How to Prepare for the CSCS Exam
Plan your study for the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® (CSCS®) exam.
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but exam preparation doesn’t have to be. Follow clear steps, from setting your study timeline to foundational references and optional NSCA Exam Prep resources. Plus, get added support through interactive community options — so you can stay on track, gain clarity, and approach exam day ready.
Plan Your Timeline
After you’ve confirmed your eligibility, plan for your exam target date and map out your study time.
Preparing for the CSCS® 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 steady weekly study sessions.
|
Exercise Science Related Degree |
Internships or Practical Experience |
Approximate Length of Time |
|
Yes |
Yes |
3 to 6 weeks |
|
Yes |
No |
3 to 6 months |
|
No |
Yes |
4 to 6 months |
|
No |
No |
6 to 9 months |
Not Sure if the CSCS 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 CSCS exam preparation.
NSCA Certification Handbook
Required Reading: Learn key exam policies and processes to earn and maintain your NSCA certification.
CSCS Detailed Content Outline (DCO)
Use the exam blueprint to see every domain and task assessed, then align your study schedule to those areas.
Choose Your Resources and Study
Select a mix that fits your study style. Many candidates find these optional resources to be invaluable for organizing and supporting their prep.
Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning
Read the cornerstone textbook — recommended for CSCS preparation, but not required. It also serves as a valuable go-to resource throughout your career.
-
- Learn the scientific principles, program design methods, and exercise techniques central to strength and conditioning.
- Review updated research with practical applications for training and performance.
- Watch online videos demonstrating foundational resistance training exercises.
- Learn the scientific principles, program design methods, and exercise techniques central to strength and conditioning.
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 one or both exam sections.
-
- CSCS Study Guide — Organize content by exam domain and track progress.
- CSCS Quizzes & Practice Tests — Assess your knowledge in Scientific Foundations and Practical/Applied domains.
- Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th ed. — Choose the text alone or add the Online Study Course.
- Exercise Technique Manual for Resistance Training, 4th ed. —
Learn proper technique with photos and video. - CSCS Platinum and Essential Collections — Bundle for the most comprehensive preparation and best overall value.
- CSCS Study Guide — Organize content by exam domain and track progress.
|
Interactive Community Support
If you learn best by asking questions, talking it through, or seeing key concepts thoroughly explained, these engaging options may provide the encouragement you need.
CSCS Exam Prep Live Clinics
Attend a supportive small-class review led by subject matter experts, available online or in person. Build confidence through live Q&A and a workbook with practice questions to focus your study before exam day.
CSCS Exam Prep Study Group
Join a moderated online community open to all, with thousands of peers preparing for the exam. Stay motivated by asking questions, exchanging strategies, and learning from resources shared by NSCA admins.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 CSCS exam is based on the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to safely and effectively work as a strength and conditioning specialist. These KSAs are developed following a job analysis and are used to create the CSCS Detailed Content Outline (DCO). To support individuals seeking certification as a strength and conditioning 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.
- Privacy Policy
- Your Privacy Choices
- Terms of Use
- Retraction and Correction Policy
- © 2025 National Strength and Conditioning Association