program designed to help sports broadcasters, analysts, and commentators become more knowledgeable about the business of broadcasting. The CBSA program was created by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in partnership with the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame (SBHOF). It is a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as sports broadcasting, play-by-play commentary, production techniques, and sports media law.

The CBSA certification requires applicants to complete an online course and pass an exam. The course consists of 12 modules that cover topics such as broadcast journalism, audio production, digital media, and marketing. The exam includes both written and practical components. To receive certification, applicants must score at least 80% on the exam.

The cost of the CBSA certification varies depending on the applicant’s experience level. For those with no prior broadcasting experience, the cost is $1,250 USD. For experienced broadcasters who have completed some college courses or have worked in the industry for at least two years, the cost is $750 USD.

The process to become certified takes approximately four weeks from start to finish. After signing up for the program and paying the fee, applicants will receive access to the online course materials and can begin studying right away. Once they have completed all 12 modules and passed their exams, they will be awarded their CBSA certification.

6. Certified Athletic Communications Professional (CACP)

Certified Athletic Communications Professional (CACP) is a certification program offered by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in the field of athletic communications. The CACP designation is intended to help employers identify qualified professionals for positions in sports information, media relations and other related fields.

The CACP program requires applicants to have at least five years of full-time experience in the field, or three years of full-time experience plus a college degree in a related field. Applicants must also submit an application form along with letters of recommendation from two current CoSIDA members.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as media relations, public relations, event management, crisis communication and digital media. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the CACP program is $150 for CoSIDA members and $200 for non-members.

7. Certified Play-by-Play Announcer (CPPA)

Certified Play-by-Play Announcer (CPPA) is a certification program designed to help aspiring broadcasters develop the skills necessary to become successful play-by-play announcers. The CPPA program is offered by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF). It is a comprehensive, self-paced curriculum that covers all aspects of play-by-play announcing from preparation and research to delivery and style.

The CPPA program takes approximately 8 months to complete. It includes online courses, live webinars, and in-person workshops. The cost for the entire program is $1,500.

To get started on the CPPA program, you must first apply for admission. This involves submitting an application form and providing proof of your broadcast experience or education. Once accepted into the program, you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the coursework and provide feedback on your progress.

Once you have completed all of the required courses, you will then take a final exam which must be passed in order to receive your certification as a Certified Play-by-Play Announcer (CPPA). Upon passing this exam, you will receive a certificate from NABEF recognizing your achievement as well as access to their job board where employers can find qualified applicants for open positions in broadcasting.

8. International Association of Sport Journalists Certification (IASJ)

The International Association of Sport Journalists (IASJ) is an international organization that provides certification for sport journalists. This certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of sport journalism. It is a voluntary program, open to both professional and amateur journalists who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in their work.

The IASJ Certification Program consists of two components: a written exam and an oral interview. The written exam is designed to test the journalist's knowledge and understanding of sports-related topics, such as history, rules, regulations, terminology, etc. The oral interview is conducted by an IASJ panel and focuses on the journalist's ability to communicate effectively with athletes, coaches, administrators, and other stakeholders in the sports world.

In order to receive certification from the IASJ, applicants must pass both components of the program with a minimum score of 80%. Once certified, journalists are eligible for membership in the IASJ and can access exclusive resources such as networking opportunities with other members.

The process of becoming certified typically takes between four to six months depending on when applicants submit their materials and how quickly they complete the required steps. Applicants must submit their application form along with supporting documents such as proof of experience or education in sport journalism. After submitting these materials, applicants will be contacted by an IASJ representative who will provide further instructions on how to proceed with taking the written exam and oral interview.

The cost for becoming certified through the IASJ varies depending on location but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD. This fee covers all associated costs including registration fees for both components of the program as well as any administrative fees charged by local organizations or universities that may be involved in administering exams or conducting interviews.

9. National Association of Sportswriters and Broadcasters Certification (NASBC)

The National Association of Sportswriters and Broadcasters (NASBC) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the skills, knowledge, and experience of sportswriters and broadcasters. The NASBC Certification is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated mastery in the areas of sports media writing, broadcasting, and public relations.

To become certified by the NASBC, applicants must complete an application process that includes providing a portfolio of work samples, completing an online exam, and participating in an interview with a panel of NASBC-certified professionals. The application process typically takes two to three months to complete.

In order to be eligible for the NASBC certification program, applicants must have at least one year of experience in sports media writing or broadcasting. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English grammar and syntax as well as knowledge of current trends in sports journalism.

The cost for the NASBC certification program varies depending on the applicant’s level of experience and education. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $250-$500 USD. This fee covers all costs associated with the application process including exam fees, interview fees, and administrative costs.

10. Certified Digital Sports Journalist (CDSJ)

Certified Digital Sports Journalist (CDSJ) is a certification program offered by the International Sports Press Association (ISPA). The CDSJ is designed to recognize and validate the skills of digital sports journalists. It is intended to elevate the standards of digital sports journalism and provide a benchmark for professional excellence.

The CDSJ program consists of an online assessment, which takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. The assessment covers topics such as digital media literacy, legal issues in sports journalism, writing for the web, and multimedia storytelling. Upon successful completion of the assessment, applicants will receive their CDSJ certification.

To get certified as a CDSJ, you must first apply on the ISPA website. Once your application has been accepted, you will be sent an email with instructions on how to access the online assessment. You can then complete the assessment at your own pace within 1-2 hours.

The cost for obtaining a CDSJ certification is $99 USD. This fee includes access to the online assessment and your official CDSJ certificate upon successful completion of the exam.

11. Certified Online Sports Journalist (COSJ).

Certified Online Sports Journalist (COSJ) is a professional certification for online sports journalists. It is offered by the Sports Journalism Institute (SJI), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and advancing excellence in sports journalism. The COSJ certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field of online sports journalism.

The COSJ certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as digital media, reporting and writing, ethics, and legal issues related to online sports journalism. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in using social media platforms and digital tools for storytelling, as well as knowledge of current trends and best practices in the industry.

It typically takes between two to four months to complete the COSJ certification process. Applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and other supporting documents such as transcripts or certificates of completion from any prior training courses they may have taken related to online sports journalism. After submitting their application materials, applicants will be required to take an online assessment test which consists of multiple choice questions about various aspects of online sports journalism.

Once applicants have successfully passed the assessment test, they will then be invited to take the final exam which consists of both written and practical components that assess their knowledge and skills in the field of online sports journalism. Upon successful completion of this exam, applicants will receive their official COSJ certification from SJI.

The cost for obtaining the COSJ certification varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through an accredited program such as a college or university. For individual applicants, the cost is $200 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with taking the assessment test and final exam. For those applying through an accredited program, there may be additional costs associated with tuition fees or other materials needed for coursework related to obtaining the COSJ certification.

Do You Really Need a Sports Reporter Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Sports Reporter Certificate to become a successful sports reporter. However, having one can certainly give you an edge in the competitive sports reporting industry. A Sports Reporter Certificate provides potential employers with proof that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to be an effective reporter. It also shows that you have taken the time and effort to invest in yourself and your career by completing a specialized course of study.

Having a certificate may make it easier for you to get hired as a sports reporter because it demonstrates your commitment to the profession and gives employers confidence in your abilities. In addition, some companies may only hire reporters with this type of certification, so having one can open up more job opportunities than would otherwise be available. Furthermore, having a certificate may make it easier for you to advance in the field because it shows that you are dedicated to furthering your education and improving your skillset.

Ultimately, whether or not you choose to pursue a Sports Reporter Certificate is up to you; there is no right or wrong answer here. If you think that having one will help boost your chances of getting hired or advancing in the field then it could definitely be worth pursuing. However, if you feel confident in your current knowledge and skillset then there is no reason why you should feel obligated to get one.

Related: Sports Reporter Resume Examples

FAQs About Sports Reporter Certifications

Q1. What is a Sports Reporter Certification?

A1. A Sports Reporter Certification is an official recognition of a reporter's knowledge and experience in the field of sports journalism. It is awarded by organizations such as the Associated Press (AP), the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), or the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA).

Q2. How do I become certified as a Sports Reporter?

A2. To become certified as a Sports Reporter, you must complete an accredited training program and pass an exam with a score that meets the organization’s standards. The requirements for these programs vary depending on which organization you are seeking certification from.

Q3. Is there an age requirement to obtain a Sports Reporter Certification?

A3. Generally, no; however, some organizations may have age restrictions for certain certifications. Be sure to check with the specific organization to find out if they have any age requirements for their programs.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified as a Sports Reporter?

A4. The amount of time it takes to get certified depends on which organization you are seeking certification from and which program you enroll in; however, most programs take between four and six weeks to complete, depending on how often classes are offered and how quickly you can complete coursework and exams required for certification.

Q5. Are there continuing education requirements once I am certified?

A5: Yes, most organizations require ongoing education in order to maintain your certification status; again, this will depend on which organization you are certified through so be sure to check with them for specific details regarding their continuing education requirements.