Becoming a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) is a great way to prove your knowledge and your ability to help others obtain ultimate fitness. The certification exam itself is far from easy but never fear. In this post, we’ll share 10 steps for passing the test and obtaining this coveted credential.
Step 1: Understand What You’re Getting into
The CSCS is different from most personal trainer certifications, in that it focuses on training competitive athletes. So make sure this is the career path on which you wish to focus. Clarifying your goals is essential to ultimately achieving them.
Step 2: Read the NSCA Certification Handbook
The handbook outlines and describes how the examination works. It won’t give you the information you need to answer the questions, but it will give you a strong feel for how the test is structured. Review it carefully before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Read the Detailed Content Outline (DCO) as Found in the Textbook
This will help you to approach the actual study process in an organized, systematic way. Without this step, you may find yourself memorizing random facts yet still fail to achieve a passing score.
Step 4: Talk to People Who Have Passed the CSCS
Ask your contacts what they found easy about the exam, what was challenging, and what techniques proved especially helpful for them. Use this information to fine-tune your own approach to the material.
Step 5: Obtain Your Study Materials
This of course includes the official textbook, but it’s also a good idea to use a well-prepared CSCS study guide as well. These guides are mapped directly to the content on the actual exam, so they can help you to focus on essential information.
Once you obtain your materials, sit down and skim their content. Note important sections like chapter titles, outline headings, and specialized terms.
Learning the vocabulary associated with the CSCS is especially important, as you will use it on a daily basis in your career. You may want to make a set of flashcards and review them multiple times throughout the day, so the terminology can become fixed in your mind.
Step 6: Try to Answer the Online Practice Questions
Don’t be discouraged if you miss many of them. Your goal at this point is simply to understand your strength and weaknesses. Note the areas where your knowledge is scant and apply special effort to learn the necessary information.
Step 7: Study the Materials
At this point, you have a basic understanding of the material you must know in order to pass the test. All you need to do is fill in the gaps. Here are some tips for doing so:
- Interact with the textbook – – skim each page before reading it in depth. Underline or highlight key phrases, make a list of questions that the materials address, and teach yourself the answers. The text will become alive in your mind.
- Set aside a specific time for study each day, and remind yourself of it often – – this will train your brain to focus on learning the materials during those hours.
- Eliminate distractions as much as possible – – without compromising your other important commitments. You may need to find a quiet corner of your local library or coffee shop where you can work undisturbed. Consider wearing a pair of headphones to block out distracting noises.
- Picture scenarios in which you’re putting the information to use – – this is a form of mental role-play that will help you to put the knowledge to practical use. Remember that being a CSCS certified trainer is an active occupation, so it’s important to learn by doing as well as reading.
- Know how much time you’ll need to learn the material – – you may be able to master the information in as little as six weeks if you already have a degree in exercise science and some practical experience. On the other hand, you may require as long as nine months if you’re brand-new to the field.
Step 8: Prepare Yourself the Day before the Exam
Devote the day before the test to final reviews of the material and prepare yourself mentally for the exam process. Make sure you know where to go, what items you’re allowed to bring with you, and any rules you’ll be expected to follow. Be sure to get a good night’s sleep that evening.
Step 9: Take the Test
The test is divided into two sections, one with 95 multiple-choice questions, and the other with 125 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have two and a half hours for the first section and one and one-half hours for the second. Take your time and answer the questions you’re sure about before dealing with the rest. You may want to bring a pair of earplugs to block out any distracting noise in the environment.
Step 10: Congratulate Yourself on a Job Well Done
Chances are good that you will pass the test on the first attempt, especially if you follow the steps we’ve outlined in this post. But, if for any reason you need to retake the exam, then use the first attempt as a learning experience. The discipline and perseverance you show will pay off in the long run. We wish you the best of luck as you tackle this rewarding challenge.
