CSCS exam: Scientific Foundations — Information & Free Practice
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CSCS exam: Scientific Foundations
- Format
- Selected-response multiple-choice examination section.
- Exam questions
- Total questions: 95; Scored questions: 80; Unscored questions: 15; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
- Passing score
- Scaled score of 70 or higher for the section.
Examination outline
Exercise Sciences (60%)
- Apply Knowledge of Muscle Anatomy and Physiology
- Apply Knowledge of Neuromuscular Anatomy and Physiology
- Apply Knowledge of Basic Principles of Biomechanics Regarding Exercise Selection, Execution, and Sport Performance
- Apply Knowledge of Bone and Connective Tissue (tendons and ligaments) Anatomy and Physiology
- Apply Knowledge of Bioenergetics and Metabolism
- Apply Knowledge of Neuroendocrine Physiology
- Apply Knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
- Apply Knowledge of Physiological Adaptations
- Apply Knowledge of Integrated/Network Physiology
- Apply Knowledge of Scientific Research and Statistics in the Exercise Sciences
Sport Psychology (25%)
- Apply Knowledge of the Psycho-physiological factors of performance
- Apply Knowledge of Athlete Mental Health and Wellness
Nutrition (15%)
- Apply Basic Knowledge of Nutritional Factors Affecting Health and Performance
- Apply Basic Knowledge of Supplement Efficacy and Safety
Examination sources
- CSCS Job Task Analysis Summary and adopted Detailed Content Outline
PDF page 1, DCO effective date and adoption
- CSCS Job Task Analysis Summary and adopted Detailed Content Outline
PDF pages 2-4, Scientific Foundations DCO
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 7 (printed 3), current CSCS DCO pointer
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF pages 41-43 (printed 37-39), Appendix F Scientific Foundations
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 39 (printed 35), Introduction, scope boundary
- CSCS Exam Description
Opening description, Scientific Foundations item count
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 19 (printed 15), Exam Scoring
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 40 (printed 36), Exam Questions / Format
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 7 (printed 3), CSCS Exam Content
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 12 (printed 8), Complete Registration
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 14 (printed 10), Exam Fees footnote
- NSCA Certification Handbook
PDF page 7 (printed 3), section completion and retakes
Related license preparation
This examination may be required or accepted as an alternative, depending on the license and application pathway.