Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
NSCA - CSCS
The NSCA - CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) course is a professional certification program that applies scientific knowledge to train athletes with the primary goal of improving athletic performance.
The course is divided into two main sections:
Scientific Foundations: This section, which is 1.5 hours in length, assesses a candidate’s knowledge in the areas of exercise sciences (anatomy, exercise physiology, biomechanics, etc.), sport psychology, and nutrition. It includes 80 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions.
Practical/Applied: This section, which is 2.5 hours in length, assesses a candidate’s knowledge of exercise techniques, program design, testing and evaluation, and organization/administration. It includes 110 scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice questions.
To pass any NSCA certification exam, you must earn a scaled score of 70 or higher. Candidates must pass both sections and meet all other eligibility requirements within one year from the initial exam date.
The course also includes conducting sport-specific testing sessions, designing and implementing safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and providing guidance regarding nutrition and injury prevention. Recognizing that their area of expertise is separate and distinct, CSCSs consult with and refer athletes to other professionals when appropriate.