What is a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist (CPSS)?
The Certified Performance and Sport Scientist ™ (CPSS™) specializes in the application of scientific processes to improve individual and team athletic performance and decrease injury risk. The CPSS may be either a generalist, working across the breadth of scientific disciplines, or a specialist practitioner, who has training and/or applied experiences predominantly within one or more specific scientific discipline area(s) relevant to sport science and sports performance.
What is expected of a Certified Performance and Sport Scientist?
Those who hold a CPSS certification demonstrate leadership qualities, with the ability to apply foundational knowledge and skill across multiple sport-related scientific disciplines, instill best practices for the assessment and use of performance technology, and suggest evidence-based training practices through the process and application of scientific research. The Certified Performance and Sport Scientist maintains productive relationships with sport coaches, athletic performance staff, medical staff, and other key stakeholders, to enhance communication and decision-making in sport and athletic performance settings.
Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet both the formal education AND specific applied experience requirements in one of three routes listed for eligibility and have a current CPR/AED certification. Click below to learn more about the requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
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When will the textbook be availible?
The NSCA’s Essentials of Sport Science Textbook will be published in the first quarter of 2021. The book was created by 52 expert contributors from 13 different countries and edited by Duncan French, PhD and Lorena Torres Ronda, PhD.
Summary of ContentsPart I: Training Theory and ProcessPart II: Needs AnalysisPart III: Technology and Data PreparationPart IV: External and Internal Load Data CollectionPart V: Data Analysis and DeliveryPart VI: Special TopicsPart VII: Education and Communication -
When Will Exam Prep Materials be Available?
The NSCA's Essentials of Sport Science Textbook and additional support materials will also be available in the first quarter of 2021. Please note that this status will be updated with specific dates as more information becomes available.
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When Will Exam Registrations Begin?
The NSCA Staff and Exam Development Committee are working hard to deliver an industry-defining textbook and certification exam in support of emerging sport science professions. CPSS exam registrations will begin in the first quarter 2021. An additional 120-day period to schedule and sit for the exam will be added after the initial exam launch date. This date will be determined and communicated in future updates.
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What Are the Eligibility Requirements to Sit for the CPSS Exam?
Candidates must meet both the formal education AND specific applied experience requirements in one of three routes listed for eligibility and have a current CPR/AED certification. Click below to learn more about the requirements.
Eligibility Requirement Details
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