The CSCS certifies professionals who design and run strength and conditioning programs for athletes. The exam has two sections: Scientific Foundations and Practical/Applied.
Exam format at a glance
| Format | Two sections: Scientific Foundations (95 questions, 1.5 hours) and Practical/Applied (125 questions, 2.5 hours). Each includes 15 non-scored questions. |
| Cost | NSCA lists exam fees, with member discounts — check the current fee schedule. |
| Scoring | You need a scaled score of 70 or higher on each section. Practice scores here use a 70% pass line. |
| Validity | Certification also requires current CPR/AED and recertification through CEUs. |
Who this exam is for
- Strength and conditioning coaches working with athletes
- Kinesiology and exercise science graduates (a bachelor's degree is required)
- Athletic trainers and physical therapists adding performance training
How to actually study for it
- Program design is the biggest Practical/Applied domain — know %1RM, reps, sets and rest for each training goal.
- Know the energy systems, muscle physiology and the size principle for Scientific Foundations.
- Learn testing order, spotting rules and the phases of Olympic lifts.
- Review facility guidelines, supervision ratios and liability basics.
Where to go next
Start with the free 10-question diagnostic to see where you actually stand, or go straight to the one-page CSCS cheat sheet. The full CSCS practice exam covers every domain at the real exam's weighting, with every answer explained.