10 Things to Know About the NSCA CPSS Exam
If you are planning to take the CPSS Exam or are already studying for it, you might have questions about effective study strategies and how to pass on your first try. To help you, we've compiled a list of the Top 10 Questions about the CPSS Exam.
1) What is the NSCA CPSS?
The CPSS stands for Certified Performance and Sport Scientist. The CPSS is a certification by the national strength and conditioning association that specializes in the application of scientific processes to improve individual and team athletic performance and decrease injury risk.
2) What is on the CPSS Exam and how long is it?
The NSCA CPSS Exam is a combination of case study questions and independent questions. It consists of 100 scored questions with 50 case study/research questions and 50 independent exam questions.
3) Is the NSCA CPSS Exam a multiple choice?
Yes all the questions are multiple choice.
4) What is the CPSS Exam pass rate?
The CPSS exam is a challenging exam with a first time pass rate of ~65%.
5) What book do you need to study for the CPSS Exam?
The NSCA's Essentials of Sport Science textbook.
6) Are there prerequisites for the CPSS Exam?
Yes there are 3 ways to qualify for the exam. Your degree needs to be in Kinesiology/Exercise Science or a closely related field (ex: athletic training, sport & performance analytics, chiropractic, health sciences, etc.,). You must also have a current CPR/AED certification.
a) Bachelor degree and 3 years of full time experience.
b) Masters degree and 12 weeks of experience.
c) Doctorate degree.
7) Is the CPSS the gold standard?
The NSCA CPSS is the gold standard in performance and sport science for working with athletes. It is required in Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2024 and will soon be a requirement for other professional leagues, colleges, and high schools.
8) Is the CPSS Exam online?
The exam is online, but you have to take the exam in person at an approved testing center. The testing rooms can be cold so remember to bring a hoodie just in case!
9) How to study for the CPSS Exam?
You need to read the book, as it covers all the essential topics for the exam. While the book may seem overwhelming, we created The CPSS Study Course to simplify and condense the material. Our course covers all the 31 chapters with key points you'll encounter on the exam, chapter lectures, notes, and practice questions. Click here to learn more.
10) When do you get your CPSS Exam results back?
You will get the exam results back immediately after you finish. Once you let the test proctor know you're done, they will bring you out the exam room and provide a printer copy of your exam results.
Support & Courses Available
Ready for more support to help you prep for the CPSS exam?
1) Join our Facebook Group, “CPSS (Certified Performance and Sport Scientist) Study Group,” here.
2) Check out our FREE CPSS Study Guide with "Need to Know" concepts, notes, and practice questions.
3) Use our CPSS Prep Course with chapter lectures and practice questions to help you pass the NSCA exam; click the link here to check it out.