CSCS Exam Study Materials
The NSCA has developed a number of optional preparatory materials for individuals preparing for the CSCS exam. These materials are not required nor should they be considered as the sole resources for the exam. The purchase of these materials by exam candidates does not guarantee a passing score.
NSCA PRODUCED STUDY MATERIALS
- CSCS Study Guide | This guide will provide a better understanding of the exam, exam development, exam format, method of scoring, and best recommendations for studying.
- CSCS Practice Questions | Practice Questions help candidates become familiar with the type, scope, and difficulty of the questions on both sections of the CSCS Certification exam. You can purchase Scientific Foundations Questions, Practical/Applied Questions, or both sets in the bundle.
- Exercise Technique Manual, 4ed | This book includes links to online videos demonstrating the performance of a variety of free weight and machine exercises.
- Essentials of Strength Training, 4ed | A great resource for students and practicing strength and conditioning professionals. This comprehensive resource explains the key theories, concepts, and scientific principles of strength training and conditioning as well as their direct application to athletic competition and performance.
- Individuals can select to bundle the text with the Human Kinetics Online study course that provides a guided reading plan.
CSCS Study Packages
The packages were created to meet the needs of candidates based on their background and level of experience in the field,
CSCS Essential Package
This is the suggested package if you have a background or degree in the field or just want the basic study aids.
Member Price: $263.15
Non-member Price: $319.20
This package is valued at $336 and includes:
- CSCS Study Guide
- Essentials of Strength Training, 4ed
- Over 200 Practice Questions
CSCS Essential Plus Package
This package is ideal for a candidate who is new to the field, does NOT have a background in the field, or just wants all of the study materials NSCA provides.
Member Price: $489.25
Non-member Price: $555.75
This package is valued at $585 and includes:
- CSCS Study Guide
- Essentials of Strength Training, 4ed
- Online CSCS Study Course (Human Kinetics)
- Exercise Technique Manual, 4ed
- Over 200 Practice Questions
CSCS Digital Package
The CSCS Digital Package includes both a study guide and online practice questions that will help candidates become familiar with the type, scope, and difficulty of the questions on the CSCS Certification exam.
Member Price: $161.50
Non-member Price: $215.65
This package is valued at $227 and includes:
- CSCS Study Guide
- Over 200 Practice Questions
Looking for customizable packages?
You can also order the study materials listed above a la carte in the NSCA Store.
Additional NSCA Resources
The following are additional resources that can aid in both exam and professional preparation depending upon your educational background and practical experience.
NSCA's "Guide To" Series - Tests and Assessments; Program Design; Sport and Exercise Nutrition
These comprehensive texts offer candidates and strength and conditioning professionals more extensive information on the topics as identified. Readers are provided guidelines for converting scientific research into practical application. Books can be purchased individually or as a bundle.
NSCA's Sports Performance Series
The NSCA, in collaboration with top subject matter experts, has developed a series of books designed to provide strength and conditioning coaches research-based recommendations, assessments, analysis, exercises and drills, and programming for a variety of performance factors. The Core; Endurance; Speed; Agility and Quickness; Power.
CSCS Exam Prep Live
The NSCA Exam Prep Live Clinic provides exam candidates with study recommendations and a comprehensive review of the most challenging content found on the exam. These clinics are a blend of classroom presentations and hands-on training and can help you narrow your focus of study. Your time is valuable; spend it efficiently by attending a clinic with subject matter experts!
Other Resources
- Human Kinetics CSCS Enhanced Online Study Course. (Self-guided course)
- Applied Sport Mechanics 4th Ed. By Brendan Burkett
- Dynamic Human Anatomy 2nd Ed. By William Whiting
- Physiology of Sport and Exercise 7th Ed. By W. Larry Kenney, Jack Wilmore, David Costill
