Directory · updated with each new exam
All exams, grouped by certifier
Today five exams have a full section: two from the NSCA, two from ACSM and the BOC exam for athletic trainers. Each section opens with an overview and a practice test, and splits the exam’s content outline into one page per domain. Three more exams are listed at the end with checked facts and no practice set yet.
Updated Oct 27, 2026 · Not affiliated with NSCA, ACSM, BOC, CSCCa, ISSA or USAW.
NSCA exams
| Certification | Content outline in force | Questions on the exam | Testing time | Where you test | Practice | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSCS | July 2025 | 220 (190 scored) | 4 h | Test center only | Practice test Exam facts | [1][2] | |
| TSAC-F | February 2024 | 150 (130 scored) | 3 h | Test center or online (US) | Practice test Exam facts | [2][3] |
ACSM exams
| Certification | Content outline in force | Questions on the exam | Testing time | Where you test | Practice | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACSM-EP | July 2025 (GETP 12) | 140 (125 scored) | 3 h 30 min | Test center or online | Practice test Exam facts | [4][5][6] | |
| ACSM-CEP | July 2025 (GETP 12) | 115 (100 scored) | 3 h 30 min | Test center or online | Practice test Exam facts | [6][7][8] |
Athletic training
| Certification | Content outline in force | Questions on the exam | Testing time | Where you test | Practice | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOC (ATC) | PA8 (2023) | 175 | 4 h | Test center, 2-week windows | Practice test Exam facts | [9][10] |
What each section holds
Every exam section has the same core: an overview, a practice test, an exam facts page (format, scoring, eligibility, retakes and renewal), a cost page and a study guide. Then come the domain pages, one per area of the content outline, each with its own question set. A few sections add a page their candidates search for:
- CSCS: a page on the textbook, Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning.
- BOC (ATC): how to become an athletic trainer, from program to license.
- ACSM-EP and ACSM-CEP: a requirements page each, for the degree, the hours and the audit (EP, CEP).
- TSAC-F: tactical strength and conditioning, on what changes when the client wears a uniform.
When two exams cover the same ground, one section explains it and the other points there; which exam owns which topic is listed on about this site.
Next in line: facts, no questions yet
| Certification | Certifying body | Eligibility | Questions on the exam | Testing time | Exam price | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPSS | NSCA | Graduate degree or bachelor’s + 3 years | 115 (100 scored) | 2 h 45 min | $340 / $475 | [2] | |
| CSPS | NSCA | NSCA/NCCA cert or degree route | 110 (100 scored) | 2 h 30 min | $340 / $475 | [2] | |
| ISSA SCC | ISSA | Course enrollment | Not published | Not published | $639 courseas of Oct 27, 2026 · course price as listed on the check date | [11][12] |
Choosing between them
Sources
- NSCA: CSCS Job Task Analysis Summary 2025 (PDF) nsca.com · checked Oct 27, 2026
- NSCA Certification Handbook, effective July 1, 2026 (PDF) nsca.com · checked Oct 27, 2026
- NSCA: TSAC-F Job Task Analysis Summary (PDF) nsca.com · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM-EP exam content outline, effective July 10, 2025 (PDF) acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM: Certified Exercise Physiologist acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM Candidate Handbook, July 2025 (PDF) acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM-CEP exam content outline, effective July 10, 2025 (PDF) acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ACSM: Certified Clinical Exercise Physiologist acsm.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- BOC: exam candidates bocatc.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- BOC Practice Analysis, 8th Edition: content outline (PDF) bocatc.org · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ISSA: Strength and Conditioning certification issaonline.com · checked Oct 27, 2026
- ISSA: FAQs issaonline.com · checked Oct 27, 2026