Key Takeaways
- Study Scientific Foundations first to build the knowledge base, then move to Practical/Applied.
- Focus heavily on Exercise Technique and Program Design—they comprise 71% of Practical/Applied section.
- Use video resources to practice identifying correct and incorrect exercise technique.
- Recommended study time: 100-200 hours over 3-6 months.
- Take multiple full-length practice tests under timed conditions.
Last updated: January 2026
How to Use This Study Guide
This comprehensive guide covers all seven CSCS content domains. Use this strategic approach to maximize your chances of passing both sections.
Recommended Study Order
Phase 1: Scientific Foundations
- Exercise Science - Largest domain; foundational knowledge
- Sport Psychology - Build on exercise science concepts
- Nutrition - Apply to performance optimization
Phase 2: Practical/Applied
- Exercise Technique - Watch videos, practice identification
- Program Design - Apply periodization principles
- Testing & Evaluation - Learn assessment protocols
- Organization & Administration - Final review of policies
Study Time Recommendations
| Background | Recommended Hours |
|---|---|
| Exercise science degree (recent) | 100-150 hours |
| Related degree (not recent) | 150-200 hours |
| Unrelated degree | 200-300+ hours |
| Currently working as S&C coach | 80-120 hours |
Time Allocation by Domain
| Domain | Weight | Study Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science | 23% | High - Foundation |
| Exercise Technique | 21% | Very High - Videos |
| Program Design | 20% | Very High - Application |
| Sport Psychology | 10% | Moderate |
| Testing & Evaluation | 11% | High |
| Nutrition | 9% | Moderate |
| Organization & Admin | 6% | Lower |
Key Study Strategies
For Scientific Foundations
- Create flashcards for anatomy and physiology
- Memorize bioenergetic pathways (ATP-PC, glycolysis, oxidative)
- Learn neuromuscular physiology concepts
- Study psychological theories and models
- Review nutrition timing and recommendations
For Practical/Applied
- Watch exercise technique videos - This is critical!
- Practice designing periodized programs
- Learn the differences between linear and undulating periodization
- Study testing protocols (1RM prediction, VO2max tests, agility tests)
- Know spotting techniques for all major lifts
Video-Based Questions (30-40 questions)
The Practical/Applied section includes 30-40 video or image-based questions testing:
| Content Type | What to Identify |
|---|---|
| Exercise technique | Correct vs. incorrect form |
| Spotting | Proper spotter position and grip |
| Testing | Correct testing procedures |
| Equipment | Proper setup and safety |
Tip: NSCA offers official video preparation materials. Consider using them to prepare for video-based questions.
Practice Test Strategy
- Diagnostic test first - Identify weak areas
- Domain-specific practice - Focus on weak domains
- Full-length practice tests - Simulate exam conditions
- Review all answers - Understand why wrong answers are wrong
- Final review - Focus on frequently missed topics
Test Day Tips
- Get a full night's sleep
- Eat a balanced meal before the exam
- Arrive early to Pearson VUE center
- Use breaks between sections wisely
- Don't rush—4 hours is adequate if you're prepared
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