CSCS study plan
CSCS · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Exercise Sciences (scientific foundations)
Explain the three energy systems and identify which one predominates at given exercise intensities and durations
Diagram the sliding-filament sequence and classify muscle fiber types by oxidative and glycolytic capacity
Apply lever, torque, and moment-arm principles to ten common free-weight and machine exercises
Calculate work, power, and mechanical advantage for given load, displacement, and velocity scenarios
Describe the acute cardiovascular and respiratory responses to a single bout of resistance exercise
Your checkpoint
Closed-book 30-question Domain 1 quiz (bioenergetics, neuromuscular, biomechanics) scored at or above 80%, with every missed item rewritten as a correct one-sentence statement.
Exercise Sciences (scientific foundations) & Program Design
Compare chronic adaptations to resistance versus aerobic training across muscle, bone, connective tissue, and cardiorespiratory variables
Summarize endocrine responses (anabolic and catabolic) to resistance exercise and their training implications
Map each Domain 1 concept to a specific program-design decision such as rest interval, load, or exercise order
Define intensity, volume, frequency, and rest using percent-of-1RM and RPE anchors
Distinguish anatomical, biomechanical, and metabolic rationale for exercise selection
Your checkpoint
A two-column 'science to design decision' reference table with at least 25 rows, each pairing a scientific principle with the training variable it drives.
Program Design
Design a 12-week periodized macrocycle for a hypothetical strength athlete, labeling mesocycles and loading progressions
Select loads, volumes, rest intervals, and progression schemes matched to hypertrophy, strength, and power goals
Modify a written program for a client with a stated injury history using safe exercise substitutions
Sequence warm-up and resistance-training exercise order to reflect stated priority goals
Justify each training variable with one evidence-based rationale sentence
Your checkpoint
One complete 12-week periodized program for a described hypothetical client, with a rationale sentence written next to every training variable.
Program Design & Exercise Technique
Script the setup, execution, and two to three coaching cues for squat, deadlift, bench press, overhead press, and power clean
Identify 15 common technique faults and pair each with a corrective cue or drill
Apply spotting and safety rules to free-weight, machine, and Olympic-lift scenarios
Match exercise selection to movement pattern, joint action, and training goal
Explain breathing and bracing mechanics during heavy compound lifts
Your checkpoint
A technique cue card set for 10 core lifts (setup, execution, cues, three common faults each), self-checked against the fault-correction list.
Exercise Technique & Testing and Evaluation
Administer and interpret field and laboratory tests including 1RM, vertical jump, agility T-test, and submaximal aerobic tests
Order a testing session to minimize fatigue contamination across power, strength, and endurance measures
Calculate and interpret reliability, validity, and typical error from given test-retest data
Select and justify a test battery for a described athlete using validity and reliability criteria
Convert raw test scores into percentile rankings using provided normative tables
Your checkpoint
A written six-test battery for one hypothetical athlete including testing-day sequence, normative interpretation table, and a justification sentence per test.
Testing and Evaluation & Nutrition (scientific foundations)
Interpret descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients applied to test data
Calculate energy intake and macronutrient targets for a described athlete from body mass and training load
Evaluate the evidence and safety caveats for creatine, caffeine, and beta-alanine supplementation
Apply pre-, intra-, and post-training nutrition and hydration timing guidelines
Explain the physiological rationale for each nutrition recommendation made
Your checkpoint
A one-day nutrition plan for a described 80 kg strength athlete with calories, grams of each macronutrient, fluid target, and a timed meal and supplement schedule.
Nutrition (scientific foundations) & Organization and Administration
Draft a strength facility layout and equipment list that satisfies traffic-flow and safety standards
Write an emergency action plan outline covering roles, communication, and equipment access
Specify daily, weekly, and annual equipment inspection and sanitation schedules
Describe staff qualification, liability, and record-keeping requirements for a training facility
Your checkpoint
A two-page package containing an emergency action plan outline and a tiered equipment inspection and sanitation checklist (daily, weekly, annual).
Exercise Sciences (scientific foundations) & Nutrition (scientific foundations) & Exercise Technique & Program Design & Testing and Evaluation & Organization and Administration
Complete two full-length timed practice exams and log accuracy by domain and sub-topic
Re-teach the three weakest sub-topics from memory without notes
Rewrite every previously flagged item as a correct statement and re-quiz on them
Consolidate all key formulas, normative values, and guideline numbers onto one reference page
Your checkpoint
Two timed mock exams scored at or above 80% overall with no domain below 70%, plus a one-page final formula and key-numbers sheet.
Milestones
Week 2: Domain 1 self-quiz scored at or above 80% and the science-to-design table has at least 25 completed rows.
Week 4: Mixed 50-question Domain 1 plus Domain 4 set scored at or above 75%, and all Week 1 through 4 deliverables are complete.
Week 6: Domain 5 test-battery deliverable and Domain 2 nutrition plan both completed, with a 40-question Domain 2 and 5 set scored at or above 75%.
Week 8: Two timed full-length mock exams completed at or above 80% overall and 70% in every domain.