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FREE CSCS Exam Guide 2026: Format, Domains & Pass Rate
Key Facts
- The CSCS exam has 220 questions (190 scored plus 30 nonscored), split into Scientific Foundations (80 scored) and Practical/Applied (110 scored).
- In 2025 the CSCS combined pass rate was 50%: 71% passed Scientific Foundations and 55% passed Practical/Applied (NSCA).
- You must earn a scaled score of 70 or higher on each section separately to earn the CSCS credential (NSCA).
- As of December 31, 2025, 45,669 professionals held the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential.
- CSCS registration costs $340 for NSCA members and $475 for non-members; single-section retakes cost $250 or $385.
- Effective January 1, 2030, U.S. CSCS candidates must hold a bachelor's degree from a CASCE-accredited program (NSCA).
- Through December 2029, CSCS eligibility requires a bachelor's degree in any field plus current CPR/AED certification.
- Scientific Foundations is weighted Exercise Science 55%, Sport Psychology 24%, and Nutrition 21% of the section (NSCA).
- Practical/Applied is weighted Exercise Technique 36%, Program Design 35%, Testing and Evaluation 18%, and Organization and Administration 11%.
- The Practical/Applied section runs 150 minutes and includes 30-40 video and image items assessing technique and coaching judgment.
CSCS Exam 2026: Your Complete Certification Guide
The CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) exam is a prestigious certification administered by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). It's designed for professionals who train athletes to improve athletic performance, making it the gold standard certification for strength and conditioning coaches working with competitive athletes.
Whether you're working in collegiate athletics, professional sports, or private performance training, the CSCS credential demonstrates your expertise in designing and implementing safe, effective strength and conditioning programs.
Exam Format & Structure
- Component Details
- Total Questions 220 (190 scored + 30 nonscored)
- Total Time 4 hours (90 min + 150 min)
- Section 1: Scientific Foundations 95 questions (80 scored + 15 nonscored), 1.5 hours
- Section 2: Practical/Applied 125 questions (110 scored + 15 nonscored), 2.5 hours
- Passing Score Scaled score of 70 or higher on EACH section
- 2025 Pass Rate 50% combined (Scientific Foundations 71%, Practical/Applied 55%)
- Cost $340 (NSCA members) / $475 (non-members)
- Testing Format Computer-based at Pearson VUE centers
The CSCS exam is divided into two separately scored sections :
Scientific Foundations - 80 scored multiple-choice questions covering exercise science principles (90 minutes)
Practical/Applied - 110 scored multiple-choice questions, including 30-40 video and image items, that test how you apply knowledge to real-world coaching scenarios (150 minutes)
You must earn a scaled score of 70 or higher on BOTH sections to earn the CSCS credential. If you pass one section but fail the other, you only need to retake the failed section at a reduced retake fee ($250 members / $385 non-members). As of December 31, 2025, 45,669 professionals held the CSCS credential (NSCA).