Once you register, you have 120 days to take the exam. So, it’s best to begin studying before you register. This way, you can confirm your eligibility (e.g., CPR/AED, qualifying degree and/or experience) and ensure you are fully prepared before exam day.

The NSCA offers several resources to help you prepare:

• CSCS and NSCA-CPT Exam Prep Live Clinics
  • Check for online and in-person offerings

• Collection Bundles & Study Materials
  • Textbooks
  • Online study courses
  • Study guides
  • Practice quizzes and tests
    
    

NOTE: Using NSCA preparatory materials does not guarantee a passing score. They are optional study resources only.

Becoming an NSCA Member unlocks discounts on exam registration fees, NSCA Store purchases, and continuing education events. Members also get access to exclusive content and resources.

NOTE: NSCA Membership is not required to earn an NSCA certification.

CPSS Candidates: You must submit all eligibility documents (e.g., transcripts, experience forms, CPR/AED certifications) during your online application for staff review before you can register.

All Other Candidates: You must submit all eligibility documentation after registration and within 1 year of passing your exam.

Send your documents by email (preferred) to exams@nsca.com with a clear subject line such as “CSCS eligibility documents.”

You may also mail your documents to:

NSCA
Attn: Certification Department
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906 USA

NOTE: Documentation will not be returned. If mailing, we recommend trackable services such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx.

It depends on your certification. In general, you will need:

• CPR/AED Certification (All)
  • Must include a hands-on skills assessment.
  • The CPSS requires current CPR/AED to apply for the exam.
  • If not current at the time of registration, you must provide proof within 1 year of passing your exam.

• Official Transcripts (CSCS, CPSS, CSPS)
  • Must be sent securely from your institution (email or sealed envelope).

• Other Eligibility or Experience Documents (CPSS, CSPS)
  • May include experience forms or other professional licenses/certifications.
    
    

Check your certification’s prerequisites page for more information: CSCS | CPSS | NSCA-CPT | CSPS | TSAC-F

The Certified Performance and Sport Scientist® (CPSS) requires specific degree and experience verification. You’ll pay a non-refundable $25 application fee so we can confirm your eligibility before registering.

If your application is approved, that $25 fee will apply toward your exam registration fee.

CPSS approval for those qualified will be granted within 30 days in most cases. We’ll contact you via exams@nsca.com if we need more info. Once approved, you can officially register and schedule your CPSS exam.

No, anyone can register for an NSCA exam. However, NSCA Members enjoy discounts on exam registration fees, study materials, and more.

NOTE: The CPSS has a non-refundable $25 application fee (applied toward your exam if approved).

You can pay with a major credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover). If you have a promo code or voucher, you can apply it during checkout in your NSCA account.

For other payment methods, please contact exams@nsca.com.

If an organization is covering your exam fee, they may need to purchase a bulk or single-use voucher through the NSCA. For help with vouchers or third-party billing, please contact exams@nsca.com.

Yes, but only if you haven’t scheduled, taken, or missed your exam. You must submit your withdrawal in writing to exams@nsca.com at least 3 business days before your 120-day authorization ends. If successful, you’ll receive a refund minus a $50 administration fee.

For more details, please consult the Registration Withdrawal and Refunds section in the NSCA Certification Handbook.

NOTE: The CPSS $25 application fee is non-refundable.

Pearson VUE is the official exam provider for all NSCA certification exams. Locating a test center before registering can help you plan for scheduling within your 120-day window.

• Visit PearsonVUE.com/NSCA and click Find a test center to see options in a city near you.
  • Live Remote Proctoring through Pearson VUE’s OnVUE platform is only available for the TSAC-F exam.
    
  • NOTE: You won't be able to create a Pearson VUE account or view available test dates/times until AFTER registering for your exam.
    
    

After registering through the NSCA, you’ll receive an “authorization to test” email that includes instructions to schedule your exam with Pearson VUE. If you do not receive this email within 1 business day, please contact exams@nsca.com.

You may reschedule or cancel an exam appointment at no charge during the 120-day authorization period through Pearson VUE. However, appointments must be rescheduled or canceled at least 24 hours before your appointment.

If you are unable to test within your 120-day window or need to extend it, you must withdraw or pay the $100 extension fee to avoid forfeiting your registration fees.

Extensions must be requested during your original 120-day window, and withdrawals must be submitted in writing to exams@nsca.com at least 3 business days before your 120-day window ends.

NOTE: Canceling your exam appointment through Pearson VUE does NOT refund your exam registration. For more details, please consult the Registration Withdrawal and Refunds section in the NSCA Certification Handbook.

Yes, the CSCS and NSCA-CPT exams are currently offered in Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish through NSCA’s international affiliates. The TSAC-F exam is also offered in Korean.

Please check our NSCA International Affiliates page and PearsonVUE.com/NSCA for current availability.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early with a valid, unexpired ID that matches your NSCA account exactly. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, you risk losing your exam spot and being marked as a no-show — forfeiting your exam fee.

No-show candidates must re-register and pay the fee to test again.

For more details, including in the case of inclement weather or emergency, please consult the NSCA Certification Handbook.

Bring a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID that matches your NSCA account name exactly. If they do not match, please contact exams@nsca.com to update your information at least 2 business days prior to exam day.

Water bottles, food, and personal items (like bags or jackets) are not permitted in the testing room. Secure lockers may be available — see your test center information for more details.

For a full list of what is and is not allowed in the testing room, please consult the Personal Belongings and Permitted Medicine and Medical Devices sections in the NSCA Certification Handbook.

The NSCA is committed to providing accessible and equitable service to all exam candidates.

You may apply for test accommodations during the online registration process, where you will be prompted to provide your rationale, completed NSCA Special Accommodations Form, and supporting documentation.

Please consult the Special Accommodations section in the NSCA Certification Handbook for the form and instructions.

NOTE: You must receive NSCA approval of your accommodations BEFORE scheduling your exam. Once received, call Pearson VUE at (800) 466-0450 to schedule your exam and ensure your accommodations will be available.

No, personal calculators and notes are not permitted. Pearson VUE test centers will provide a dry-erase board and marker to use as scratch paper, which must be returned at the end of the exam.

Unscheduled breaks are permitted at any time during your NSCA exam, but your exam clock keeps running. You must notify the proctor by raising your hand and receive permission before taking an unscheduled break.

• The CSCS exam is the only exam with a 15-minute scheduled break between sections that does not count toward your exam time.

You’ll see an immediate pass/fail message on-screen, and an official score report will post to your Pearson VUE account within 24 hours.

You need a scaled score of 70 or higher to pass any NSCA exam.

What Are Scaled Scores?

Each version of the exam can vary slightly in difficulty, so the NSCA uses a scaled scoring system — ranging from 1 to 100 — to level the playing field. This process, called “equating,” ensures that a 70 on any version reflects the same level of knowledge.

Why 70?

The NSCA sets 70 as the passing standard based on a criterion-referenced process (not a curve) aligned with national psychometric guidelines recognized by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

• You must wait at least 30 days from your most recent exam date before registering to retake the exam.
• Retakes require paying the fee for the exam or the exam section again.
  • If you pass one section of the CSCS exam, you have one year from your exam date to retake the failed section.
• After three consecutive failed attempts (and any subsequent attempts), you must wait one year from your most recent exam date before registering again.
  
  

For more details, please consult the Retake Policy section in the NSCA Certification Handbook.

You’re officially NSCA-certified once you pass your exam and you have satisfied all document requirements (CPR/AED, transcripts, etc.). This typically takes 1–2 weeks, though it can be faster.

You’ll then receive your digital badge and certificate via Accredible.