NSCA CPSS EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2024-2025
Understand the relevant theory and principles that underpin training. - ANSWER
Training Load model, Periodization, Parallel training model, Sequential Training Model,
Periodization vs Programming - 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 best is accomplished when the
periodization process is integrated with ongoing monitoring.
How is biological adaptation achieved? - ANSWER by disturbing the current capacity of
the system
What is supercompensation? - ANSWER Supercompensation is the effect whereby
performance is enhanced if the body is able/allowed to adapt.
What syndrome is supercompensation related to? - ANSWER General adaptation
syndrome
What is general adaptation syndrome? - 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? - 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? - ANSWER
Fitness-fatigue model
What is the dose-response relationship? - ANSWER relationship between the size of an
administered dose and the intensity of the response produced
What qualifies as external load? - ANSWER Amount of weight lifted, distance/speed of
running, its what an athlete has done.
What is the term used when a response of an athlete to an external load has occurred? -
ANSWER Internal load
How is external load measured? - ANSWER camera systems, global positioning systems,
local positioning systems, often in conjunction with other sensors such as
accelerometers and power meters.
What is the principle based on the energy cost of acceleration is equal to running at a
constant speed up an "equivalent slope"? - ANSWER Metabolic Power
What is the most appropriate equation for quantifying resistance training load? -
ANSWER Number of sets x number of repetitions x percent repetition max
What is performance? - ANSWER A function of the difference between fitness and
fatigue
Which central and peripheral sites contribute to fatigue? - ANSWER Activation of the
motor command (brain)
Propagation of the action potential through the descending motor pathway
Myofilament excitation-contraction coupling
Status of the intracellular milieu
2024-2025
Understand the relevant theory and principles that underpin training. - ANSWER
Training Load model, Periodization, Parallel training model, Sequential Training Model,
Periodization vs Programming - 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 best is accomplished when the
periodization process is integrated with ongoing monitoring.
How is biological adaptation achieved? - ANSWER by disturbing the current capacity of
the system
What is supercompensation? - ANSWER Supercompensation is the effect whereby
performance is enhanced if the body is able/allowed to adapt.
What syndrome is supercompensation related to? - ANSWER General adaptation
syndrome
What is general adaptation syndrome? - 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? - 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? - ANSWER
Fitness-fatigue model
What is the dose-response relationship? - ANSWER relationship between the size of an
administered dose and the intensity of the response produced
What qualifies as external load? - ANSWER Amount of weight lifted, distance/speed of
running, its what an athlete has done.
What is the term used when a response of an athlete to an external load has occurred? -
ANSWER Internal load
How is external load measured? - ANSWER camera systems, global positioning systems,
local positioning systems, often in conjunction with other sensors such as
accelerometers and power meters.
What is the principle based on the energy cost of acceleration is equal to running at a
constant speed up an "equivalent slope"? - ANSWER Metabolic Power
What is the most appropriate equation for quantifying resistance training load? -
ANSWER Number of sets x number of repetitions x percent repetition max
What is performance? - ANSWER A function of the difference between fitness and
fatigue
Which central and peripheral sites contribute to fatigue? - ANSWER Activation of the
motor command (brain)
Propagation of the action potential through the descending motor pathway
Myofilament excitation-contraction coupling
Status of the intracellular milieu
