How to Prepare for the CSCS Exam
One of the most common questions received is, "How do I prepare for the CSCS® exam"? Preparation for the NSCA’s certification exams begins with a plan. The following steps provide you with a fairly comprehensive set of recommendations that, based on your background, may need modification: no one set of recommendations or resources can meet the needs of each individual. You will need to determine what steps meet your needs and provide you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to certify and begin your career as a strength and conditioning professional
Step 1: Planning
- Confirm you choose the right certification based upon the population you will be working with.
- Review the Exam Prerequisites including the requirement of a bachelors degree.
- Read the Detailed Content Outline (DCO) in the NSCA Certification Handbook. The DCO identifies what the exam will cover.
- Review Exam Content Description booklet
- Talk to people with similar backgrounds who have passed to get insights on what worked for them
- Determine how much time you need to study & set a target exam date.
- Create and commit to a study schedule.
|
Exercise Science Related Degree |
Internships or Practical Experience |
Approximate Length of Time |
|
Yes |
Yes |
3 to 6 weeks |
|
Yes |
No |
3 to 6 months |
|
No |
Yes |
4 to 6 months |
|
No |
No |
6 to 9 months |
Step 2: Get Your Study Materials
The NSCA’s textbook, Essentials of Strength and Conditioning (4th edition), and other official resources are valuable tools to help you prepare for the CSCS exam. However, keep in mind that the exam does not assess your ability to recall content found within the materials, but your ability to apply the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of a practicing Strength and Conditioning professional. Visit the NSCA Store to view the available CSCS exam preparation materials.
Additional Resources for gaining knowledge and experience:
- Become a Member and gain access to NSCA journals and member-only content.
- Apply for an Internship or Assistantship
- Download NSCA Strength and Conditioning Professional Standards and Guidelines
Step 3: Study
- Review Detailed Content Outline in the content Description booklet to identify your level of comprehension for each domain, sub-domain or task.
- Develop a study schedule with an emphasis on your weaker topics, but study all topics.
- Connect with others by joining the CSCS Exam Prep Facebook Group and/or create a study group.
- Use the Online Practice Questions to :
- 1st time - to identify your areas of weakness.
- 2nd time - after a review of the content to assess your knowledge and understanding.
- 3rd time - toward the end, Score > 85% and identify why you chose the answer and why you did not choose other answers (reminder: a passing score on exams are evaluated on a performance standard scale and not percentage based).
- Answer open-ended questions found in the Content Description Booklet.
- Seek topic-specific webinars, articles, or references to address areas of weakness.
- Attend an Exam Prep Live Clinic and receive a comprehensive review of content areas on the exam.
- Decide if further study of the exam preparation materials is needed; if not, register for the CSCS exam.
Additional Resources
CSCS Exam Prep Live Clinic
Are you looking for assistance in studying and preparing for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) exams? Check out NSCA Exam Prep Live Clinics! These in-person educational clinics are offered in three formats: 1.5-Day, 2-Day and 3-Day options with a blend of classroom lecture and hands-on training.
Foundation of Coaching Lifts Course
A Hands-on Approach to Coaching Lift Progressions certificate course lays the groundwork for teaching athletes and clients how to properly perform the bench press, push press, power clean, and squat. This course covers exercise application, lift progressions, and coaching cues.
CSCS Exam Prep Facebook Study Group
Join our moderators in open discussions about topics that are most challenging on the exam and ask questions that you need help with.
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