CSCS EXAM

Exam:

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Exam

Industry:

Health & Fitness

Country:

Global

Website:

https://www.nsca.com/certification/cscs/

CSCS Exam Overview

The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam is administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). It is designed for professionals who develop and implement strength training and conditioning programs for athletes in a team setting.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the CSCS exam, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution in a related field
Be enrolled as a college senior at an accredited institution in a related field
Hold a current NSCA-CPT certification plus a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution

Exam Format

The CSCS exam consists of two sections:

Scientific Foundations (1.5 hours, 80 questions)
Practical/Applied (2.5 hours, 110 questions)

The exam is computer-based and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.

Exam Content

The CSCS exam covers the following content areas:

Content Area	Percentage of Exam
Exercise Sciences	55%
Nutrition	5%
Exercise Technique	15%
Program Design	15%
Organization and Administration	10%

Exam Preparation

The NSCA offers several resources to help candidates prepare for the CSCS exam:

CSCS Exam Content Description
Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning Textbook
CSCS Practice Questions
CSCS Exam Prep Live Clinics and Workshops

Recertification

CSCS certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain certification, individuals must earn 6.0 continuing education units (CEUs) and pay a recertification fee within the 3-year period.

Who Should Take the CSCS Exam?

The CSCS exam is designed for professionals who work with athletes in a team setting to develop and implement strength training and conditioning programs. This may include:

Strength and conditioning coaches
Personal trainers
Athletic trainers
Physical therapists
Sports coaches

Related Certifications and Credentials

While the CSCS is a well-respected certification in the strength and conditioning field, there are other related certifications that professionals may consider depending on their career goals and areas of expertise:

Certification	Awarding Organization
Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)	National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA)
Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC)	Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC)
Physical Therapist (PT)	American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)
Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP-C)	American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)

Benefits of CSCS Certification

Earning the CSCS certification can provide several benefits for professionals in the strength and conditioning field:

Demonstrating expertise: The CSCS is a widely recognized certification that shows employers and clients that you have the knowledge and skills to effectively develop and implement strength and conditioning programs.
Career advancement: Having the CSCS certification can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries in the field.
Networking opportunities: As a CSCS-certified professional, you will have access to a network of other certified individuals and resources through the NSCA.
Continuing education: To maintain the CSCS certification, professionals must complete continuing education units, ensuring they stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices in the field.

More Info:

https://www.nsca.com/certification/cscs/