How Soon Can You Retake the CSCS Exam?

The Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) certification is a rigorous exam that requires a solid understanding of strength and conditioning principles. If you’ve attempted the CSCS exam and failed either one or both sections, don’t worry! You’re not alone, and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association) provides clear guidelines on how and when you can retake the exam. This blog will break down how soon you can retake the exam and explain what you need to do to register for your next attempt, plus tips on preparing for your retake.

The Structure of the CSCS Exam

Before diving into the retake process, it’s important to understand that the CSCS exam is divided into two sections:

1. Scientific Foundations – This section covers exercise science, biomechanics, nutrition, and anatomy.
2. Practical/Applied – This section involves testing & evaluation, exercise technique, program design, and organization and administration, and test evaluation

You need to pass both sections to earn your CSCS certification. However, if you pass one section and fail the other, you only need to retake the section you failed.

When Can You Retake the CSCS Exam?

• 30-Day Waiting Period: If you don't pass the exam, you'll need to wait 30 days before you can retake it. This waiting period is standard in the industry to give you enough time to prepare.
• Online Registration: After the 30-day wait, you can register online to schedule your retake.
• Retake Limits: You can take the exam up to three times within a one-year period. If you don't pass after three attempts, you must wait one full year from your most recent test date before trying again. This is to ensure the security of the exam.
• Documentation: You don’t need to resubmit your eligibility documents unless your CPR/AED certification has expired.
• Retaking One Section: If you only failed one section of the CSCS exam, you only need to retake that section. However, you must pass both sections within one year of your first exam. If you don’t, you’ll need to retake both sections.

How to Register for the CSCS Exam Retake

Registering for a retake is straightforward. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Log into Your NSCA Account: Visit the NSCA website and log into your account.  
2. Access Your Exam Result: Once you’ve received your results, access them through your NSCA profile to confirm which sections you need to retake.
3. Register for the Retake: Select the exam section(s) you need to retake (either one or both sections).  
4. Pay the Retake Fee: The retake fee is required for each section. As of 2024, the retake fee for NSCA members is $250 per section, while non-members pay $325 per section. Ensure you have this payment ready when registering.  
5. Schedule Your Exam: Once registered, you can choose a testing center and schedule your exam date and time. Be sure to pick a date that gives you enough time to study and prepare.

Tips for Success on Your Retake

• Get really good at active recall:
  • Close your materials: After studying for 10-15 minutes, stop and try to recite or write down everything you remember without looking at your notes.
  • Spot the gaps: This process will highlight any areas where your understanding is weak, revealing topics you thought you knew but couldn’t recall.
  • Review and reinforce: Go back to your notes and correct any mistakes. This cycle of recalling and reviewing is key to solidifying your understanding.
• Use strategic note taking:

  • Effective note-taking goes beyond simply copying information—it’s about connecting and applying ideas.

    • Make it real: While studying, relate the concepts to real-life examples, like situations with a client or athlete. This makes abstract ideas more concrete.
    • Focus on application: The CSCS exam emphasizes practical application, so ensure your notes help you understand not just the theory but how to apply it in real-world situations.
• Focus on 1 topic at a time:

  • Cramming multiple topics into one study session can lead to confusion. Instead, try this approach:

    • Set realistic goals: Aim to fully grasp one new concept per session. This keeps your study time focused and manageable.
    • Build your study guide: Write down everything you’ve learned about each topic, and over time, this will turn into a comprehensive study guide to help you prepare for practice tests.
• Try to Get Hands On Experience If You Can
  • Gain experience: If possible, try to get some hands-on experience in a gym or strength training environment, even if it’s just observing. This will help you better understand how to work with athletes and manage training settings.
  • Stick to the guidelines: Be careful not to rely too much on assumptions based on real-life experiences. The CSCS exam tests specific knowledge required by the NSCA, so focus on their standards and pay attention to details like box heights or cone distances.

Support & Courses Available

Ready for more support to help you prep for the CSCS exam? Join our Facebook Group, “Strength and Conditioning Study Group,” here. Ready for even more? Our 24-module CSCS Prep Course has Chapters 1-24 completely broken down for you into easy-to-understand topics, plus chapter quizzes to help you pass the NSCA exam; click the link here to check it out.