The Scientific Foundations portion of the CSCS exam is 90 minutes in length and contains 80 scored, multiple-choice questions and 15 non-scored multiple choice questions. The 15 non-scored questions are used to evaluate the quality of new questions to see if they should become part of the scored exam.
The Scientific Foundations portion of the CSCS exam is divided into two main categories:
a) Exercise Science — 59 questions (74% of Scientific Foundations scored questions)
b) Nutrition — 21 questions (26% of Scientific Foundations scored questions)
The following topic outline was provided by the National Strength and Conditioning Association in the 2015 CSCS Exam Certification Handbook to help exam takers prepare for the CSCS exam. Click on any of the links below to review the sub-topic material and test your knowledge with sample questions.
Exercise Science Section of CSCS Scientific Foundations:
- Apply Knowledge of Muscle Anatomy and Physiology
- Muscle anatomy (e.g., muscle group names, specific muscle names, muscle fiber/cell structure)
- Muscular dynamics involved during movement patterns (e.g., sliding filament theory, type of muscle action)
- Apply Knowledge of Neuromuscular Anatomy and Physiology
- Neuromuscular anatomy (e.g., motor unit, Type I and II fibers, muscle spindle, Golgi tendon organ)
- Neuromuscular responses to exercise (e.g., motor unit recruitment patterns, nerve conduction, summation)
- Apply Knowledge of Basic Principles of Biomechanics Regarding Exercise Selection, Execution, and Sport Performance
- Kinematic principles of movement (e.g., anatomical planes of movement, joint angles, velocity)
- Kinetic laws and principles of movement (e.g., momentum, torque, power, work, force, center of gravity, impulse, center of pressure, force-velocity curve, force-time curve, isometric/ isotonic/isokinetic, lever systems)
- Role of muscles in movement (e.g., agonist, antagonist, synergist, neutralizer, stabilizer)
- Apply Knowledge of Bone and Connective Tissue (tendons and ligaments) Anatomy and Physiology
- Bone and connective tissue anatomy
- Bone and connective tissue responses to exercise and training
- Apply Knowledge of Bioenergetics and Metabolism
- Characteristics of the energy systems
- Effects of manipulating training variables (e.g., mode, intensity, duration, volume and work:rest ratio) to target specific energy systems
- Apply Knowledge of Neuroendocrine Physiology
- Functions of hormones (e.g., testosterone, growth hormone)
- Neuroendocrine responses to exercise and training
- Apply Knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
- Cardiopulmonary anatomy (e.g., structure of the heart, vascular system, lungs)
- Cardiopulmonary responses to exercise and training
- Apply Knowledge of Physiological Adaptations to Exercise and Training
- Adaptations to metabolic conditioning
- Causes, signs, symptoms and effects of overtraining and detraining
- Apply Knowledge of the Anatomical, Physiological and Biomechanical Differences of Athletes (e.g., age, sex, training status, specific sport or activity)
- Apply Knowledge of Psychological Techniques Used to Enhance Training and Performance
Nutrition Section of CSCS Scientific Foundations
Muscle Anatomy & Physiology:
Macrostructure vs. Microstructure of Muscle
Cells –> Tissues –> Organs
Neuromuscular Anatomy and Physiology
Basic Principles of Biomechanics Regarding Exercise Selection, Execution, and Sport Performance
- Apply Knowledge of Bone and Connective Tissue (tendons and ligaments) Anatomy and Physiology
- Bone and connective tissue anatomy
- Bone and connective tissue responses to exercise and training
- Apply Knowledge of Bioenergetics and Metabolism
- Characteristics of the energy systems
- Effects of manipulating training variables (e.g., mode, intensity, duration, volume and work:rest ratio) to target specific energy systems
- Apply Knowledge of Neuroendocrine Physiology
- Functions of hormones (e.g., testosterone, growth hormone)
- Neuroendocrine responses to exercise and training
- Apply Knowledge of Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
- Cardiopulmonary anatomy (e.g., structure of the heart, vascular system, lungs)
- Cardiopulmonary responses to exercise and training
- Apply Knowledge of Physiological Adaptations to Exercise and Training
- Adaptations to metabolic conditioning
- Causes, signs, symptoms and effects of overtraining and detraining
- Apply Knowledge of the Anatomical, Physiological and Biomechanical Differences of Athletes (e.g., age, sex, training status, specific sport or activity)
- Apply Knowledge of Psychological Techniques Used to Enhance Training and Performance
- Motivational techniques (e.g., imagery techniques, reinforcement strategies)
- Methods that enhance motor learning and skill acquisition (e.g., instruction, feedback, whole versus part practice)
- Attentional control and decision-making (e.g., focus, arousal management)
- Confidence and positive self-talk
Nutrition Section (2 of 2 Scientific Foundations Portions)
A. Apply Basic Knowledge of Nutritional Factors Affecting Health and Performance 1. Health-related and performance-related application of nutrition concepts (e.g., food groups, food exchanges, “MyPlate”, glycemic index) 2. Nutritional needs of various athletes for carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals 3. Health risk factors associated with dietary choices (e.g., a high intake of cholesterol, triglycerides, and/or saturated fat, low intake of calcium and iron) 4. Effects of hydration status and electrolyte balance/imbalance on health and performance 5. Caloric vs. nutrient dense foods B. Apply Basic Strategies for Manipulating Food Choices and Training Methods to Maximize Performance 1. Training/nutritional programs that produce specific changes in body composition (e.g., fat loss or lean body mass increase) 2. Composition and timing of nutrient and fluid intake before, during, and after an exercise session or a sport event 3. Nutritional factors that affect muscular endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and aerobic endurance C. Recognize Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors Associated with Eating Disorders and Altered Eating Habits 1. Signs and symptoms associated with disordered eating (e.g., body dysmorphia), bulimia, and anorexia 2. Body composition changes and performance variations associated with eating disorders or disordered eating 3. Referral to a qualified healthcare professional D. Apply Basic Knowledge of the Effects, Risks, and Alternatives of Common Performance-Enhancing Substances and Methods 1. Ergogenic aids and dietary supplements (e.g., creatine, carbohydrate loading, anabolic steroids, blood doping) abiding by relevant governing bodies 2. Signs and symptoms of ergogenic aid abuse