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CSCS exam: Practical/Applied — Information & Free Practice

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CSCS exam: Practical/Applied

Format
Selected-response multiple-choice examination section, including video and/or image items; no live practical performance assessment.
Exam questions
Total questions: 125; Scored questions: 110; Unscored questions: 15; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
Passing score
Scaled score of 70 or higher for the section.
Examination outline
  • Program Design (40%)
    • Conduct Needs Analysis
    • Incorporate Various Training Methods and Modes
    • Select Exercises
    • Determine Exercise Order
    • Determine Exercise Intensities
    • Determine Training Volumes (defined as sets x reps)
    • Determine Work:Rest Periods, Recovery and Unloading, and Training
    • Determine Exercise Progression (e.g., mode, intensity, duration, frequency, complexity)
    • Identify Periodization Strategies
    • Design Programs for Athletes During the Injury/Reconditioning/Return to Play Period in Collaboration with the Interdisciplinary Team
    • Communicate and discuss the program goals, design, and expected outcomes to stakeholders
  • Exercise Technique (25%)
    • Teach and Evaluate Movement Preparation (soft tissue and flexibility/mobility, PNF, CNS prep, dynamic stretching)
    • Teach and Evaluate Resistance Training Technique
    • Teach and Evaluate Speed, Agility, and Plyometric Technique
    • Teach and Evaluate Energy System Development (Bioenergetics)
    • Teach and Evaluate Restoration Techniques
  • Program Implementation (20%)
    • Coach athletes through training sessions
    • Administer Testing and Implement Monitoring Procedures
    • Evaluate, Interpret, and Communicate Assessment Results
  • Organization and Administration (15%)
    • Work within the strength and conditioning scope of practice following the NSCA Codes, Policies, and Procedures, collaborate with allied health professionals, and recognize when to refer.
    • Implement organizational environment policies and procedures associated with safe facility operation
    • Identify risks associated with safety, standard of care, professional practice and ways to reduce liability
    • Recognize and respond to symptoms of unsafe training practices
Examination sources

Related license preparation

This examination may be required or accepted as an alternative, depending on the license and application pathway.