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NSCA CPSS Questions and Answers
Latest 2026
Understand the relevant theory and principles that
underpin training. Ans: Training Load model,
Periodization, Parallel training model, Sequential Training
Model,
Periodization vs Programming Ans: 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? Ans: by disturbing
the current capacity of the system
What is supercompensation? Ans: Supercompensation is
the effect whereby performance is enhanced if the body
is able/allowed to adapt.
What syndrome is supercompensation related to? Ans:
General adaptation syndrome
© 2025 All rights reserved
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What is general adaptation syndrome? Ans: 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? Ans: 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? Ans:
Fitness-fatigue model
What is the dose-response relationship? Ans: relationship
between the size of an administered dose and the
intensity of the response produced
What qualifies as external load? Ans: 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? Ans: Internal load
How is external load measured? Ans: camera systems,
global positioning systems, local positioning systems,
often in conjunction with other sensors such as
accelerometers and power meters.
What is the principle that the energy cost of acceleration
is equivalent to running at a constant speed up an
"equivalent slope"? Ans: Metabolic Power
© 2025 All rights reserved
NSCA CPSS Questions and Answers
Latest 2026
Understand the relevant theory and principles that
underpin training. Ans: Training Load model,
Periodization, Parallel training model, Sequential Training
Model,
Periodization vs Programming Ans: 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? Ans: by disturbing
the current capacity of the system
What is supercompensation? Ans: Supercompensation is
the effect whereby performance is enhanced if the body
is able/allowed to adapt.
What syndrome is supercompensation related to? Ans:
General adaptation syndrome
© 2025 All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
What is general adaptation syndrome? Ans: 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? Ans: 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? Ans:
Fitness-fatigue model
What is the dose-response relationship? Ans: relationship
between the size of an administered dose and the
intensity of the response produced
What qualifies as external load? Ans: 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? Ans: Internal load
How is external load measured? Ans: camera systems,
global positioning systems, local positioning systems,
often in conjunction with other sensors such as
accelerometers and power meters.
What is the principle that the energy cost of acceleration
is equivalent to running at a constant speed up an
"equivalent slope"? Ans: Metabolic Power
© 2025 All rights reserved
