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The methods used to develop the NSCA certificationexams adhere to the procedures recommended inthe Standards for Educational and Psychological Tests(APA, NCME, AERA; 2014) and other relevant industrystandards, including the Principles for the Validation andUse of Personnel Selection Procedures (SIOP, 2003) andStandards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs(NCCA, 2014). The NSCA certification exams measure acandidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) comparedto a standard—a predetermined level of competence—established by industry experts. Identifying the appropriateKSAs, writing exam items, and establishing the standardare all critical parts of the exam development process thatensure valid decisions can be made based on exam results.JOB ANALYSISThe NSCA performs a job analysis approximately every fiveyears for each certification program to identify the criticalKSAs needed to perform the job safely and effectively. Theprocess is guided by a Job Analysis Advisory Committee(JAAC) composed of industry experts. The JAAC developsKSA surveys that are sent to a large, representativesample of certificants. The survey data is then analyzedand presented to the JAAC, who uses the data to guidethe creation of a Detailed Content Outline (DCO) for thecertification exam.ITEM WRITINGThe NSCA certification exams are developed by industryexperts serving on Exam Development Committees (EDCs).EDC members are selected based on their expertise asit relates to the DCOs, and are trained in item writingand reviewing by experts in testing and measurement.Before an item can be used on an exam, it is subjectedto EDC review and is pre-tested. Pre-testing allows testdevelopers to gather statistical information about newitems for evaluation purposes without affecting candidatescores. Pre-test items are unscored items that appear onexam forms interspersed among scored items. Statisticalinformation gathered from pre-test items is analyzed todetermine if the items function properly and are ready foruse as scored items.STANDARD SETTINGThe NSCA certification exams are designed to differentiatebetween candidates who meet a standard of competenceand candidates who do not. The standard for an exam (alsocalled the cut-score or passing score) is determined by theEDC through the use of a modified Angoff methodology.This accepted method requires EDC members to evaluateindividual exam items and estimate the proportion ofminimally competent candidates expected to answercorrectly. These estimates are statistically analyzed forconsistency and then aggregated to arrive at the standard.EXAM CONTENT OUTLINESEach certification exam has a DCO that organizes KSAs intomajor domains and subcategories. Below are summariesof the exam content outlines. The full DCOs are presentedin Appendices H through K. Some tasks in a fitnessprofession simply involve recalling facts or applying specificinformation, whereas other tasks require a completeevaluation of a situation. Thus, the NSCA exams containitems of varying levels of complexity.CSCSThe CSCS Exam consists of two sections:1. Scientific Foundations2.Practical/AppliedNOTE: First-time candidates are required to completeboth sections.Scientific FoundationsThe Scientific Foundations section, which is 1.5 hours inlength, consists of 80 scored multiple-choice questions and15 non-scored multiple-choice questions designed to assessa candidate’s knowledge in the areas of exercise science(59 scored questions on anatomy, exercise physiology,biomechanics, etc.) and nutrition (21 scored questions).The full DCO is presented in Appendix G.CSCS SCIENTIFIC FOUNDATIONSEXAM CONTENT OUTLINEDomainPercentof ExamSectionNumber ofQuestionsExercise Science74%59Nutrition26%21Non-Scored Questions-15Total100%95Length ofExam Section1.5 hoursPractical/AppliedThe Practical/Applied exam, which is 2.5 hours in length,consists of 110 scored multiple-choice questions and 15non-scored multiple-choice questions pertaining toprogram design, exercise techniques, testing and evaluation,and organization/administration. There are 30-40 videoand/or image items that assess competencies in exercisetechniques, functional anatomy, and testing procedures. Thefull DCO is presented in Appendix G.NSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com9

NSCA-CPTCSCS PRACTICAL/APPLIED EXAMCONTENT OUTLINEDomainPercent ofExam SectionNumber ofQuestionsExercise Technique35%38Program Design35%39Organization andAdministration12%13Testing and Evaluation18%20Non-Scored Questions-15Total100%125Length ofExam Section2.5 hoursNSCA-CPT is a 3-hour examination that consists of 140scored and 15 non-scored multiple-choice items. Thereare 25 to 35 video and/or image items that assesscompetencies in exercise techniques, functional anatomy,and testing procedures. The four domains are as follows:1. Client Consultation/Fitness Assessment Section2.Program Planning Section3.Exercise Techniques Section4. Safety/Emergency Issues SectionThe full DCO is presented in Appendix I.NSCA-CPT EXAM CONTENT OUTLINEDomainPercent ofExam SectionNumber ofQuestionsClient Consultation/Assessment25%35Program Planning31%43Techniques of Exercise31%43CSPSCSPS is a 2.5-hour examination consisting of 100 scoredand 10 non-scored multiple-choice items allocatedacross four domains:1. Basic Pathophysiology and Science of Health Status,Condition, Disorder, or Disease2.Client ConsultationSafety, EmergencyProcedures and Legal Issues13%193.Program PlanningNon-Scored Questions-15Total100%1554. Safety, Emergency Procedures and Legal IssuesLength of ExamThe full DCO is presented in Appendix H.TSAC-FCSPS EXAM CONTENT OUTLINETSAC-F is a 3-hour examination consisting of 130 scoredand 20 non-scored multiple-choice items allocatedacross five domains:1. Exercise ScienceDomainPercentof ExamSectionNumber ofQuestionsBasic Pathophysiology andScience of Health Statusor Condition, Disorder, orDisease40%40Client Consultation19%194. Program DesignProgram Planning31%315.Safety, EmergencyProcedures, andLegal Issues10%10Non-Scored Questions--10Total100%110Length of Exam3 hours2.5 hours2.Nutrition3.Exercise TechniqueOrganization, Administration, Testing, EvaluationThe full DCO is presented in Appendix J.TSAC-F EXAM CONTENT OUTLINEDomainPercent ofExamNumber ofQuestionsExercise Science20%26Nutrition10%13Exercise Technique20%26Program Design35%46Organization,Administration, Testing,Evaluation15%19Non-Scored Questions-20Total100%150Length of ExamNSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com3 hours10

EXAM PREPARATIONThe NSCA offers several optional resources to helpcandidates prepare. These resources can be combined intoa preparation plan that is tailored to the specific needs of acandidate based on their academic background andpractical experience. For specific details regarding thefollowing preparation resources, including pricing andavailability, please visit NSCA.com. Exam Prep Live Clinics NSCA Exam Prep Live Clinicsare taught by qualified and experienced professionalsand are provided at various locations throughout theyear. They range from 1.5 to 3 days in length and includean emphasis on exercise science, hands-on practicalknowledge (or both), depending on the clinic. Textbooks Textbooks and materials with collections ofimportant articles are available to provide a foundationalacademic resource to students and candidatespreparing on their own. Content Description Booklets Content DescriptionBooklets provide expanded topic questions andexamples beyond the DCO provided in this handbook. Practice Questions Practice questions helpcandidates become familiar with the type, scope, anddifficulty of the questions that appear on the NSCAcertification exams. ERP School Programs The Education RecognitionProgram (ERP) identifies college and university degreegranting programs that meet NSCA standards forstrength and conditioning professionals and personaltrainers. ERP schools assist prospective students byaligning course content with content domains coveredin NSCA certification exams.EXAMPLE PREPARATION PLAN OPTIONSOption AOption B Exam PrepLive Clinic Practice QuestionsOption COption D Mentorship Individual Study Individual Study Exam PrepLive Clinic Exam PrepLive Clinic Mentorship Practice Questions Practice QuestionsOption E ERP SchoolDegree Program Exam PrepLive Clinic Exam PrepLive Clinic Practice Questions Practice QuestionsPLANS RECOMMENDED BY BACKGROUNDCandidate BackgroundExercise ScienceRelated Degree*Internship orPractical ExperienceRecommendedPreparation PlanApproximate Length of TimeYesYesA2 to 6 weeksYesNoA or B3 to 6 monthsNoYesC or D4 to 6 monthsNoNoD or E 6 months***Certain NSCA certifications require a college degree.**Length of degree programs vary.NSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com11

CERTIFICATION ELIGIBILITYNSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com12

To qualify for an NSCA certification, candidatesmust meet all of the eligibility requirements for thecertification program. The NSCA’s four certificationprograms have different eligibility requirements.Additionally, all candidates and certificants must abide bythe NSCA Codes, Policies, and Procedures (Appendix E),including the Professional Code of Ethics.ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTSCSCS1. Bachelor’s degree or higher granted by anaccredited institution, or a degree in PhysicalTherapy or Chiropractic Medicine2.CPR/AED certification3.Passing score on the CSCS Scientific Foundationssection of the exam4. Passing score on the CSCS Practical/Appliedsection of the examCSPS1. Meet a minimum of at least one of thefollowing options:»»Current NSCA certification (e.g., CSCS, NSCACPT, etc.) or NCCA-accredited personaltrainer certificationORTSAC-F1. At least 18 years old2.High school diploma (or equivalent)3.CPR/AED certification4. Passing score on the TSAC-F ExamCandidates must meet the age requirement, if applicable,prior to registering for a certification exam. Otherrequirements must be met within one year of receivinga passing exam score. For example, CSCS and CSPScandidates who have senior standing may sit for the exams.ACCEPTABLE ACCREDITATION OFCOLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIESOnly degrees granted by accredited colleges anduniversities can be used to satisfy the degree requirementsfor the CSCS and CSPS programs. The NSCA recognizesthe following accrediting institutions for U.S. colleges anduniversities as listed by the US Department of Education: Middle States Commission on Higher Education New England Association of Schools and Colleges,Commission on Institutions of Higher Education North Central Association of Colleges and Schools,The Higher Learning Commission Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities»»Bachelor’s degree or higher granted by anaccredited institution in Exercise Scienceor a related field, (e.g., physical therapy,chiropractic medicine)OR»»Current license as a physical therapist, physicaltherapist assistant, or athletic trainerANDCPR/AED certification3.Practical experience coaching/training individualsfrom special populations (250 hours)4. Passing score on the CSPS Exam3.CPR/AED certification Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges Distance Education Accrediting Commission Transnational Association of Christian Colleges andSchools, Accreditation CommissionColleges and universities outside the U.S. must berecognized by the Ministry of Education of the countryin which the institution is located.NSCA-CPT1. At least 18 years oldHigh school diploma (or equivalent) Western Association of Schools and Colleges, SeniorColleges and University Commission New York State Board of Regents, and theCommissioner of Education2.2. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools,Commission on Colleges4. Passing score on the NSCA-CPT ExamNSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com13

EXERCISE SCIENCE-RELATED FIELDSThe NSCA recognizes the following fields of study asrelating to exercise science for the purpose of fulfilling thedegree requirement for CSPS: Athletic Training, Biology,Biomechanics, Chiropractic, Community Health, ExercisePhysiology, Exercise Science, Health Science, HumanMovement Science, Kinesiology, Medicine (e.g., MD, DO),Nursing, Nutrition, Physical Education, Physical Therapy,and Sport Science.ACCEPTABLE CPR/AED CERTIFICATIONSCPR/AED certification ensures that professionals are ableto recognize and respond to cardiopulmonary emergenciesin adults, including in the application of CPR and the useof Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). AcceptableCPR/AED certifications must include a hands-on skillsperformance assessment.DISCIPLINE POLICY AND CERTIFICATIONAPPEALSThe NSCA Disciplinary Procedures were established as ameans to enforce the NSCA Professional Code of Ethics,thereby protecting the public and integrity of NSCAcertification programs. Consistent with the obligationof candidates and certificants in regards to the NSCAProfessional Code of Ethics, the Disciplinary Proceduresprovide a formal process for submitting complaintsof unethical behavior to NSCA for consideration andinvestigation. The NSCA Professional Code of Ethics and theNSCA Disciplinary Procedures are found within the NSCACodes, Policies, and Procedures (Appendix E), or online atNSCA.com/codes-policies-procedures.Any action taken by the NSCA Ethics Committee affectingthe status of a certified individual may be appealed inaccordance with the procedures outlined in the NSCACodes, Policies, and Procedures (Appendix E).Exam candidates may appeal, exam eligibility requirements,in writing, to the Certification Committee.NSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com14

EXAM REGISTRATION PROCESSNSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com15

Exam registration is a simple four-step process: (1) reviewthe exam descriptions and eligibility requirements; (2)select a certification of best fit; (3) register online; and(4) submit eligibility verification documents. The examregistration process is not considered complete until allsteps are met.COMPLETING THE REGISTRATION FORMCandidates are required to apply online for NSCAcertification exams at NSCA.com. Candidates will receivea confirmation email, which will include their assignedcustomer ID number.1. Navigate to NSCA.com2.Log In using your NSCA username and password, orcreate a new account3.Verify profile Information (first and last name mustmatch your ID exactly)4. Click on “Certification” on the top navigation bar,then click on Certification Overview5.Click on the “Register for Exam” link underneath thedesired certificationAFFIRMATIONNSCA exam candidates are required to complete andsubmit an affirmation on the registration form. Affirmationsinclude, but are not limited to, the following: Submitted registration information found to be false willresult in a revoked certification NSCA exam items, certification names, acronyms, andlogos are protected under U.S. copyright law Those who copy and/or distribute proprietary NSCAinformation will forfeit their registration fees and havetheir certification(s) revoked Certificants must comply with recertification policies toretain certification(s) Certificants read and understand the CertificationPolicies contained in this Handbook Candidates and certificants abide by the NSCA Codes,Policies, and Procedures6.Affirm eligibility requirementsThe complete Registration Affirmation can befound in Appendix D.7.Follow on-screen promptsSPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS8.Request special accommodations (if applicable)9.Affirm reading/understanding theAffirmation StatementThe NSCA complies with the Americans with DisabilitiesAct. To ensure equal opportunities for all qualifiedcandidates, the NSCA will make reasonable testingaccommodations when appropriate. Candidates with adocumented disability that significantly impairs his or herability to arrive at, read, or otherwise complete an NSCAcertification exam, may request special accommodations.Requests for special accommodations must be madeat the time of registration. Candidates must submitrequired supporting documentation using the SpecialAccommodations Request Form available in Appendix B.10. Affirm reading/understanding the CeritifcationPolices, Procedures and Requirements11. Download and read the Certification Handbook12. Read and Agree to Registration Expiration Policy13. Proceed to checkout14. Submit eligibility verification documentation to NSCA(see Eligibility Documentation)RELEASE OF INFORMATIONBoth the NSCA and its testing agency are committed toprotecting the confidentiality of candidate records. For thisreason, exam scores are never released by telephone, or fax,even to candidates. Also, information regarding candidatescores is never released to any third party. Verification ofthe certified status of an individual, however, is providedupon receipt of a written request. Neither the NSCA, nor theNSCA Certification Committee members, or their respectivestaff are involved with the handling or scoring of any examin any way. This is the testing agency’s responsibility.IMPORTANT: Candidates with approved testingaccommodations must call pearson vue at (800) 4660450 to schedule an exam appointment. Candidateswho schedule appointments through any other means(e.G., Online, via a different number) will not have theiraccommodations available at the appointment.NSCA Certification Handbook NSCA.com16

ELIGIBILITY DOCUMENTATIONCandidates have one year to submit documentationdemonstrating completion of all eligibility criteria.Exam results become invalid if acceptableeligibility documentation is not received within oneyear of exam date.It is recommended that all mailed documentation besent in a form that is traceable (e.g., certified USPS, UPS,FedEx). Candidates should retain the tracking informationin case a proof of mailing or receipt is needed. Any and alldocumentation sent to the NSCA will not be returned.NSCAAttn: Certification Department1885 Bob Johnson DriveColorado Springs, CO, 80906 USAACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS (CSCS AND CSPS ONLY)CSCSCandidates must submit an original, official transcript fromtheir college/university when taking the CSCS exam for thefirst time. Official transcripts are required to be sent directlyfrom the registrar’s office. Transcripts must confirm that thedegree was conferred. Transcripts must be in an envelopewith the registrar’s stamp placed across the envelope flap.Transcripts will not be returned. If candidates mail thetranscript, the registrar’s seal must remain intact. The NSCAalso accepts official electronic transcripts (e-transcripts)that are transferred using a secure document transferprogram (e.g., escrip-safe, eDocs). The documents shouldbe sent to exams@nsca.com.Transcripts with the following are not acceptable: Copy marked “student copy,” “issued to student,” orother similar languageCSPSCandidates must submit original documentation showingattainment of an appropriate personal trainer certification,academic degree, or professional license when taking theCSPS exam for the first time. Official academic transcriptsare required to be sent directly from the registrar’s office.Transcripts must confirm that the degree was conferred.Transcripts must be in an envelope with the registrar’sstamp placed across the envelope flap. Transcripts willnot be returned. If candidates mail the transcript, theregistrar’s seal must remain intact. The NSCA acceptsofficial electronic transcripts (e-transcripts) that aretransferred using a secure

NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT ). As the fitness industry continued to grow, the NSCA saw a need for a prestigious and credible personal training certification and established the NSCA-CPT program in 1993. NSCA-Certified Personal Trainers are health and fitness professionals who, using an individualized