PDF Version DemoTrust is earned before purchase. PassExamDumps provides a free demo of the CPSS questions so you can inspect the NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist material yourself — download it, judge it, then decide.
NSCA CPSS Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Certified Performance and Sport Scientist |
| Exam Number: | CPSS |
| Related Certifications: | Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS) |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 3 years; recertification requires qualifying continuing education units (CEUs) |
| Exam Price: | USD 340 for NSCA members; USD 475 for non-members; additional USD 25 non-refundable application fee, applied toward the exam registration fee upon approval |
| Exam Duration: | 165 minutes |
| Real Exam Qty: | 115 total items: 100 scored questions and 15 unscored pretest questions |
| Exam Format: | Multiple-choice questions, Computer-based examination, Athlete scenario case studies, Research review case studies, Independent questions, Research interpretation and applied problem-solving |
| Available Languages: | English |
| Passing Score: | Scaled score of 70 or higher on a 1–100 scale |
| Exam Way: | Computer-based examination administered through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. The exam is scheduled after NSCA eligibility approval and registration. Candidates must schedule and take the exam within the authorization period specified by NSCA. |
| Pre Condition: | Candidates must meet one of three eligibility pathways: (1) a bachelor's degree in sport science or a closely related field plus three years of documented full-time professional experience beyond the internship level; (2) a master's degree in sport science or a closely related field plus 12 weeks (480 hours) of applied experience; or (3) a doctoral degree in sport science or a closely related field, with no additional professional experience required. Current CPR/AED certification is also required. Candidates must submit an application and receive eligibility approval before registering for the exam. |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.nsca.com/certification/cpss/cpss-exam-description/ |
NSCA CPSS Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Topic 1: Sport Science Theory and Process | 24% | - Understand and apply principles to enhance sport performance and reduce injury risk - Evaluate sport performance programs using the scientific process for data-informed decision-making - Communicate research findings to inform stakeholders and support evidence-based practice - Critically review sports performance products, technologies, and trends - Evaluate research studies to determine their relevance and applicability to practice - Apply knowledge of athlete preparation and performance, including psychology, physiology, sport skill development, nutrition, recovery, and training models |
| Topic 2: Data Management | 22% | - Design and manage a plan for data collection, storage, analysis, and application - Analyze, model, and interpret data to support performance-related decision-making - Deliver timely, creative, and efficient feedback to stakeholders - Ensure data privacy and security protocols are followed to protect individual and organizational information - Evaluate data quality, including signal integrity and outliers, and apply data cleaning procedures - Communicate the limitations of interpretations and conclusions to ensure responsible application |
| Topic 3: Interdisciplinary Needs Analysis | 25% | - Identify resources and strategies to support short-term and long-term performance goals - Develop profiling benchmarks and milestones for success - Research and identify sport performance demands and constraints through qualitative and quantitative methods - Collaborate with stakeholders to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) - Communicate the results of the needs analysis to relevant stakeholders |
| Topic 4: Assessment and Monitoring | 29% | - Communicate the purpose and application of assessment and monitoring systems, including movement tracking, load monitoring, and biomarkers - Evaluate assessment environments, equipment, and procedures for adherence to safety standards - Systematically reevaluate the efficacy of assessments, protocols, applications, and interventions - Contribute to the development of, document, and follow data collection protocols - Apply quality assurance techniques in data collection - Identify and address ethical and privacy considerations in data collection - Evaluate the validity, reliability, and feasibility of assessment and monitoring tools and select appropriate key performance indicators |
NSCA CPSS: Before You Decide
The NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist exam is split across 4 areas, with Sport Science Theory and Process (24%), Assessment and Monitoring (29%), Interdisciplinary Needs Analysis (25%) carrying the most weight. Study in proportion to those shares — the full outline is in the section above this page.
The NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist exam costs USD 340 for NSCA members; USD 475 for non-members; additional USD 25 non-refundable application fee, applied toward the exam registration fee upon approval per attempt, with Scaled score of 70 or higher on a 1–100 scale required to pass. Fail, and that fee returns in full for the retake. Practice with PassExamDumps questions until your timed mock scores clear Scaled score of 70 or higher on a 1–100 scale comfortably — then the exam fee is a single payment, not a subscription.
The CPSS exam is NSCA's official certification test — passing it earns the NSCA Certification credential at the Advanced level. Its influence comes from how practical it is: employers use the NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist certificate as proof that you can do the work, not just talk about it. It also connects to Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Certified Special Population Specialist (CSPS), giving the credential a natural next step.
Yes — PassExamDumps offers a free demo of the NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist questions so you can see the quality before you pay. After purchase, 365 days of free updates are included; once the year expires, renew the update service at a 50% discount from your member zone.
Delivery is instant: your CPSS product is emailed within one minute of payment — if nothing arrives within 2 hours, check spam and contact our 7x24 support; we reply within two hours and resend immediately. On failure, the guarantee has written terms: sit the corresponding CPSS exam within 60 days of purchase, submit a scanned enrollment slip and the official Score Report PDF within 2 days after the exam, and the refund completes within 7 days. The policy covers the corresponding exam only; attempts within 3 days of purchase, exams never actually taken, free materials, and expired orders are excluded, and the candidate name must match the payer name. If you prefer, exchange your product for two free exam products of equal value and keep the update service on the original.
The NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist exam contains 115 total items: 100 scored questions and 15 unscored pretest questions questions within 165 minutes. That is a tight ratio — the candidates who finish calmly are the ones who practiced under a clock. Run full timed sessions in the PassExamDumps test engine until CPSS exam pacing becomes habit, not hope.
Candidates must meet one of three eligibility pathways: (1) a bachelor's degree in sport science or a closely related field plus three years of documented full-time professional experience beyond the internship level; (2) a master's degree in sport science or a closely related field plus 12 weeks (480 hours) of applied experience; or (3) a doctoral degree in sport science or a closely related field, with no additional professional experience required. Current CPR/AED certification is also required. Candidates must submit an application and receive eligibility approval before registering for the exam. These rules are set by NSCA and may change, so confirm the current requirements on the official exam page: https://www.nsca.com/certification/cpss/cpss-exam-description/ before registering for the NSCA Certified Performance and Sport Scientist exam.
