HomeWritten/ Practical Examination

Written Examination

Those qualifying to take the SCCC written examination must show their certification approval pass, as well as a legally recognized photo ID (preferably a driver's license), in order to take the certification examination.

1. The written portion of the SCCC certification examination will include questions of both a scientific and practical nature from the following areas:

Muscle Physiology
Bio-Energetics and Metabolism
Neuro-Muscular Concepts
Cardio-Respiratory System (Structure and Function)
Bio-Mechanical Concepts
Responses and Adaptations to Training
Aerobic (Endurance) and Anaerobic (Sprint and Interval) Exercise Prescription
Program Design/Periodization
Free Weight/Machines Training and Techniques

Speed Development/Plyometric Training
Flexibility/Stretching
Nutrition/Supplementation
Body Composition/Weight Management
Testing, Evaluation, and Goal Setting
Facilities/Supervision
Protecting the Health and Safety of the Athlete (Sickle Cell Trait, Rhabdomyolysis, Exertional Heat Illness etc.)

Note: For more information regarding the composition and content of the written portion of the SCCC Certification Examination, please review the SCCC Certification Handbook.

2. The Certification Commission directly oversees the SCCC Certification Examination process. A Written Examination Committee has been created to prepare the written examination questions. The individuals appointed to this certification committee are nationally recognized as leaders in their respective fields.

3. Candidates must receive a passing score on the written certification exam in order to pass this portion.

4. The Written Examination portion of the SCCC Certification Exam is a computer based exam taken through PSI at a PSI testing center near you.

5. To become SCCC certified, everyone must take the written portion of the examination.

6. Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities Available.

For special accommodations other than disabilities, the CSCCa will make every effort to accommodate special needs in respect to certification activities. Any special needs information and requests must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the requested certification exam/evaluation commencement date.

Study Resources

Sample questions

Download a set of sample questions of both a scientific and practical nature from the SCCC Written Certification exam.

Books

The following books are excellent resources for preparing for the SCCC written examination. Click the link below the citation to purchase the book.

Nesser, T.W. (Ed.). (2019). The Professional’s Guide to Strength and Conditioning: Safe and Effective Principles for Maximizing Athletic Performance. Provo, UT: BYU Academic Publishing. Click here to order this textbook which was developed by the CSCCa
National Strength & Conditioning Association. 2016. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, 4th ed., Haff, G. Gregory, and Triplett, N. Travis (eds.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Click here
Powers, S.K.; Howley, E.T. 2021. Exercise Physiology: Theory and Application to Fitness and Performance, 11th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click here
Fleck, S. J., and Kraemer, W. J. 2014. Designing Resistance Training Programs, 4th ed. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. Click here

Articles

CSCCa and NSCA Joint Consensus Guidelines for Transition Periods

NCAA Fact Sheet for Coaches on Sickle Cell Trait

The Inter-Association Task Force for Preventing Sudden Death in Collegiate Conditioning Sessions: Best Practices Recommendations

2023 Secondary recommendations INTERASSOCIATION RECOMMENDATIONS PREVENTING CATASTROPHIC INJURY AND DEATH IN COLLEGIATE ATHLETES.

Videos

Rhabdomyolysis: Overview and Prevention Strategies (Ron Courson, 2017)

Proper Exercise Techniques

Manuals

2022-23 NCAA Division I Manual
2022-23 NCAA Division II Manual
2022-23 NCAA Division III Manual

Practical Examination

Important Note for SCCC Candidates:

As you prepare to sit for the Practical Portion of the SCCC Certification Exam, it is strongly suggested that you study and review the Proper Exercise Technique videos found on the CSCCa website, as this is the standard by which you will be evaluated.

Prior to sitting for the SCCC Certification Examination, all SCCC candidates will be required to design and submit a training program for three week's worth of training for a particular sport. They will be required to include all aspects of the training as if they were in control of the program, keeping in mind that the training is taking place during the early off-season.

The program should be written as if they were handing it to their athletes.

It should be written in the sequence they want the training performed, and should be limited to two pages. (Information regarding this requirement will be sent out to all SCCC candidates approximately two months prior to the exam.)

The practical portion of the examination will be a hands-on demonstration of a variety of strength and conditioning skills and techniques, as well as an oral examination, including questions relevant to the strength and conditioning field, before a panel of Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches. Individuals will also be required to explain and defend the Strength and Conditioning Program they have designed. Candidates must receive a passing score in order to pass this portion of the Certification Examination. For more information regarding the composition and content of the practical portion of the SCCC Certification Examination, please review the SCCC Certification Handbook.

NOTE: Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches who are eligible to be on the panel for the practical portion of the examination will be restricted from evaluating one of their own interns or practicum students.

This portion of the certification examination has been developed by the Practical Examination Committee, a group of Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches.

For first time candidates applying after March 2, 2015: All candidates must take and pass both the written and practical exam. No exceptions will be granted.

Special Accommodations for Candidates with Disabilities Available

The CSCCa makes every effort to maintain compliance with the guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by providing the individual with a qualified disability the opportunity to participate in the CSCCa's certification activities. To request special accommodations, please submit a letter, signed by a qualified health care provider, describing your qualified disability and accommodation needs. For preexisting conditions the request must be submitted at least 60 days prior to the requested certification exam/evaluation commencement date. If injury occurs that would impact the demonstration of exercises within the 60 day window candidates must immediately notify the CSCCa National Office so that appropriate accommodations can be made for fair testing that adheres to CSCCa policy.