How to Prepare for the CSPS Exam
Plan your study for the Certified Special Population Specialist® (CSPS®) exam.
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but exam preparation doesn’t have to be. Follow clear steps, from planning your study timeline to exploring foundational resources and optional NSCA Exam Prep support. Plus, join an online professional community to exchange ideas, stay engaged, and connect theory to application before exam day.
Plan Your Timeline
After you’ve confirmed your eligibility, plan for your exam target date and map out your study time.
Preparing for the CSPS exam takes steady effort, and the time you’ll need depends on your background. Use this table to estimate your study timeline and commit to regular sessions that keep your study progressing.
|
Exercise Science Related Degree |
Internships or Practical Experience |
Approximate Length of Time |
|
Yes |
Yes |
3 to 6 weeks |
|
Yes |
No |
1 to 3 months |
|
No |
Yes |
4 to 6 months |
|
No |
No |
6 to 9 months |
Not Sure if the CSPS Is Right for You?
Compare types of training, groups you can support, eligibility requirements, and more across NSCA’s five certifications.
Build Your Foundation
Start with NSCA-produced references. These resources provide the basis for your CSPS exam preparation.
NSCA Certification Handbook
Required Reading: Learn key exam policies and processes to earn and maintain your NSCA certification.
CSPS Detailed Content Outline (DCO)
Use the exam blueprint in Appendix I to see every domain and task assessed, then align your study to those areas.
Choose Your Resource and Study
Select a mix that fits your study style. Many candidates find these optional resources to be instrumental for organizing and supporting their prep.
Essentials of Training Special Populations
Read the cornerstone textbook — recommended for CSPS preparation but not required. It also serves as a valuable go-to resources throughout your career.
-
- Learn evidence-based principles for assessing and training clients with chronic, temporary, or age-related conditions.
- Explore exercise modifications, contraindications, and safety considerations across a range of medical and functional needs.
- Apply research to design individualized programs that support long-term health and quality of life.
- Learn evidence-based principles for assessing and training clients with chronic, temporary, or age-related conditions.
Additional Independent Study Tools
Work through NSCA Exam Prep materials at your pace. These optional products can help you build structure, check readiness, and target key exam areas.
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- CSPS Study Guide — Organize content by exam domain and track your progress.
- CSPS Practice Questions — Assess your knowledge with online questions modeled after the CSPS exam.
- CSPS Study Guide — Organize content by exam domain and track your progress.
|
Member Pricing |
Non-Member Pricing |
|
|
Essentials Textbook |
$90 |
$99 |
|
Study Guide |
$18 |
$27 |
|
Practice Questions |
$40 |
$50 |
Interactive Community Support
If you learn best by exploring real-world scenarios, connecting with peers, and hearing diverse perspectives, this professional community can help you stay engaged and solidify concepts.
Special Populations Community Group
Join our moderated online Special Interest Group (SIG) for special populations. While not explicitly created as exam prep, this forum provides an opportunity to engage with active professionals in the field and ask questions.Register and Schedule When You’re Ready
Learn how to register for and schedule your exam — including test center locations, retakes, foreign language options, and more.
Disclaimer: The CSPS exam is based on the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to safely and effectively work as a special population specialist. These KSAs are developed following a job analysis and are used to create the CSPS Detailed Content Outline (DCO). To support individuals seeking certification as a special population specialist, the NSCA has developed study materials. Purchasing NSCA study materials is not required to register for and using NSCA study materials does not guarantee a passing score on NSCA’s certification exam. Additional reading resources can be found in NSCA’s Certification Handbook.
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