CSCS Exam information
What it is, what's tested, and how it's scored.
CSCS exam details
The Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam assesses your knowledge and skills in various areas crucial for a career in athletic training and sports performance.
The CSCS is administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), an educational nonprofit dedicated to advancing research in exercise science.
As a CSCS, you are expected to be able to bring research-based practices to various training environments and help your clients realize their athletic potential. The CSCS exam is divided into 2 sections: Scientific Foundations and Practical/Applied knowledge. These sections test you on essential elements of sports science, sport psychology, and nutrition, and how to apply this information in professional athletic, training, and rehabilitation settings.
The CSCS exam is hosted by NSCA and costs $340 (NSCA members); $475 (non-members) to register. Participants have 4 hours to answer 220 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 70 / 100.
Time
4 hours
Format
220 questions
Exam fee
$340 (NSCA members); $475 (non-members)
Passing score
70 / 100
Details
You must meet the following requirements to sit for the CSCS exam:
Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree OR be currently enrolled as a college senior at an accredited university
Have a current CPR/AED certification
Effective January 1, 2030, U.S. candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a CASCE-accredited program to be eligible for the CSCS exam. This does not affect candidates with a Bachelor’s degree from outside the U.S. until January 2036. Current degree requirements are effective through December 31, 2029.
The CSCS is a computer-based exam that consists of 220 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.
The Scientific Foundations section is broken down into 3 knowledge areas and takes 1.5 hours to complete:
Exercise Science: 44 questions (55%)
Sport Psychology: 19 questions (24%)
Nutrition: 17 questions (21%)
The Practical/Applied section is broken down into 4 knowledge areas and takes 2.5 hours to complete:
Exercise Technique: 40 questions (36%)
Program Design: 38 questions (35%)
Organization and Administration: 12 questions (11%)
Testing and Evaluation: 20 questions (18%)
The CSCS includes a 15-minute scheduled break between the 2 sections. NOTE: For pretesting purposes, 30 additional unscored questions are asked throughout the test. These questions are unmarked and are asked alongside scored questions.
CSCS exam summary
Scientific Foundations
43%
95 total questions
Evaluates comprehension of exercise science principles, such as muscle and neuromuscular anatomy and physiology, the basics of biomechanics, and scientific research and statistics; sport psychology principles, such as psycho-physiological factors of performance, mental health, and wellness; and basic knowledge of nutrition and supplement efficacy.
- Exercise Science — 55%
Covers a wide range of topics related to sports science and its application to athletic performance. Subjects include anatomy, bioenergetics and metabolism, endocrinology, cardiopulmonary anatomy, and more. Tests practical knowledge in scientific research and evaluation. - Sport Psychology — 24%
Focuses on how psycho-physiological factors affect athletic performance. Assesses ability to support athletes’ mental health and wellness, maintain effective and professional relationships, and keep athletes motivated even under pressure. - Nutrition — 21%
Tests knowledge of how nutritional factors affect health and performance, as well as the benefits and risks associated with dietary supplements, ergogenic aids, and performance-enhancing drugs.
Practical/Applied
57%
125 total questions
Assesses ability to effectively apply scientific, sports training, and physical therapy knowledge in practical settings. Test takers are asked questions related to developing and implementing comprehensive exercise program designs and teaching exercise techniques. Evaluates understanding of NSCA Codes, Policies, and Procedures.
- Exercise Technique — 36%
Contains questions related to the practical application of exercise science knowledge in training and conditioning. Covers movement analysis, resistance training, bioenergetics, restoration, and safely improving speed and agility. Requires understanding of how different exercises affect the body. - Program Design — 35%
Evaluates the capability to design and execute exercise programs based on athlete needs and abilities. Includes questions on selecting exercises, determining exercise plans based on sport, athlete history, and other factors, and effective communication. - Testing and Evaluation — 18%
Focuses on testing and implementing monitoring procedures throughout training programs. Tests knowledge of collecting data and monitoring performance, as well as the evaluation, interpretation, and communication of assessment results. - Organization and Administration — 11%
Evaluates proficiency in NSCA policies and procedures. Includes questions on operating athletic facilities in compliance with the NSCA, maintaining equipment, managing staff, and identifying risks or unsafe practices.
Achievable CSCS content outline
1
Structure and function of body systems
Introduces the fundamental systems involved in physical exercise and sports performance: musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
2
Biomechanics of resistance exercise
Biomechanics refers to the physical mechanics of the human body and its biological systems. This section provides a detailed overview of how the musculoskeletal system functions in response to resistance training. Important concepts related to the structure of the body, biophysics, and conditioning are broken down through anatomical diagrams, vocabulary lists, and exercise examples.
3
Bioenergetics of exercise and training
Bioenergetics is the study of how energy flows within biological systems. Within exercise and training, bioenergetics explains how the body converts food into energy to fuel muscle contractions and sustain physical activity. Understanding energy systems, ATP production, and their relationship to exercise intensity and duration is critical for designing effective training programs.
4
Endocrine responses to resistance exercise
The endocrine system plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's regular processes by releasing hormones and responding to external stimuli, including those imposed by exercise. This chapter will help you understand the complex communication network that regulates and adapts the body to training demands and recovery.
5
Adaptations to anerobic training
Anaerobic training consists of high-intensity, intermittent bouts of exercise such as resistance training, plyometrics, agility drills, and sprinting. The physiological adaptations to anaerobic training encompass changes in muscular strength, power, endurance, neuromuscular function, and metabolic efficiency. This chapter covers the body's response to high-intensity workouts, performance optimization, overtraining, and recovery.
6
Adaptations to aerobic endurance training
A single bout of aerobic exercise places a significant metabolic demand on the body, especially the cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular systems. Repeated exposure to the acute stress of exercise results in functional and morphological adaptations in all body systems. Understanding the acute effects of aerobic exercise provides a foundation for recognizing long-term adaptations.
7
Age and sex differences in resistance exercise
When designing and evaluating resistance training programs, strength and conditioning professionals must understand age- and sex-related differences in body composition, muscular performance, and trainability. This chapter provides readers with best practices for developing fitness programs that take age and sex into account.
8
Psychology of athletic preparation and performance
The role of sport psychology is to help athletes achieve their physical potential and maintain mental well-being by carefully managing their physical resources through appropriate psychological strategies. Primary psychological drivers, such as motivation and attention, are discussed in relation to goal-setting, energy management, and program adherence.
9
Sports Nutrition
Proper nutrition provides essential nutrients for general health, growth, development, muscle repair, and energy required for training, competition, and mental focus. This chapter presents evidence-based, performance-enhancing nutrition strategies and practical applications of sports nutrition.
10
Nutrition strategies for maximizing performance
This chapter focuses on pre-, during-, and post-competition nutrition while also providing guidelines for athletes who want to lose or gain weight. Signs and symptoms of eating disorders and information on how strength and conditioning specialists can take an active role in supporting athletes exhibiting symptoms are also covered.
11
Performance-enhancing substances and methods
This chapter explains the differences between performance-enhancing substances, nutritional supplements, and ergogenic aids. While supplements are permissible and commonly used to maximize performance, many performance substances are banned and may carry significant risks to the user. Trainers must inform athletes about the legality and safety of any substance before use.
12
Principles of test selection and administration
Testing helps athletes and coaches assess athletic talent and identify physical abilities and areas for improvement. CSCS certificate holders are encouraged to use tests as a basis for goal setting, allowing coaches and other professionals to set specific goals for athletes that can help accomplish group or team objectives.
13
Administration, scoring, and interpretation of selected tests
While athleticism requires many physical abilities, some are more amenable to training than others. This section focuses on how components of athletic performance can be monitored and improved upon while highlighting potential measurement issues.
14
Warm-up and flexibility training
This chapter is devoted to 2 key areas: warm-up and training for flexibility. A warm-up prepares an athlete for upcoming training or competition, while flexibility training aims to increase the range of motion (ROM) through stretching. This chapter explores the factors influencing both warm-up and flexibility and presents protocols to enhance each area.
15
Exercise technique for free weight and machine training
This chapter provides guidelines and strategies for performing and teaching safe and effective lifting and spotting techniques. Proper exercise execution can help avoid injury and make training more time-efficient.
16
Exercise technique for alternative and non-traditional implement training
Many general guidelines for alternative and nontraditional exercises are similar to those for traditional resistance training. This chapter covers body positions, grip choice in different exercises, breathing techniques, and other strategies for maximizing performance.
17
Program design for resistance training
Designing a resistance training program is a complex process that involves manipulating 7 key variables: needs analysis, exercise selection, training frequency, exercise order, training load and repetitions, volume, and rest periods. This chapter goes over how to successfully design an exercise program at every step.
18
Program design and technique for plyometric training
Plyometric exercises involve powerful movements that use a pre-stretch or countermovement, activating the “stretch-shortening cycle.” The goal is to increase power output by capitalizing on the elastic properties of muscles and tendons. In this chapter, readers will learn how to apply scientific knowledge of the human body to a practical plyometric training plan.
19
Program design and technique for speed and agility training
This chapter addresses the development of speed, change-of-direction, and agility abilities over time. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they represent distinct physical capacities and skills. The chapter breaks down the differing biomechanical and cognitive demands required for each of these skills.
20
Program design and technique for aerobic endurance training
Designing an aerobic training program involves applying core principles of exercise science to improve the respiratory, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal systems. This chapter defines key terms like exercise mode, frequency, duration, and intensity.
21
Periodization
A successful training program manages the adaptive and recovery responses to exercises by structuring exercises in intervals and building in time for rest. This chapter describes the importance of periodization and how to sequence training interventions to achieve peak performance at appropriate time points.
22
Rehabilitation and reconditioning
Learn about the structure of and roles within a sports medicine team, types of injuries, and the key principles of rehabilitation. This chapter covers the physiological and kinetic processes associated with injury and best practices for recovery.
23
Facility design, layout, and organization
This chapter explains in detail how to safely and adequately design a training facility that is responsive to athletes' needs, how to effectively arrange exercise areas, and how to maintain gym equipment.
24
Facility policies, procedures, and legal issues
Strength and conditioning facilities must operate in accordance with NSCA policies and procedures. This chapter outlines NSCA legal and procedural guidelines related to safety, ethics, emergencies, and more. It also includes information on establishing program goals, strength and conditioning team roles, and staff evaluation.
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