The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exam, administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), is designed for professionals who apply scientific knowledge to train athletes with the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Earning this credential signifies a high standard of knowledge in strength training, conditioning, and injury prevention.
This course is your step-by-step guide to mastering every topic covered in the CSCS exam. Whether you’re a coach, athletic trainer, or aspiring strength professional, this prep course will equip you with the knowledge, tools, and test-taking strategies you need to succeed and pass the exam.
The course contains 24 chapters, following the exact structure of the Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning textbook that the CSCS exam is based on. Each subchapter includes a quiz to help reinforce your learning and track your progress. Once you’ve completed all chapters, you’ll have access to three full-length practice exams that simulate the real test format, so you can assess your readiness and build test-day confidence
To sit for the CSCS exam, you must meet the following requirements:
IMPORTANT:
Starting January 1, 2030, U.S. candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree from a CASCE-accredited program to be eligible for the CSCS exam.
This change does not affect candidates with degrees earned outside the U.S. until January 1, 2036.
The current degree requirements remain in effect through December 31, 2029.
No affiliation with a specific organization is required, and there are no prerequisite exams needed to register.
The CSCS exam consists of two sections:
Scientific Foundations - 95 questions (80 scored, 15 unscored)
Practical/Applied- 125 questions (110 scored, 15 unscored)
Total questions:
The total exam time is 4 hours, the Scientific Foundations section is 1.5 hours, and the Practical/Applied section is 2.5 hours. You will have a short break between the two sections. Each section is scored separately, and you must pass both to earn your certification.
The passing score for each section is scaled to 70 or higher (on a scale from 1 to 99).
Stick to a plan: Create a study calendar with manageable daily goals.
Review actively: Write down notes, take quizzes, and practice exams to reinforce key topics.
Understand, don’t just memorize: Many questions are application-based, not rote recall.
Prioritize weak areas: Go back to the topics you’re less confident in and spend extra time on them.
Simulate test conditions: Practice timed exams to build endurance and pacing.
This course was created to give you everything you need to succeed on test day, from deep dives into each chapter to review quizzes, and practice exams.
Whether you’re aiming to improve your coaching knowledge or take your career to the next level, this course will help you build the confidence and expertise to pass the CSCS exam and stand out in the strength and conditioning field.
Let’s get started!