Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) Practice Exam

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) Practice Exam

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists® (CSCS®) are practitioners who utilize scientific principles to enhance athletes' performance primarily through training. They administer sport-specific evaluation sessions, create and execute secure and efficient strength training and conditioning programs, and offer advice on nutrition and injury prevention. Acknowledging the unique nature of their expertise, CSCSs collaborate with and direct athletes to other specialists as needed.

Who should take the exam?

The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam is ideal for:

• Personal trainers
• Athletic trainers
• Professionals working in sports science, sports medicine, or physical therapy who want to expand their knowledge and credibility in strength and conditioning can also find the CSCS exam valuable.

Eligibility Requirements:

CSCS® candidates are required to:

Hold a Bachelor's degree or higher, or be currently enrolled as a senior at a recognized accredited institution.

• For candidates in the United States and Canada, official transcripts indicating the completion of at least a bachelor's degree (BS/BA), or terminal degrees in physical therapy or chiropractic medicine from accredited institutions must be submitted.
• Candidates from outside the United States and Canada may provide a photocopy of their final transcript, degree diploma, or certificate received upon completion of their degree program, demonstrating attainment of at least a bachelor's degree as defined by the United States educational system.

Have a valid CPR/AED certification. 

• Candidates without current CPR/AED certification may still register and take the exam; however, a copy of a valid CPR/AED certification must be submitted within one year of the exam date.

Exam Details

• Exam Name: Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®)
• Exam Languages: English
• Exam Questions: 
  • Scientific Foundations - 80 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions
  • Practical/Applied - 110 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions
• Passing Score: 70 or higher
• Time: 
  • Scientific Foundations: 1.5 hours
  • Practical/Applied: 2.5 hours

Course Outline 

The Exam covers the given topics  - 

1. Scientific Foundations Section

Exercise Science 55%

• Anatomy and physiology (muscular, neuromuscular, bone and connective tissue, cardiopulmonary); Biomechanics; Bioenergetics and metabolism, Neuroendocrine physiology; Physiological adaptations; Differences among athletes (e.g., age, sex, training status); Knowledge of scientific research and statistics.

Sport Psychology 24%

• Psychological foundations of performance; Motor learning and skill acquisition techniques; Mental health issues in athletes.

Nutrition 21%

• Nutritional factors affecting health; Nutrition to maximize performance; Common supplements and performance-enhancing substances.

2. Practical/Applied section

Exercise Technique 36%

• Movement preparation, Resistance training technique (free weight training, resistance machines, alternative modes, non-traditional implements); Olympic weight lifting and plyometric exercise; Speed/sprint technique; Agility technique; Energy systems development (aerobic and anaerobic conditioning activities); Recovery techniques.

Program Design 35%

• Needs analysis; Training methods and modes; Exercise selection; Exercise order; Exercise intensities; Training volumes; Work/rest periods, recovery and unloading; Exercise progression; Periodization models and concepts; Programming during athlete injury/reconditioning.

Organization and Administration 11%

• Organizational environment; Design, layout, and organization of strength and conditioning facility; Professional practice; Common litigation issues.

Testing, Ongoing Monitoring, and Data Evaluation 18%

• Select appropriate evidence-based tests; Administer testing and implement monitoring protocols and procedures; Evaluate and interpret test results.