NSCA CSCS

The CSCS exam has a reputation for tripping up even experienced professionals. Dumpkiller breaks the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist syllabus down into 600 practice questions with clear explanations, so tricky topics stop feeling intimidating.

NSCA CSCS Exam Overview:

NSCA CSCS Exam Syllabus Topics:

Your CSCS Exam Questions, Answered

What is the CSCS exam all about?

The NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam (code: CSCS) is the official NSCA exam that leads to the NSCA Certification certification. It sits at the Professional level of the NSCA certification track. It is also connected with related credentials such as NSCA Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT), Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS), Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F). Passing it proves to employers that your skills have been validated by NSCA itself, which is why the CSCS credential keeps showing up in job postings.

How many questions are in the CSCS exam, and how long does it take?

The NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam gives you 240 minutes to work through 220 (160 scored, 60 non-scored/pretest). Pacing matters more than most candidates expect, so before exam day, run at least one full timed session in the Dumpkiller test engine to learn how long you can afford per question. If an item stalls you, flag it and move on — coming back later beats burning five minutes on a single question.

What score do I need to pass the CSCS exam, and how much does it cost?

The passing score for the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam is Scaled score of 70 on each exam section, and the official registration fee is USD 475 (non-member); discounted pricing available for NSCA members. Remember that a failed attempt means paying that fee in full again, so a timed self-assessment with Dumpkiller practice questions about a week before your exam date is a cheap way to confirm you are scoring comfortably above Scaled score of 70 on each exam section.

Are there any prerequisites for the CSCS exam?

According to NSCA, the following applies: Bachelor's degree (or higher) or currently enrolled as a college senior at an accredited institution; current CPR/AED certification required.. Certification policies do change from time to time, so confirm the latest requirements on the official exam page at https://www.nsca.com/certification/cscs/certified-strength-and-conditioning-specialist-exam-description/ before you register.

Can I try the CSCS practice questions before buying?

Yes. Dumpkiller offers a free CSCS PDF demo so you can review the question style, difficulty, and explanations before committing to anything. After purchase, your NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist material includes 365 days of free updates, and if your product expires after that, you can extend the update service at a 50% discount from your member zone.

What happens if I do not pass the CSCS exam, and how is my order delivered?

If you take the corresponding CSCS exam within 60 days of your purchase and do not pass, you can apply for a full refund under our 100% Money Back Guarantee, subject to a few conditions: the failed exam must be the one matching your purchase; sitting the exam within 3 days of purchase does not qualify, since that leaves too little preparation time; downloading the material without actually taking the exam does not qualify; free materials and expired orders are excluded; and the candidate name must match the payer name. To apply, send a scanned copy of your enrollment slip together with your official Score Report (PDF) within 2 days after the exam, and claims are processed within 7 days. If you would rather not take a refund, you can exchange your purchase for two free products of equal value while keeping the update service on the product you originally bought. As for delivery, everything is an instant download: your products are sent to your email within one minute of payment — contact customer service if nothing arrives within 2 hours — and there is no limit on the number of computers you can install the software on.

What topics are covered in the CSCS exam?

The official NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist syllabus is organized into 2 main domains. The first three are Practical and Applied (61%), and Scientific Foundations (39%). For the full domain-by-domain breakdown, see the complete Exam Topics outline above.

NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Sample Questions:

Question #1

What is the value of a metabolic equivalent (MET)

A. 3.5 ml of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute
B. 2.5 ml of carbon dioxide per kilogram of body weight per minute
C. 2.5 ml of oxygen per kilogram of body weight per minute
D. 3.5 ml of carbon dioxide per kilogram of body weight per minute

Question #2

Which of the following program design variables leads to the HIGHEST serum growth hormone concentrations after an anaerobic training session?

A. Performing an exercise at a 5RM intensity with a 1 minute rest between sets
B. Performing an exercise at a 5RM intensity with a 3 minute rest between sets
C. Performing an exercise at a 10RM intensity with a 3 minute rest between sets
D. Performing an exercise at a 10RM intensity with a 1 minute rest between sets

Question #3

A male cross country runner is suspected of suffering from overtraining, all of the following are markers of
Aerobic overtraining EXCEPT?

A. Increased creatine kinase
B. Increased muscle soreness
C. Increased submaximal exercise heart rate
D. Increased percentage of body fat

Question #4

A junior hockey player is performing a standing dumbbell curl exercise. Which of the following muscles acts as an antagonist to the biceps brachii?

A. Triceps Brachii
B. Brachialis
C. Flexor Carpi Radialis
D. Coracobrachialis

Question #5

An athlete would gain a physiological benefit from carbohydrate consumption during which of the following activities?
I. 5k Run
II. Soccer Match
III. Half Marathon
IV. College Wrestling Match

A. II, III, IV
B. II, III
C. I, III
D. I, II, III

Solutions: