Exam Structure and Content Breakdown

CSCS Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

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1 Introduction

About the CSCS Exam Structure and Content Breakdown Pass Rates and Scoring How to Use This Guide

2 Exercise Science

Muscular and Neuromuscular Systems Skeletal and Cardiovascular Systems Bioenergetics and Metabolism Biomechanics Physiological Adaptations to Training

3 Sport Psychology & Nutrition

Motivation and Goal Setting Arousal, Anxiety, and Performance Mental Skills and Team Dynamics Macronutrients and Energy Hydration, Timing, and Supplements

4 Exercise Technique

Resistance Training Technique Olympic Lifting Technique Plyometric and Speed Training Flexibility and Warm-up Spotting and Equipment Safety

5 Program Design

Needs Analysis and Training Goals Training Variables Periodization Models Resistance Training Program Design Speed, Agility, and Conditioning Programs

6 Testing, Evaluation & Administration

Pre-Participation Screening Cardiovascular and Body Composition Testing Strength, Power, and Speed Testing Flexibility Assessment Facility Management and Legal Issues

Exam Structure and Content Breakdown

Key Takeaways Explain This Topic AI

Scientific Foundations: Exercise Science (55%), Sport Psychology (24%), Nutrition (21%).

Practical/Applied: Exercise Technique (36%), Program Design (35%), Testing/Evaluation (18%), Administration (11%).

30-40 questions on Practical/Applied section involve video or image analysis.

Must pass both sections within one year—can retake failed sections separately.

Unscored questions are experimental and don't count toward your score.

Last updated: January 2026

The CSCS exam is divided into two separately-timed sections. Understanding the exact breakdown of content areas helps you allocate study time effectively.

Section 1: Scientific Foundations (1.5 hours)

This section tests your foundational knowledge in exercise science, psychology, and nutrition.

• Domain Weight Questions Topics Covered
• Exercise Science 55% 44 Anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, bioenergetics
• Sport Psychology 24% 19 Motivation, arousal, goal setting, mental skills
• Nutrition 21% 17 Macronutrients, hydration, supplements, timing
• Unscored — 15 Experimental questions (not identified)
• Total 100% 95 —
• Exercise Science Topics (55%)
• Muscular anatomy and physiology
• Neuromuscular physiology
• Bone and connective tissue
• Cardiopulmonary anatomy and physiology
• Biomechanics
• Bioenergetics and metabolism
• Neuroendocrine physiology
• Physiological adaptations to training
• Differences among athletes (age, sex, training status)
• Scientific research interpretation
• Sport Psychology Topics (24%)
• Motivation and arousal regulation
• Goal setting and performance
• Mental imagery and visualization
• Attention and concentration
• Self-confidence development
• Psychological characteristics of successful athletes
• Team dynamics and leadership
• Nutrition Topics (21%)
• Macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats)
• Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals)
• Hydration and fluid replacement
• Pre/during/post-exercise nutrition
• Dietary supplements and ergogenic aids
• Weight management strategies
• Nutrition for specific populations
• Section 2: Practical/Applied (2.5 hours)

This section tests your ability to apply knowledge in real-world strength and conditioning settings.

• Domain Weight Questions Topics Covered
• Exercise Technique 36% 40 Proper form, spotting, equipment
• Program Design 35% 38 Periodization, exercise selection, progression
• Testing & Evaluation 18% 20 Fitness assessments, data interpretation
• Organization & Admin 11% 12 Facility, safety, legal, professional issues
• Unscored — 15 Experimental questions (not identified)
• Total 100% 125 —
• Exercise Technique Topics (36%)
• Resistance training exercise technique
• Speed and agility exercise technique
• Plyometric exercise technique
• Aerobic endurance exercise technique
• Flexibility and mobility exercises
• Spotting techniques
• Equipment usage and safety
• 30-40 video/image-based questions
• Program Design Topics (35%)
• Needs analysis for athletes
• Exercise selection and order
• Training frequency and volume
• Intensity prescription
• Periodization models
• Sport-specific program design
• Recovery and regeneration
• Warm-up and cool-down protocols
• Testing and Evaluation Topics (18%)
• Pre-participation screening
• Cardiovascular endurance testing
• Muscular strength and power testing
• Speed and agility testing
• Flexibility assessment
• Body composition assessment
• Test administration and protocols
• Data interpretation and program adjustment
• Organization and Administration Topics (11%)
• Facility design and equipment layout
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Risk management and emergency procedures
• Professional development
• Athlete supervision ratios
• Equipment maintenance
• Record keeping and documentation

CSCS Scored Questions by Content Domain

Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.

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