After you take the full CSCS practice exam above, you will know which domains you are stronger and weaker in, respectively. Then, you can use the individual CSCS practice quizzes below to focus on the questions you need the most help with.
CSCS Scientific Foundations (Section 1) Quizzes
Domain 1: Exercise Science
Covered in this domain will be:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Bioenergetics and Metabolism
- Neuroendocrine Physiology
- Physiological Adaptations
- Differences Among Athletes
- Knowledge of Scientific Research and Statistics
Domain 2: Sports Psychology
Covered in this domain will be:
- Psychological Foundations of Performance
- Motor Learning and Skill Acquisition Techniques
- Mental Health Issues in Athletes
Domain 3: Nutrition
Covered in this domain will be:
- Nutritional Factors Affecting Health
- Nutrition to Maximize Performance
- Common Supplements and Performance-Enhancing Substances
CSCS Practical/Applied (Section 2) Quizzes
Domain 4: Exercise Technique
Covered in this domain will be:
- Movement Preparation
- Resistance Training Technique
- Olympic Weight Lifting and Plyometric Exercise
- Speed / Sprint Technique
- Agility Technique
- Energy Systems Development
- Recovery Techniques
Domain 5: Program Design
Covered in this domain will be:
- Needs Analysis
- Training Methods and Modes
- Exercise Selection
- Exercise Order
- Exercise Intensities
- Training Volumes
- Work / Rest Periods, Recovery, and Unloading
- Exercise Progression
- Periodization Models and Concepts
- Programming During Athlete Injury and Reconditioning
Domain 6: Organization and Administration
Covered in this domain will be:
- Organizational Environment
- Design, Layout, and Organization of Strength and Conditioning Facility
- Professional Practice
- Common Litigation Issues
Domain 7: Testing and Evaluation
Covered in this domain will be:
- Select Appropriate Evidence-Based Tests
- Administer Testing and Implement Monitoring Protocols and Procedures
- Evaluate and Interpret Test Results
My Experience helping students pass the CSCS exam
The National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA CSCS) is the most reputable strength and conditioning certification in the United States and is a requirement for most collegiate, high school, and general strength and conditioning.
This article provides a comprehensive practice CSCS exam based on my experience helping thousands of students become NSCA CSCS-certified. It covers virtually everything you need to effectively prepare for your CSCS final test.
What is the CSCS exam?
The CSCS exam is the final hurdle to becoming certified as strength and conditioning specialist and kicking off your athletic performance coaching career. The test itself is incredibly rigorous. It is NCCA-accredited to ensure it meets the highest standards of skills and knowledge. However, the test goes above and beyond virtually any other NCCA-accredited exam in terms of its difficulty and preparation requirements.
Understanding the CSCS Exam
CSCS Exam Info Table
CSCS Exam Career Impact
When it comes to your strength and conditioning coach career, there is no greater certification that can impact your career compared to the NSCA CSCS. Regardless of what level of athlete you want to coach or your long term strength and conditioning coach career aspirations, you absolutely need to get your CSCS certification.
CSCS Exam Breakdown
The CSCS exam covers a total of seven different domains of knowledge in two different test sections. You can retake test sections individually if you fail one or the other, but you need to get a passing score of 70% or more on every subsection, independent of your total final score.
The domains on your CSCS exam are as follows, note that the percentages of questions are for each section, not the total exam:
Section One: Scientific Foundations
- Domain 1: Exercise Science – 55%
- Domain 2: Sport Psychology – 23.7%
- Domain 3: Nutrition – 21.3%
Section Two: Practical/Applied
- Domain 4: Exercise Technique – 36%
- Domain 5: Program Design – 35%
- Domain 6: Organization and Administration – 11%
- Domain 7: Testing and Evaluation – 18%
Effective CSCS Study Strategies
Based on my experience helping students pass their CSCS exam, I recommend the following tips and strategies to maximize your chances of passing on your first try:
- Practice Exams: Be sure to take our CSCS practice exam to familiarize yourself with the format and types of questions you will encounter. This not only highlights your weak areas but also helps in honing your test-taking skills. Aim to understand the rationale behind each question instead of rote memorization.
- Core Concepts Mastery: Make sure to grasp the key concepts and terminology specific to strength and conditioning. Reviewing textbook summaries, taking chapter quizzes, and consistently working through practice questions are effective strategies.
- Scientific Principles and Applied Knowledge: Have a strong command of the scientific principles of strength and conditioning, such as exercise physiology, biomechanics, and nutrition. Additionally, ensure you understand practical applications like the program design, periodization models, and sport-specific training protocols.
- Make Use of CSCS Study Aids: Take advantage of my CSCS cheat sheet, specifically designed for the CSCS exam to review important concepts quickly.
- Supplement with Third-Party Study Resources: Consider investing in reputable third-party study materials and courses that offer structured study plans, additional practice questions, and more in-depth explanations of complex topics. My students recommend the Trainer Academy CSCS MVP Prep Course.
- Understand the Performance Domains: Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the CSCS performance domains—such as needs analysis, exercise technique, program design, organization and administration, and testing and evaluation.
- Consistent Scoring on Practice Tests: Before scheduling your exam, ensure that you can consistently score well on practice tests. A good benchmark would be to consistently achieve at least a 70-75% pass rate, considering the difficulty of the CSCS exam.
- Real-World Applications: If possible, gain practical experience by working with athletes or within a strength and conditioning setting. Hands-on experience can provide a deeper understanding of concepts and techniques that you will be tested on.
- Stay Current on Research: The CSCS exam will test your knowledge of current practices and research in the field of strength and conditioning. Regularly reading relevant journals and articles can be very helpful.
- Time Management: Develop effective time management skills for the exam. Practice pacing yourself with timed quizzes to ensure you can complete the exam within the allotted time.
- Review the NSCA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the NSCA’s position stands and guidelines, as these often form the basis for exam questions.
- Register for NSCA Workshops: If available, attend NSCA’s own CSCS preparation workshops for in-depth reviews and insights from qualified instructors.
Common Pitfalls When Studying for the CSCS Exam
CSCS Study Resources
- Trainer Academy CSCS MVP Course
- CSCS Exam Prep Home Page
- CSCS Study Plan
- CSCS Study Guide
- CSCS Practice Exams
- CSCS Flashcards
- CSCS Cheat Sheet
- CSCS Exam FAQ
CSCS Exam Day Tips
CSCS Exam Test Day Success Strategies
- Trust in Your Study: Have confidence in the knowledge you’ve accumulated. Trust your first instinct on exam answers unless you’re certain of a correction.
- Tackle Known Questions First: Answer the questions you are sure about to secure those points before moving on to more challenging ones.
- Good Night’s Sleep: Ensure you get a full night’s sleep before the exam day to be well-rested and mentally alert.
- Nutritious Breakfast: Eat a healthy and balanced breakfast to fuel your brain for the duration of the test.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water before and, if possible, during the exam to stay hydrated, which is crucial for optimal cognitive function.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the exam environment, considering layers in case the room temperature varies.
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the exam center early to avoid any last-minute stress and to allow yourself time to settle in.
- Bring Necessary Items: Ensure you have all necessary materials, such as identification, confirmation of your exam appointment, and allowed stationery.
- Breathing Techniques: Use deep-breathing or relaxation techniques to calm any pre-exam nerves.
- Time Management: Keep an eye on the time without obsessing over it, to pace yourself throughout the exam.
- Review If Time Allows: If you have time left at the end, review your answers, especially any you were uncertain about initially.
- Post-Exam Review: Once finished, take a moment to reflect on the exam experience. Consider jotting down topics you found challenging for future reference or if you need to retake the exam.
Secrets to Passing the CSCS Exam
Secret #1:
Get your copy of the CSCS exam cheat sheet.
It helps immensely in your ability to study for the CSCS test. This PDF printable one-page sheet gives you a breakdown of the skills and knowledge candidates need to pass the exam.
Secret #2:
My PTP students report cutting their CSCS study time and effort in half with Trainer Academy.
Benefit from the Exam Pass Guarantee and Retake Fee Guarantee. Plus, take advantage of my current discount code PTPJULY for 35% off the MVP Program (Ends July 21st, 2025).
Try it out for free here to see if it’s right for you, or read my detailed review for further insights.
Secret #3:
There are a ton of CSCS practice questions here on PT Pioneer. I don’t expect you to knock them all out in one shot. With that said be sure to bookmark this page to ensure you can find it for your next CSCS Study Session.
NSCA CSCS Exam Study Series
- CSCS Exam Prep Home Page
- CSCS Study Plan
- CSCS Study Guide
- CSCS Practice Exams
- CSCS Flashcards
- CSCS Cheat Sheet
- CSCS Exam FAQ
100 CSCS Practice Questions
What is the definition of overtraining?
Overtraining refers to excessive training that surpasses the body’s ability to recover.
Which of the following describes correct technique for measuring height and weight?
Correct technique involves standing straight on a level surface, barefoot, for precise height and weight measurement.
What distinguishes active isolated stretching from other stretching exercises?
Active isolated stretching uniquely involves brief, dynamic stretches that target specific muscles.
How does the FITT principle apply to the development of a successful personal fitness program?
The FITT principle tailors exercise frequency, intensity, type, and time to individual fitness goals.
Which of the following is not true concerning the curl-up test?
It’s not true that the curl-up test directly measures total body strength.
Which of the following statements is not true about body composition?
It’s not true that body composition is solely about body weight; it’s also about fat-to-muscle ratio.
Which of the following is an example of negative reinforcement?
Removing an unpleasant drill as a reward for good behavior exemplifies negative reinforcement.
What are the components of an effective weight-training program?
An effective weight-training program includes progressive overload, balanced routines, and adequate rest.
Where would heavy weight lifting best fit on the physical activity pyramid?
Heavy weight lifting fits at the top of the physical activity pyramid due to its high intensity.
Why is a recovery period between bouts of exercise important?
Recovery periods are crucial for preventing overtraining and allowing muscle healing and growth.
Which statement best describes your ability to choose sports and exercise programs?
Your ability to choose sports and exercise programs is influenced by personal interests and physical capabilities.
Which of the following aerobic activities has the highest impact on the joints?
Running is the aerobic activity that typically has the highest impact on the joints.
Which would best help an athlete be successful in strategy training?
Consistent practice and mental game plan development are key for an athlete’s success in strategy training.
Which of the following is not a recommended change in physical activity for aging individuals?
High-impact activities are not recommended for aging individuals due to the risk of injury to the joints.
After completing a fitness evaluation, what steps should you take to improve your performance?
Post-evaluation, set specific, measurable goals and adjust your training program to target areas for improvement.
If a runner is doing vigorous exercise, which results from the anaerobic cellular process?
Vigorous exercise results in lactic acid production from anaerobic cellular processes.
Which of the following best describes balanced stretching?
Balanced stretching involves evenly distributed stretches across all major muscle groups for flexibility improvement.
How can the principle of overload be applied to a sport, such as tennis or basketball?
Apply overload in sports like tennis or basketball by incrementally increasing practice intensity or duration.
Which of these is considered a long-term effect of alcohol abuse?
Chronic liver disease is a long-term effect of sustained alcohol abuse.
Which percentage of American adults do not exercise on a regular basis?
55% of American adults do not exercise regularly, indicating a need for increased public health campaigns on physical activity.
Which type of stretching must be done under the supervision of a coach or a trainer?
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching must be done under supervision due to its complexity and intensity.
What is the definition of muscular power?
Muscular power is the ability to exert force rapidly, combining both strength and speed in movement.
What do 4 sets of 12/10/8/6 reps mean in exercise?
“4 sets of 12/10/8/6 reps” means performing four sets of an exercise with a descending number of repetitions per set.
Which of the following is not true of exercise machines?
It’s not true that exercise machines are suitable for all types of workouts; they can limit movement patterns and muscle engagement.
Which of the following statements best describes circuit training?
Circuit training is a high-intensity workout that combines aerobic and resistance exercises with minimal rest between stations.
How does the overload principle apply to a successful fitness program?
The overload principle involves progressively increasing the difficulty of the exercise to continue to gain fitness benefits.
Which is a negative effect of using human growth hormone as a performance-enhancing drug?
Using human growth hormone can lead to joint pain, insulin resistance, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Which best describes traditional classification?
Traditional classification organizes data or items based on common attributes or predefined criteria.
What type of supplement can improve exercise performance and capacity?
Creatine and beta-alanine supplements are known to improve exercise performance and muscular endurance.
What methods would the body use to provide a person with energy throughout a race?
The body uses aerobic metabolism, anaerobic glycolysis, and phosphocreatine breakdown to fuel a race.
For which developmental age range does supervised strength training become appropriate?
Supervised strength training is appropriate for individuals typically from ages 7 or 8 and older, with proper guidance.
What resistance training style is a combination of partial repetitions and isometric holds?
Functional Isometrics combines partial repetitions with isometric holds at different points of the exercise for strength gains.
Which of the following is an example of proper movement for a biceps curl?
Proper movement for a biceps curl includes standing with feet shoulder-width apart and curling the weight without swinging the elbows.
Which of the following exercises would be best for improving muscular strength and endurance?
Exercises like squats, push-ups, and pull-ups are best for improving both muscular strength and endurance.
What will happen if you aim for resistance, but using 1RM?
Using 1RM (one-repetition maximum) is for measuring maximal strength, not for resistance training, and can lead to injury if used improperly.
Which of the following best describes the exercise principle of specificity?
The principle of specificity states that training should be relevant to the sport or goal for effective adaptations.
Which of the following is an example of positive reinforcement?
Giving praise or a reward after a workout to encourage future exercise adherence is an example of positive reinforcement.
How effective are resistance-band workouts?
Resistance-band workouts can be highly effective for increasing muscular strength and endurance when used properly.
Which of the following is true about assessing muscular strength and endurance?
Assessing muscular strength and endurance typically involves exercises like push-ups, sit-ups, and weightlifting tests.
Which strength curve most accurately represents a biceps curl exercise?
The strength curve of a biceps curl is typically bell-shaped, with the muscle strongest at the mid-range of the movement.
What is the first instruction of the teacher?
The first instruction will vary depending on the context, but it typically involves ensuring readiness or safety for the task ahead.
What should a client with an arthritic condition avoid doing before an exercise session?
Clients with arthritis should avoid high-impact exercises and ensure they’re properly warmed up before an exercise session.
Which of the following are common maintenance procedures for home fitness equipment?
Common maintenance includes cleaning, checking for loose parts, and lubricating moving components.
Which of the following tests uses calipers to assess body composition?
Skinfold measurements with calipers are used to estimate body fat percentage and assess body composition.
Which statement best describes how muscles respond to weight training?
Muscles respond to weight training by adapting and increasing in strength and size over time.
Which of the following acute training variable changes will increase training volume?
Increasing the number of repetitions, sets, or frequency of workouts will increase training volume.
Which fitness test measures your body composition?
The body mass index (BMI), skinfold test, and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) are used to measure body composition.
Which of the following is an example of positive punishment?
Assigning extra exercises following poor performance or rule violations in training is an example of positive punishment.
Why does increased oxygen consumption continue after exercise?
Increased oxygen consumption continues after exercise due to the body’s need to recover and return to its resting state.
What type of resistance training equipment has a fixed range of motion?
Resistance machines typically have a fixed range of motion, guiding and limiting the movement path.
Why should you measure your level of flexibility?
Measuring flexibility can help determine risk of injury, guide improvement, and assess the effectiveness of training.
Which of the following is a benefit of static stretching after an exercise session?
Static stretching after exercise can help decrease muscle soreness, increase flexibility, and aid in recovery.
Which of the following best describes cardiovascular fitness?
Cardiovascular fitness refers to the efficiency of the heart, lungs, and vascular system in supplying oxygen to the body during exercise.
Which of the following is not a benefit of cool down activities?
Cool down activities do not increase maximum muscle strength; they help transition the body to a resting state.
What is the ability of the body to function successfully and efficiently during physical activity?
This ability is referred to as physical fitness, which encompasses endurance, strength, flexibility, and body composition.
Which of the following statements best explains why the standing long jump is a test of power?
The standing long jump measures lower-body power based on the distance one can jump from a standstill.
What is the main difference between health-related fitness and performance-related fitness?
Health-related fitness focuses on overall well-being, while performance-related fitness is about improving physical ability in specific activities.
Which of the following is considered an individual sport?
Sports like tennis, swimming, and track and field are considered individual sports based on personal performance.
What are the characteristics of a player who is a good sport?
A player who is a good sport demonstrates fairness, respect for opponents, and graciousness in winning or losing.
Which of the following statements about stretching is not true?
It’s not true that stretching before a workout always prevents injuries; the benefits depend on the type of stretching and activity.
Which of the following factors are incorporated into the FITT principle of weight training?
The FITT principle for weight training includes frequency, intensity, type, and time of exercise.
Warm-up routines increase body temperature. What other effect do they have on the body?
Warm-up routines also improve muscle elasticity, which can enhance performance and reduce injury risk.
What type of stretching features contracting a muscle prior to stretching?
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching features muscle contractions before stretching.
Which energy pathway is dominant for activity generally lasting 10 seconds to 2 minutes?
The anaerobic glycolysis pathway is dominant for activities lasting from 10 seconds to 2 minutes.
Which statement best describes the benefits of muscular fitness training?
Muscular fitness training benefits include increased muscle mass, strength, endurance, and improved metabolism.
Which of the following is an example of moving properly for a push-up?
Proper push-up movement includes maintaining a straight body line from head to heels while lowering and lifting the body.
What are the 3 conditions necessary to achieve the training effect for aerobic fitness?
The three conditions are regular activity, maintaining the target heart rate, and engaging in the activity for at least 20-30 minutes.
What is hypertrophy?
Hypertrophy is the enlargement of muscle size due to increased muscle fiber size, typically from strength training.
Which factor is a component of skill-related fitness?
Agility, balance, coordination, speed, power, and reaction time are components of skill-related fitness.
What are two methods of hydrating the body after exercise?
Drinking water or electrolyte-replacement beverages are two methods for rehydrating after exercise.
Which of the following represents a healthy fat intake for an athlete?
A healthy fat intake for an athlete ranges from 20% to 35% of total daily calories, with a focus on unsaturated fats.
Which of the following operant conditioning concepts is an example of positive punishment?
Assigning extra laps for being late to practice is an example of positive punishment, as it adds an undesirable element to discourage behavior.
Which of the following are primary neural adaptations to anaerobic training?
Primary neural adaptations to anaerobic training include improved motor unit recruitment and increased firing frequency.
Which of the following is an adaptation in tendons from high-intensity anaerobic training?
High-intensity anaerobic training can lead to increased tendon stiffness and strength, enhancing force transmission.
Which of the following describes the change in responsiveness of a receptor to insulin?
A change in responsiveness of a receptor to insulin can describe either increased insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance.
Which of the following substances is an important biomarker for health and performance?
Substances like cortisol, testosterone, and creatine kinase serve as important biomarkers for health and performance.
What should be the starting point of any successful nutrition plan for an athlete?
The starting point of a nutrition plan for an athlete should include a balance of macronutrients tailored to their specific energy demands.
How does the intermittent recovery test differ from the intermittent endurance test?
The intermittent recovery test includes periods of rest or low activity, while the endurance test involves continuous effort.
Which of the following is a physiological role of growth hormone and its superfamily?
Growth hormone promotes tissue growth, cellular repair, energy metabolism, and fat utilization.
Which of the following is an exercise strategy during the fibroblastic repair phase of an injury?
During the fibroblastic repair phase, exercise strategies include gentle mobilization and controlled loading to facilitate healing.
Which of the following is a characteristic of people with anorexia nervosa?
People with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted self-perceived body image, seeing themselves as overweight even when they are not.
Which of the following is a main characteristic of the eating disorder anorexia nervosa?
A main characteristic of anorexia nervosa is an obsessive pursuit of thinness and unwillingness to maintain a healthy weight.
Which of the following is a symptom specific to nonfunctional overreaching?
A symptom specific to nonfunctional overreaching is performance decrements despite increased training volume or intensity.
Which of the following contributes the most to total energy expenditure?
Basal metabolic rate (BMR) contributes the most to total energy expenditure, accounting for about 60-75% of daily calorie use.
Muscular strength exercises such as sprinting and powerlifting use which type of muscle fibers?
Sprinting and powerlifting primarily use fast-twitch muscle fibers, which are designed for power and speed.
CSCS Exam Tips & Tricks – How to Pass the CSCS Exam
If you take the CSCS certification exam for the first time or retake it, everyone should be able to use the advice to help with this challenging test.
The first main tip is to use all of the CSCS mock tests, and CSCS mock questions in this article, as you want to get as much practice as possible before the CSCS examination.
Practice makes perfect, and since these tests and quizzes emulate the exact questions you will find on the National Strength and Conditioning Association’s Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam. Whether you want your own strength and conditioning business or plan to work for a gym, passing the CSCS gives you everything you need in terms of skills to kickoff your strength and conditioning career.
CSCS Practice questions help prepare for the same thinking and understanding needed when certifying.
The next major tip is to utilize other forms of study that will help with memorizing terms and topics, like flashcard studying, which we include within the main study hub. Application of various CSCS training courses helps improve your chances of successful completion and earning your CSCS certification.
Flashcard study helps create easy study habits that are consistent enough for any person to carry over in the long term.
Another great study tip would be to utilize a cheat sheet for the test as you take on some of the more challenging questions to get the right material while practicing.
The cheat sheet offered on this study hub will work perfectly and has been proven to help many learners.
The last tip is for all test-takers to get good rest and sleep before the testing day. It is crazy how much better you do on a test when you sleep 8 hours.
And make sure to check through the practice questions below to see the thought process when answering CSCS questions during the exam.
How the CSCS Exam is Scored
The CSCS exam is broken into two separate sections. The first section has 80 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions. The second section has 110 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions. This gives you a total of 220 multiple-choice questions. Within each section, there are various subdomains of knowledge.
You need to score a 70% across all subdomains to pass. You will fail the exam if your overall score is above 70% but receive less than 70% on a single subdomain.
Strategy for CSCS Practice Exam
The best strategy for the CSCS exam is to learn knowledge across all the subdomains. It is not worth mastering a single domain but having gaps in the other since you must pass across all knowledge subdomains. Setting a study schedule is a great way to set yourself up for success. Once you map out your plan, you can complete your NSCA CSCS exam registration, members’ or non-members’ pricing, and be one step closer to your career as a strength coach.
I am attempting to complete the small practice quizzes, but I am not able to see the correct answers to the quizzes. I am getting a message that my quiz is in draft mode and I have to publish it before I can review answers. Am I doing something wrong? This website seems like an incredible resource for me to use for exam prep and I would love to be able to review my answer choices so I can adjust m studying. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Hey Lauren, I believe the quizzes are fixed now and should give the results back. Have you been able to come back and successfully take the quiz and get results?
I am having the same issue. I am unable to see the correct responses at the end of the quizzes or how many I got right.
The quiz should now show the correct answers as you answer each question. Hopefully that is working for you now. Let me know what you think of the exam questions. Also, How are you enjoying the materials in the CSCS program?