CSCS Certification Pathway

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Preparation Guide

$340-475

Exam Cost (Member/Non)

4 Hours

Exam Length

3 Years

Recertification Cycle

6.0 CEUs

Required for Renewal

Eligibility Requirements

Bachelor's degree (or currently enrolled as a college senior)
Degree must be from an accredited institution
Degree can be in any field (Kinesiology preferred but not required)
Current CPR/AED certification

For Current Students: You can take the CSCS exam in your final semester before graduation. Your certification becomes active upon degree completion.

Exam Structure

Section	Questions	Time	Content Areas
Scientific Foundations	80 scored + 15 unscored	1.5 hours	Exercise science, sport psychology, nutrition
Practical/Applied	110 scored + 15 unscored	2.5 hours	Exercise technique, program design, testing, organization

Content Breakdown

Domain	% of Exam
Exercise Sciences	25%
Sport Psychology	5%
Nutrition	8%
Exercise Technique	22%
Program Design	22%
Organization & Administration	8%
Testing, Ongoing Monitoring & Data Evaluation	10%

12-Week Study Plan

Weeks 1-2

Exercise Science Foundation
Muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems. Energy systems and bioenergetics.

Weeks 3-4

Biomechanics & Exercise Technique
Movement analysis, resistance training technique, plyometric technique.

Weeks 5-6

Program Design Fundamentals
Periodization, exercise selection, training variables, program progressions.

Weeks 7-8

Testing & Evaluation
Fitness assessments, performance testing, data interpretation, athlete monitoring.

Weeks 9-10

Nutrition & Sport Psychology
Macronutrients, hydration, supplements, motivation, goal setting.

Weeks 11-12

Review & Practice Exams
Full practice tests, weak area review, exam strategies.

Essential Study Resources

Required Reading

Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th Ed. - The primary NSCA textbook
CSCS Exam Content Description - Free from NSCA website

Recommended Supplemental Resources

NSCA CSCS Online Practice Exam - Official practice tests
Pocket Prep CSCS App - Mobile study with 750+ questions
CSCS Study Guide by NSCA - Chapter summaries and practice questions
YouTube: Exercise Technique Videos - Visual learning for the practical section

Study Tips for Success

Master the "Big 4" lifts - Know squat, bench, deadlift, and power clean technique inside and out
Understand periodization - Linear, undulating, block—know when to apply each
Know your energy systems - ATP-PC, glycolytic, oxidative—training applications for each
Practice program design - Be able to design programs for various sports and goals
Learn the testing protocols - 1RM testing, Wingate, VO2max, vertical jump, agility tests
Take practice exams - Simulate test conditions and timing

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

Underestimating the breadth of the exam
Focusing only on the science, neglecting practical application
Not practicing with timed conditions
Skipping sport psychology and administration sections

Career Opportunities with CSCS

College/University Strength & Conditioning Coach
Professional Sports Team S&C Staff
High School Athletic Performance Coach
Private Sector Performance Training
Military/Tactical Strength Coach
Sports Science Researcher

Pro Tip: Join the NSCA as a student member ($70/year) for exam discounts, access to journals, and networking opportunities through local and national conferences.