1
NSCA CPSS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026/2027
Understand the relevant theory and principles that underpin training. - correct-
answer - Training Load model, Periodization, Parallel training model, Sequential
Training Model,
Periodization vs Programming - correct-answer - Periodization is a a macro-
management strategy that serves as a training blueprint, from which periods of
time are assigned that target specific skills, fitness, or performance related
factors. Volume and intensity are inversely related. 1-3 peaks/macrocycles per
year
Programming is an operation of strategic thinking which is best accomplished
when ongoing monitoring is integrated into the periodization process.
How is biological adaptation achieved? - correct-answer - by disturbing the
current capacity of the system
What is supercompensation? - correct-answer - Supercompensation is the effect
whereby performance is enhanced if the body is able/allowed to adapt.
, 2
What syndrome is supercompensation related to? - correct-answer - General
adaptation syndrome
What is general adaptation syndrome? - correct-answer - The framework of
interaction between the imposed training stress, acute fatigue response,
adaptation, and a new level of homeostasis/performance.
How does overtraining syndrome develop? - correct-answer - After continued
high volume, high intensity training or both when an athlete is over-reached.
Which training model is when performance of a positive fitness effect and a
negative fatigue effect decay exponentially over time but at different rates? -
correct-answer - Fitness-fatigue model
What is the dose-response relationship? - correct-answer - relationship between
the size of an administered dose and the intensity of the response produced
What qualifies as external load? - correct-answer - Amount of weight lifted,
distance/speed of running, its what an athlete has done.
What is it called when an athlete has responded to an external load? - correct-
answer - Internal load
NSCA CPSS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS 2026/2027
Understand the relevant theory and principles that underpin training. - correct-
answer - Training Load model, Periodization, Parallel training model, Sequential
Training Model,
Periodization vs Programming - correct-answer - Periodization is a a macro-
management strategy that serves as a training blueprint, from which periods of
time are assigned that target specific skills, fitness, or performance related
factors. Volume and intensity are inversely related. 1-3 peaks/macrocycles per
year
Programming is an operation of strategic thinking which is best accomplished
when ongoing monitoring is integrated into the periodization process.
How is biological adaptation achieved? - correct-answer - by disturbing the
current capacity of the system
What is supercompensation? - correct-answer - Supercompensation is the effect
whereby performance is enhanced if the body is able/allowed to adapt.
, 2
What syndrome is supercompensation related to? - correct-answer - General
adaptation syndrome
What is general adaptation syndrome? - correct-answer - The framework of
interaction between the imposed training stress, acute fatigue response,
adaptation, and a new level of homeostasis/performance.
How does overtraining syndrome develop? - correct-answer - After continued
high volume, high intensity training or both when an athlete is over-reached.
Which training model is when performance of a positive fitness effect and a
negative fatigue effect decay exponentially over time but at different rates? -
correct-answer - Fitness-fatigue model
What is the dose-response relationship? - correct-answer - relationship between
the size of an administered dose and the intensity of the response produced
What qualifies as external load? - correct-answer - Amount of weight lifted,
distance/speed of running, its what an athlete has done.
What is it called when an athlete has responded to an external load? - correct-
answer - Internal load
