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Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist — Requirements & Free Practice

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Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

NSCA professional certification in strength and conditioning for sports performance.

Licensing authority: National Strength and Conditioning Association

Initial by examination
Applicability
The July 1, 2025 DCO is explicitly adopted for exams on or after that date and remains in the current Handbook effective July 1, 2026 and current official examination page. Credential and route inception dates are unpublished and left null.
Completion Window
The current examination description requires both sections and all other eligibility requirements within one year from initial exam date; results become invalid if acceptable eligibility documentation is not received in the published one-year period.
Cpr Aed
Current CPR/AED certification including a hands-on skills performance assessment. Candidates may register and test before CPR/AED documentation; a valid certification must be received within one year of the exam date.
Description
Initial CSCS certification requires passing both real, separately scored sections and completing all eligibility/documentation requirements. First-time registration is for the full CSCS exam; only a failed section must be retaken.
Education
Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited institution, or a degree in Physical Therapy or Chiropractic Medicine. The specific prerequisites page permits college-senior registration; certification still requires completion and acceptable documentation.
Future Requirements
CASCE-accredited bachelor's program eligibility begins January 1, 2030 for US candidates; current degree requirements remain applicable through December 31, 2029. The future requirement does not apply at evaluationDate.

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

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