CSCS Test – Quick and Easy Study Tips for Success
I've been flooded with questions about the CSCS test as of late.
Not because I'm particularly smart (though it must be a contributing factor) or handsome (check that as well), but because of this article on passing the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist exam that I wrote way back in 2014.
And looks like even Google appreciates the knowledge bombs I'm dropping all over the place in that one.
Ranking right up there for "CSCS exam"
Simply put, that 3200+ word mammoth of a blog post of mine can now officially be considered the #1 resource on preparing for the CSCS exam.
So all you guys ending up on my site via googling "how to pass the CSCS test"... you're in for some more exam prep sexiness today.
Personally, I always found nutrition related questions in the exam easy. But I can also understand how they can be confusing to some.
So I thought I'd walk you through a few mock nutrition questions one of the readers of this site recently sent me, and the logic behind arriving at the right answer.
That way, when exam day rolls around - you'll be rocking enough ammo to go in feeling lucky, punk.
Let's go...
(original email and my answers below slightly edited for clarity)
"Hi there! I am hoping you may help with a few questions I got wrong after taking NSCA Nutrition practice exam. I'm clueless on a few of the ones i got wrong.
Q1: A 120lb marathon runner begins to taper one week before her race. 3 days prior to the race, she begins to carb load. Approx. how many grams of carbs is most appropriate?
The CSCS textbook states, "The diet should provide 600g of C per day, or 8-10g/kg of body weight."I multiplied 8*120 and 10*120. Neither of those #s totaled any of the options. I don't mathematically understand how the answer is 550g."
Answer: You need to first convert pounds into kilograms, so 120 lb = 55 kg. Then 55x10 = 550.
Q2: A female college bball Forward is in-season. She is in caloric balance and is content with her weight. Daily caloric intake consists of: Carb 1500 cal, Protein 500 cal, Fat 350 cal. Which of the following is MOST appropriate to recommend?
Answer is to Maintain Carb, Decrease Protein, and Increase Fat.
I assumed she'd want to maintain her fat, increase her Carb and Protein intake. She's not a marathon runner so why would she increase her fat? I automatically assumed the correct answer was false."
Answer: Her total calories are C 1500, P 500 and F 350, so overall 2350 cal. Carbs amount to 64% of her total calories, protein 21% and fat 15%. It's recommended that at least 20% of total calorie intake should come from fats. Thus, fat needs to go up.
Q3: 18 year old baseball player is 5'10" and weighs 170 lb. Wants to increase muscle mass and strength. Which of the following is the most appropriate daily intake of protein?
Answer is 554.
Text states "Bc most athletes do not fall neatly into one category, a general recommendation of 1.5-2.0 g/kg of bodyweight ensures adequate protein intake." So I multiplied 170*1.5=155g and 170*2=340g. neither of those #s are a possible answer.
Answer: I assume 554 refers to protein CALORIES, not grams?
Math is simple: 170 lb athlete, so bodyweight is ca. 77 kg. 77x1.5 = 115.5 and 77x2 = 154. So protein grams need to be between 115.5-154.
Protein CALORIES (grams x4) will be 115.5x4 = 462 and 154x4 = 616. That means 554 falls within the recommended range of 1.5-2g/kg.
Additional advice... you gotta know your conversions inside out in the exam. Pounds to kilograms, inches to centimeters, macronutrient grams to calories, and vice versa.
Side note: The NSCA just came out with the 4th edition of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, which is the official CSCS textbook (and no, you won't pass the CSCS test without reading it).
You can get it here:
Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning 4th Edition
Side note #2: Many readers have told me this article on prepping for the CSCS exam is the best free resource they have come across online.
I've converted it into a PDF file you can download for quick and easy reference whenever you want, even when you're offline.
PLUS you get the CSCS Exam Prep Cheatsheet (print-ready) that serves as your guide map on your way toward acing the CSCS exam in 90 days or less.
Click the yellow button below to get both FREE.
If you enjoyed this article, please do a brother a favor by liking, commenting and sharing it with others who might dig it as well.
Thanks!
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