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Fitness Practice Questions

CSCS Practice Questions

NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) — Free CSCS practice test with realistic NSCA-style questions covering exercise science, sport psychology, nutrition, exercise technique, program design, and testing. Each question includes a detailed explanation so you actually learn the why, not just the answer.

220
Total Questions
4 hours total (Scientific Foundations + Practical/Applied)
Time Limit
Scaled score of 70 on each section
Passing Score
$340-$475
Registration Fee

Free Sample Questions

Here are 5 free sample questions from our full bank of 470+ CSCS practice questions. Try them out below — click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct response and explanation.

1

Which energy system is the primary contributor to ATP production during a maximal effort lasting approximately 10 seconds, such as a 100-meter sprint?

AA) Oxidative (aerobic) system
BB) Fast glycolysis
CC) Slow glycolysis
DD) Phosphagen (ATP-PC) system
2

An athlete is struggling with motivation during the off-season. Which goal-setting strategy is most consistent with sport psychology research for improving long-term adherence?

AA) Setting only outcome goals tied to winning competitions
BB) Setting specific, measurable, and moderately difficult process goals
CC) Avoiding written goals to keep training flexible
DD) Setting only long-term goals to maintain a big-picture focus
3

An offensive lineman with a body mass of 110 kg is in the off-season hypertrophy phase. Approximately how many grams of protein per day would fall within the typical range recommended by the NSCA for strength and power athletes?

AA) 154 to 187 grams
BB) 88 to 110 grams
CC) 220 to 275 grams
DD) 55 to 88 grams
4

When coaching the back squat, which of the following is a correct technique cue consistent with NSCA guidelines?

AA) Allow the heels to rise off the floor at the bottom to increase depth
BB) Round the lower back at the bottom position to increase mobility
CC) Maintain a neutral spine with the chest up and knees tracking over the toes
DD) Hold the breath only on the way up to maximize bar speed
5

A strength coach is selecting a field test to assess lower-body anaerobic power in a group of basketball players. Which test is most appropriate?

AA) 1.5-mile run
BB) Sit-and-reach test
CC) YMCA bench press test
DD) Vertical jump test

Get the Full CSCS Question Bank — 470+ Practice Questions

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About the CSCS

Format & Structure

Total Questions
220
Time Limit
4 hours total (Scientific Foundations + Practical/Applied)
Format
Multiple choice + video questions, computer-based

Scoring & Cost

Passing Score
Scaled score of 70 on each section
Registration Fee
$340-$475

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to sit for the CSCS exam?

To take the CSCS, you need to hold a bachelor's degree (or be a senior actively enrolled in one) from an accredited institution, or be a chiropractor. You also need a current CPR/AED certification before exam day. The NSCA doesn't require a specific major, though kinesiology, exercise science, and related fields are common.

How much does the CSCS exam cost?

Cost depends on your NSCA membership status. Members typically pay around $340 for the full exam, while non-members pay closer to $475. Retakes of a single section are cheaper than retaking both. Membership often pays for itself once you factor in the discount and continuing education resources.

What's the format of the two sections?

The CSCS is split into Scientific Foundations (exercise sciences and nutrition) and Practical/Applied (exercise technique, program design, organization and administration, testing and evaluation). Together they include around 220 scored multiple-choice questions, plus the Practical/Applied section uses video clips you have to analyze. You get roughly 4 hours total.

What happens if I fail one section?

You only need to retake the section you didn't pass, which keeps things less painful and less expensive. The NSCA requires you to wait at least 90 days before retaking. Use that time to drill into the specific weak areas, especially video-based program design questions if those tripped you up.

How do I keep my CSCS active after passing?

CSCS holders need to earn 6.0 CEUs (continuing education units) every three years to recertify. CEUs come from approved courses, conferences, NSCA quizzes, and related activities. You also have to maintain current CPR/AED certification and pay the annual recertification fee.

What's the difference between the CSCS and a CPT?

A CPT (certified personal trainer) credential focuses on general population clients and one-on-one fitness coaching. The CSCS is geared toward strength and conditioning coaches who work with athletes and teams, and the content goes deeper into biomechanics, periodization, and sport-specific program design. Many coaches hold both.

What topics does the CSCS actually test?

Expect questions across exercise physiology, biomechanics, anatomy, sport psychology, nutrition, exercise technique, program design (resistance, plyometric, speed, agility, conditioning), testing and evaluation, and the organization and administration of strength facilities. Program design and exercise technique tend to carry the most weight on the Practical/Applied side.

How long should I study for the CSCS?

Most candidates spend somewhere between 2 and 4 months preparing, though it really depends on your background. If you've recently finished an exercise science degree, the science section may feel familiar and you can focus more on program design. If you've been out of school for a while, plan on the longer end and lean heavily on practice questions to surface gaps.

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