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Exam Review

Key Facts: TSAC-F Exam

78%

2025 Pass Rate

NSCA annual exam report

150 Qs

Total Questions

130 scored + 20 unscored

Content Domains

Program Design largest

$300

Member Exam Fee

$435 non-member

3 hrs

Time Limit

Pearson VUE testing

High School

Education Required

Plus CPR/AED

The TSAC-F exam consists of 150 questions (130 scored + 20 non-scored) with a 180-minute seat time and requires a scaled score of 70 to pass. NSCA reported a 78% pass rate among the 361 candidates tested in 2025. The exam covers 7 domains with Program Design (21%) being the largest. Prerequisites include age 18+, high school diploma/equivalent, and current CPR/AED certification. TSAC-F is the only NSCA exam offered by live remote proctoring, limited to candidates residing in the United States.

Sample TSAC-F Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the TSAC-F exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 218+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which muscle fiber type has the highest oxidative capacity and is most resistant to fatigue?

A.Type I (Slow-twitch)

B.Type IIa (Fast-twitch oxidative)

C.Type IIx (Fast-twitch glycolytic)

D.Type IIb (Fast-twitch)

Explanation: Type I (slow-twitch) muscle fibers have the highest oxidative capacity due to high mitochondrial density and capillary supply, making them most resistant to fatigue. These fibers are essential for tactical athletes performing prolonged operations.

2What is the primary energy system used during a 50-yard sprint?

A.ATP-PCr system

B.Glycolytic system

C.Oxidative system

D.Lipid oxidation

Explanation: The ATP-PCr (phosphagen) system provides immediate energy for high-intensity activities lasting up to about 10 seconds. A 50-yard sprint relies predominantly on this system due to its short duration and maximal intensity.

3Which hormone is primarily responsible for protein synthesis and muscle growth?

A.Testosterone

B.Cortisol

C.Insulin

D.Epinephrine

Explanation: Testosterone is the primary anabolic hormone responsible for stimulating protein synthesis and promoting muscle growth. It plays a crucial role in the adaptation to resistance training for tactical athletes.

4What is the primary plane of motion for a lateral lunge?

A.Frontal plane

B.Sagittal plane

C.Transverse plane

D.Horizontal plane

Explanation: The frontal (coronal) plane divides the body into front and back halves. A lateral lunge involves movement in this plane as the athlete moves side to side, which is important for multi-directional movement capabilities.

5Which cardiovascular adaptation occurs with chronic aerobic training?

A.Increased stroke volume

B.Decreased cardiac output

C.Increased resting heart rate

D.Decreased capillary density

Explanation: Chronic aerobic training increases stroke volume (amount of blood pumped per heartbeat), which allows the heart to pump more blood with fewer beats, resulting in a lower resting heart rate and improved cardiovascular efficiency.

6What is the primary function of the golgi tendon organ?

A.Prevent muscle injury from excessive tension

B.Initiate stretch reflex

C.Monitor muscle length

D.Control heart rate

Explanation: The golgi tendon organ (GTO) senses tension in the muscle tendon and, when activated by excessive force, inhibits muscle contraction to prevent injury. This protective mechanism is crucial during maximal strength efforts.

7During the first 10 seconds of maximal effort exercise, what percentage of ATP is supplied by the phosphagen system?

A.Approximately 70-80%

B.Approximately 40-50%

C.Approximately 90-100%

D.Approximately 20-30%

Explanation: During the first 10 seconds of maximal effort, the phosphagen (ATP-PCr) system is the predominant energy source, supplying approximately 70-80% of the required ATP, with the remainder coming primarily from anaerobic glycolysis. The 90-100% figure applies only to the very first 1-3 seconds; by 10 seconds, glycolysis contributes a meaningful share. This system fuels explosive movements like sprinting and jumping required in tactical operations.

8Which biomechanical principle states that force production is directly proportional to the cross-sectional area of the muscle?

A.Force-velocity relationship

B.Length-tension relationship

C.Cross-bridge theory

D.Size principle

Explanation: The cross-bridge theory explains that force production is proportional to the number of actin-myosin cross-bridges formed, which correlates with muscle cross-sectional area. Larger muscles can generate more force, explaining why hypertrophy training increases strength.

9What is the recommended training intensity for developing maximal strength in tactical athletes?

A.85-100% of 1RM

B.67-85% of 1RM

C.50-67% of 1RM

D.30-50% of 1RM

Explanation: Maximal strength development requires training at 85-100% of 1RM with lower repetitions (1-5) and longer rest periods. This intensity recruits high-threshold motor units necessary for strength adaptations.

10Which of the following best describes the length-tension relationship in muscle physiology?

A.Maximum tension is generated at resting length

B.Maximum tension occurs at full stretch

C.Maximum tension occurs at full contraction

D.Tension is constant at all lengths

Explanation: The length-tension relationship states that maximum tension is generated when the muscle is at or near its resting length, where optimal overlap of actin and myosin filaments allows for maximum cross-bridge formation.

About the TSAC-F Exam

The TSAC-F certification is designed for strength and conditioning professionals working with tactical populations including military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other first responders. The exam covers exercise science, exercise technique, program design, assessment/evaluation, wellness interventions, organization/administration, and nutrition specific to tactical athletes' unique occupational demands.

Exam sponsor: NSCA (Pearson VUE). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

150 questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Scaled score of 70

Exam / Certification Fees

$300 member / $435 non-member

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 78%. of 361 candidates tested in 2025 (NSCA annual exam report) This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Exercise Science

Anatomy, biomechanics, physiology, energy systems, and adaptations specific to tactical populations

20%

Exercise Technique

Resistance training, plyometrics, speed/agility, aerobic training, and flexibility exercises

21%

Program Design

Periodization, acute variables, tactical-specific training for military, LE, and fire/rescue

13%

Assessment and Evaluation

Needs analysis, physical testing, body composition, and tactical fitness assessments

11%

Wellness Intervention

Stress management, sleep optimization, behavior change, mental resilience

Organization and Administration

Facility design, equipment, policies, risk management, and professional ethics

Nutrition

Macronutrients, hydration, supplements, and performance nutrition for tactical athletes

Preparing for the TSAC-F Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score of 70
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam / certification fees: $300 member / $435 non-member Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

Work through all 218 available questions
Review every answer and explanation
Track weak areas and revisit them
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

TSAC-F: Suggested Study Strategy

1Program Design is the largest domain (21%) - focus on periodization for tactical populations and occupational demands

2Understand the unique physical demands of military, law enforcement, and fire/rescue operations

3Study exercise modifications for load carriage, protective equipment, and operational environments

4Know wellness intervention strategies for stress management and sleep optimization in tactical populations

5Master assessment protocols specific to tactical fitness (load carriage tests, agility tests, job simulations)

6Understand nutrition strategies for shift workers and personnel in austere environments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TSAC-F exam format?

The TSAC-F exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (130 scored + 20 non-scored) with a 180-minute seat time. It is delivered at Pearson VUE test centers and, uniquely among NSCA exams, by Pearson OnVUE live remote proctoring for candidates residing in the United States. Scoring is scaled, and every NSCA certification exam requires a scaled score of 70 or higher to pass - this is a scaled value, not a raw percentage of items answered correctly.

What is the TSAC-F pass rate?

The NSCA annual exam report states that 361 candidates took the TSAC-F exam in 2025 with a 78% pass rate, and that 1,983 professionals held the credential as of 31 December 2025. The exam covers 7 content domains, with Program Design (21%, 27 scored items) the largest. Proper preparation focusing on tactical-specific programming is key to success.

What are the TSAC-F eligibility requirements?

To sit for the TSAC-F exam, you must: (1) be at least 18 years old, (2) have a high school diploma or equivalent, and (3) hold current CPR/AED certification from an NSCA-approved provider. No bachelor's degree is required (unlike CSCS).

How is TSAC-F different from CSCS?

TSAC-F focuses specifically on tactical populations (military, law enforcement, fire/rescue) and their unique occupational demands. CSCS focuses on sport performance with athletes. TSAC-F requires a high school diploma; CSCS requires a bachelor's degree. TSAC-F covers wellness interventions and organization/administration not emphasized in CSCS.

What careers does TSAC-F support?

TSAC-F certified professionals work as strength and conditioning coaches for military units, police departments, fire departments, federal agencies (FBI, DEA, Border Patrol), correctional facilities, and private tactical training facilities. Positions include Tactical Strength Coach, PT Leader, and Fitness Coordinator with salaries ranging from $45,000-$85,000+.