Essentials of Strength and Conditioning Exam Prep Test Bank
1 Overview
This test bank for the NSCA CSCS and ISSA Strength and Conditioning exams provides 20 solved multiple-choice ques-
tions with verified answers and rationales, aligned with *Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning* (4th Ed.). Ver-
ified as of June 3, 2025, at 12:54 PM EAT, it includes study helpers for exam preparation. Full resources are available via
NSCA, Stuvia, or Trainer Academy. Ref:,[](https://www.nsca.com/certification/cscs/cscs-study-materials/)[](https://traineracadem
practice-test/)
2 Sample Exam Questions
2.1 Anatomy and Biomechanics
2.1.1 Question 1.1 (4 marks)
Which muscle acts as a synergist to the rectus femoris dur-
ing the upward phase of a back squat?
a. Anterior tibialis
b. Iliopsoas
c. Biceps femoris
d. Rectus abdominis
Answer: b
Rationale: The iliopsoas assists hip flexion in the squat’s
upward phase, synergizing with the rectus femoris (80Difficulty:
Understanding
Helper: Mnemonic: “Iliopsoas = Hip Flexor Friend.”
Objective: Anatomy
2.1.2 Question 1.2 (5 marks)
A coach observes excessive thoracic kyphosis during a squat
assessment. What is the likely cause?
a. Tight hamstrings
b. Weak glutes
c. Overactive chest muscles
d. Poor ankle mobility
Answer: c
Rationale: Overactive chest muscles (pectoralis major) pull
the shoulders forward, causing kyphosis in 60Difficulty: An-
alyzing
Helper: Tip: Kyphosis = Chest tightness, rounded shoul-
ders.
Objective: Biomechanics
2.1.3 Question 1.3 (4 marks)
What type of muscle contraction occurs during the down-
ward phase of a bicep curl?
a. Isometric
b. Concentric
c. Eccentric
d. Isotonic
Answer: c
Rationale: Eccentric contraction lengthens the biceps un-
1
, der load in 90Difficulty: Remembering
Helper: Mnemonic: “Eccentric = Extending Under Load.”
Objective: Biomechanics
2.1.4 Question 1.4 (5 marks)
Which lever type is exemplified by a calf raise?
a. First-class
b. Second-class
c. Third-class
d. Fourth-class
Answer: b
Rationale: Calf raises use a second-class lever (fulcrum at
toes, load at body weight), seen in 70Difficulty: Applying
Objective: Biomechanics
2.1.5 Question 1.5 (4 marks)
Which bone is part of the ankle joint?
a. Femur
b. Talus
c. Scapula
d. Humerus
Answer: b
Rationale: The talus, with tibia and fibula, forms the ankle
joint in 100Difficulty: Remembering
Helper: Table: Ankle = Tibia, Fibula, Talus.
Objective: Anatomy
2.2 Exercise Physiology and Nutrition
2.2.1 Question 2.1 (4 marks)
What is the primary energy source during a 10-second sprint?
a. Carbohydrates
b. Fats
c. Proteins
d. Creatine phosphate
Answer: d
Rationale: Creatine phosphate fuels ATP production for
90Difficulty: Understanding
Helper: Mnemonic: “Short Sprint = Creatine Power.”
Objective: Physiology
2.2.2 Question 2.2 (5 marks)
An athlete consumes 450g carbs, 75g protein, and 100g fat
daily. What is a potential issue?
a. Excessive protein
b. Insufficient carbohydrates
c. Low protein intake
d. High fat intake
Answer: c
Rationale: At 165 lbs (75 kg), the athlete needs 90–150g
protein (1.2–2.0g/kg) for 80Difficulty: Analyzing
Helper: Tip: Protein = 1.2–2.0g/kg for athletes.
Objective: Nutrition
2
1 Overview
This test bank for the NSCA CSCS and ISSA Strength and Conditioning exams provides 20 solved multiple-choice ques-
tions with verified answers and rationales, aligned with *Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning* (4th Ed.). Ver-
ified as of June 3, 2025, at 12:54 PM EAT, it includes study helpers for exam preparation. Full resources are available via
NSCA, Stuvia, or Trainer Academy. Ref:,[](https://www.nsca.com/certification/cscs/cscs-study-materials/)[](https://traineracadem
practice-test/)
2 Sample Exam Questions
2.1 Anatomy and Biomechanics
2.1.1 Question 1.1 (4 marks)
Which muscle acts as a synergist to the rectus femoris dur-
ing the upward phase of a back squat?
a. Anterior tibialis
b. Iliopsoas
c. Biceps femoris
d. Rectus abdominis
Answer: b
Rationale: The iliopsoas assists hip flexion in the squat’s
upward phase, synergizing with the rectus femoris (80Difficulty:
Understanding
Helper: Mnemonic: “Iliopsoas = Hip Flexor Friend.”
Objective: Anatomy
2.1.2 Question 1.2 (5 marks)
A coach observes excessive thoracic kyphosis during a squat
assessment. What is the likely cause?
a. Tight hamstrings
b. Weak glutes
c. Overactive chest muscles
d. Poor ankle mobility
Answer: c
Rationale: Overactive chest muscles (pectoralis major) pull
the shoulders forward, causing kyphosis in 60Difficulty: An-
alyzing
Helper: Tip: Kyphosis = Chest tightness, rounded shoul-
ders.
Objective: Biomechanics
2.1.3 Question 1.3 (4 marks)
What type of muscle contraction occurs during the down-
ward phase of a bicep curl?
a. Isometric
b. Concentric
c. Eccentric
d. Isotonic
Answer: c
Rationale: Eccentric contraction lengthens the biceps un-
1
, der load in 90Difficulty: Remembering
Helper: Mnemonic: “Eccentric = Extending Under Load.”
Objective: Biomechanics
2.1.4 Question 1.4 (5 marks)
Which lever type is exemplified by a calf raise?
a. First-class
b. Second-class
c. Third-class
d. Fourth-class
Answer: b
Rationale: Calf raises use a second-class lever (fulcrum at
toes, load at body weight), seen in 70Difficulty: Applying
Objective: Biomechanics
2.1.5 Question 1.5 (4 marks)
Which bone is part of the ankle joint?
a. Femur
b. Talus
c. Scapula
d. Humerus
Answer: b
Rationale: The talus, with tibia and fibula, forms the ankle
joint in 100Difficulty: Remembering
Helper: Table: Ankle = Tibia, Fibula, Talus.
Objective: Anatomy
2.2 Exercise Physiology and Nutrition
2.2.1 Question 2.1 (4 marks)
What is the primary energy source during a 10-second sprint?
a. Carbohydrates
b. Fats
c. Proteins
d. Creatine phosphate
Answer: d
Rationale: Creatine phosphate fuels ATP production for
90Difficulty: Understanding
Helper: Mnemonic: “Short Sprint = Creatine Power.”
Objective: Physiology
2.2.2 Question 2.2 (5 marks)
An athlete consumes 450g carbs, 75g protein, and 100g fat
daily. What is a potential issue?
a. Excessive protein
b. Insufficient carbohydrates
c. Low protein intake
d. High fat intake
Answer: c
Rationale: At 165 lbs (75 kg), the athlete needs 90–150g
protein (1.2–2.0g/kg) for 80Difficulty: Analyzing
Helper: Tip: Protein = 1.2–2.0g/kg for athletes.
Objective: Nutrition
2
