NSCA CPSS Exam Prep Checklist

If you're aiming to get your CPSS Certification, you might feel overwhelmed by the abundance of information online. We outline the 4 essential steps you need to follow to plan, study, apply, and take the exam.

Here is a step by step process from how to register for the CPSS Exam to taking it!

Plan

• See if you're eligible to take the NSCA CPSS

  • The prerequisites include having a Sport Science/Kinesiology degree and experience for the following:

    • Bachelor Degree AND 3 years of full time professional experience.

    • Masters Degree AND 12 weeks of experience (internships, fellowships, graduate assistantships, or full-time roles).

    • Doctorate Degree

  • You must have a CPR/AED certification

Apply 

• Review the NSCA Certification Handbook and reference the CPSS section.

• Prepare the following forms based on your eligibility route

  • Bachelor Degree: Full-Time Experience Form

  • Masters Degree: Part-Time Experience Form

  • Non-Qualifying degrees: Course Verification Form

• Register on the NSCA website.

  • You will submit your forms, official transcript, and CPR/AED certification through the application.

• IMPORTANT: You will need to schedule and take your exam within 120 days of being approved to test so plan when you apply. It took the NSCA 15 days to get back after submitting my application. Make sure to submit your transcript with your application too!
  

Study

• Read the NSCA's Essentials of Sport Science

• Join the CPSS Study Group to connect with likeminded people who are taking the exam or have passed. We also post job offerings for people once they have demonstrated competence with the CPSS certification!

• Read the CPSS Exam Description and the Exam Summary so you know what is covered on the test

  • IMPORTANT: the Exam Summary contains research and athlete case studies that are similar to those on the exam!

• Consider a study prep course to help you learn the materials more efficiently, you can check out our CPSS Study Course here!

Test

• Get 7-9 hours of sleep the night before the exam.

• Bring a hoodie, the exam room can be cold!

• Show up ~15 minutes early for your exam so you don't feel rushed.

• They'll check you in, take your headshot, have you silence and put your electronics in a locker, and take your hand print.

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.