Essentials of Strength and Conditioning – Exam-Ready Real Questions with Answers Page 1
Essentials of Strength and Conditioning –
Exam-Ready Real Questions with Answers
Introduction
This 2025 study guide equips candidates for the NSCA Certified Strength and Condition-
ing Specialist (CSCS) exam, based on the Essentials of Strength Training and Condition-
ing (4th Edition). Featuring 35 exam-ready, original questions (15 multiple-choice, 15
short-answer, 5 scenario-based) across Scientific Foundations and Practical/Applied do-
mains, it provides verified answers, brief rationales, and exam tips for success. Optimized
for Stuvia upload, it ensures focused preparation.
Exam-Ready Real Questions with Answers
1. Multiple Choice: What is the primary role of the hamstrings during a
sprint? [2 marks]
A. Knee flexion and hip extension
B. Knee extension and hip flexion
C. Ankle dorsiflexion
D. Core stabilization
Model Answer: A
Brief Rationale: Hamstrings flex the knee and extend the hip during sprinting.
Links to Chapter 2, p. 31–32.
Helper Tip: Hamstrings act at knee and hip. Link to “flexion/extension” to avoid
ankle or core traps.
Marking: 2 for A; 0 otherwise.
2. Multiple Choice: What is the primary goal of the Specific Preparation
Phase (SPP)? [2 marks]
A. Build general endurance
B. Enhance sport-specific skills
C. Increase muscle mass
D. Reduce training volume
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: SPP focuses on sport-specific movements and skills. Links to
Chapter 21, p. 510–511.
Helper Tip: SPP is sport-focused. Link to “sport-specific” to avoid endurance or
mass traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
3. Multiple Choice: What is the main benefit of a post-exercise static
stretch? [2 marks]
A. Increase power output
B. Improve flexibility
, Essentials of Strength and Conditioning – Exam-Ready Real Questions with Answers Page 2
C. Enhance anaerobic capacity
D. Build muscle strength
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Static stretching post-exercise enhances flexibility and recovery.
Links to Chapter 16, p. 363.
Helper Tip: Static is post-exercise. Link to “flexibility” to avoid power or strength
traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
4. Multiple Choice: What does the Illinois Agility Test measure? [2 marks]
A. Aerobic endurance
B. Agility and speed
C. Lower-body strength
D. Core endurance
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Illinois Agility Test assesses quick directional changes and speed.
Links to Chapter 13, p. 290–291.
Helper Tip: Illinois is quick movement. Link to “agility” to avoid endurance or
strength traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
5. Multiple Choice: What is supination in the foot? [2 marks]
A. Inward roll
B. Outward roll
C. Flat alignment
D. Low arch
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Supination is the outward roll of the foot during movement. Links
to Chapter 14, p. 318.
Helper Tip: Supination is outward. Link to “outward roll” to avoid pronation or
alignment traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
6. Multiple Choice: What is the primary effect of caffeine supplementation?
[2 marks]
A. Enhance muscle repair
B. Increase alertness
C. Improve flexibility
D. Reduce joint stress
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Caffeine boosts alertness, improving performance intensity. Links
to Chapter 11, p. 230.
Helper Tip: Caffeine is for alertness. Link to “alertness” to avoid repair or flexibility
traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
Essentials of Strength and Conditioning –
Exam-Ready Real Questions with Answers
Introduction
This 2025 study guide equips candidates for the NSCA Certified Strength and Condition-
ing Specialist (CSCS) exam, based on the Essentials of Strength Training and Condition-
ing (4th Edition). Featuring 35 exam-ready, original questions (15 multiple-choice, 15
short-answer, 5 scenario-based) across Scientific Foundations and Practical/Applied do-
mains, it provides verified answers, brief rationales, and exam tips for success. Optimized
for Stuvia upload, it ensures focused preparation.
Exam-Ready Real Questions with Answers
1. Multiple Choice: What is the primary role of the hamstrings during a
sprint? [2 marks]
A. Knee flexion and hip extension
B. Knee extension and hip flexion
C. Ankle dorsiflexion
D. Core stabilization
Model Answer: A
Brief Rationale: Hamstrings flex the knee and extend the hip during sprinting.
Links to Chapter 2, p. 31–32.
Helper Tip: Hamstrings act at knee and hip. Link to “flexion/extension” to avoid
ankle or core traps.
Marking: 2 for A; 0 otherwise.
2. Multiple Choice: What is the primary goal of the Specific Preparation
Phase (SPP)? [2 marks]
A. Build general endurance
B. Enhance sport-specific skills
C. Increase muscle mass
D. Reduce training volume
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: SPP focuses on sport-specific movements and skills. Links to
Chapter 21, p. 510–511.
Helper Tip: SPP is sport-focused. Link to “sport-specific” to avoid endurance or
mass traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
3. Multiple Choice: What is the main benefit of a post-exercise static
stretch? [2 marks]
A. Increase power output
B. Improve flexibility
, Essentials of Strength and Conditioning – Exam-Ready Real Questions with Answers Page 2
C. Enhance anaerobic capacity
D. Build muscle strength
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Static stretching post-exercise enhances flexibility and recovery.
Links to Chapter 16, p. 363.
Helper Tip: Static is post-exercise. Link to “flexibility” to avoid power or strength
traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
4. Multiple Choice: What does the Illinois Agility Test measure? [2 marks]
A. Aerobic endurance
B. Agility and speed
C. Lower-body strength
D. Core endurance
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Illinois Agility Test assesses quick directional changes and speed.
Links to Chapter 13, p. 290–291.
Helper Tip: Illinois is quick movement. Link to “agility” to avoid endurance or
strength traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
5. Multiple Choice: What is supination in the foot? [2 marks]
A. Inward roll
B. Outward roll
C. Flat alignment
D. Low arch
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Supination is the outward roll of the foot during movement. Links
to Chapter 14, p. 318.
Helper Tip: Supination is outward. Link to “outward roll” to avoid pronation or
alignment traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
6. Multiple Choice: What is the primary effect of caffeine supplementation?
[2 marks]
A. Enhance muscle repair
B. Increase alertness
C. Improve flexibility
D. Reduce joint stress
Model Answer: B
Brief Rationale: Caffeine boosts alertness, improving performance intensity. Links
to Chapter 11, p. 230.
Helper Tip: Caffeine is for alertness. Link to “alertness” to avoid repair or flexibility
traps.
Marking: 2 for B; 0 otherwise.
