CPSS | Certified Performance and Sport Scientist
The NSCA Certified Performance & Sport Scientist® (CPSS®) is the ultimate credential for professionals driving success in individual and team sports performance. As a CPSS, you’ll collaborate with athletes, coaches, and performance teams to optimize training, enhance recovery, and decrease injury risk using scientific, data-driven approaches.
Revolutionize how success is achieved and analyzed — turn raw data into a clear picture of performance potential and influence strategies that push boundaries. Lead the future of sport science and redefine what’s possible across performance settings.
Apply for the CPSS Exam
Before registering, review the exam requirements and study for the exam.
What Does a Certified Performance & Sport Scientist Do?
Earning your CPSS puts you at the forefront of science-driven performance, positioning you to excel in environments where data fuels results. Certified Performance & Sport Scientists collaborate within multidisciplinary teams to enhance performance through needs analyses, tailored program design, and context-specific adaptations. Whether working in high-performance sports, tactical units, or research settings, you’ll apply advanced skills to optimize training, monitor progress, and build resilience. As a sport science professional, your scientific processes ensure recommendations are evidence-based and built for impact.
The CPSS is ideal for: sport scientists, tactical performance leaders, and innovative practitioners ready to elevate their careers with research-backed strategies.
What Jobs Are Available for a Certified Performance & Sport Scientist?
The CPSS is often preferred or required for roles such as:
- Sport Science Coordinator or Manager
- Human Performance Lead
- Director of Sport Science or Athletic Performance
- Director of Sport Performance and Analytics
- Senior Director of Health and Performance
- Senior Research Scientist (Biomechanist, Physiologist, or Data Scientist)
When hiring a Sport Scientist, consider experience levels, the desired job functions, and salary.
Find performance and sport science jobs near you on the NSCA Job Board.
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Holding the CPSS demonstrates your advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in these domains:
- Training Theory and Process
- Needs Analysis
- Acute and Chronic Monitoring
- Communication and Education
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Professionals from other fitness, health, and wellness-related domains can also benefit from the CPSS, including:
- Academic Researchers and Sport Science Educators
- Athletic Trainers
- Biomechanics or Physiology Specialists
- Fitness and Wellness Directors
- Nutritionists and Performance Dietitians
- Performance Analysts
- Product Developers for Wearables and Athletic Tech
- Rehabilitation Professionals (Physical and Occupational Therapists)
- Sports Medicine Practitioners
- Strength & Conditioning Coaches
Why Choose CPSS Certification
Pioneering Excellence
From high-performance teams to tactical training units, sport science is driving the future of human performance. Rising to meet this demand, the NSCA launched the CPSS in 2021 — the first stateside sport science certification. Earning this credential validates your ability to help transform performance through data-driven practices.
Trusted at the Top
Elite sports, tactical, and research organizations rely on CPSS professionals to drive results — Major League Soccer (MLS) requires CPSS certification for their mandated performance and sport scientist role. The NSCA also maintains strong partnerships with professional and collegiate leagues and organizations, including the NBSCA, PBSCCS, PFPCA, PSPA, SCAPH, and USA Bobsled Skeleton.
Redefining Performance
As a CPSS, you’ll command the evolution of a rapidly growing field where innovation drives outcomes. With exercise physiologist employment projected to grow 10% by 2033, your CPSS empowers you to meet the demand with advanced strategies and technology. Unlock career flexibility, enjoy competitive salaries, and set the standard in a new era of sport science.
CPSS Requirements & Fees
CPSS Certification Requirements
The CPSS is an advanced certification. Eligibility is determined by your degree and experience.
• Meet one of three educational and professional pathways (see requirements)
• Have a current CPR/AED certification
Eligibility documentation must be submitted and approved before you can continue the registration process.
CPSS Exam Registration Fees
| Registration Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application Fee* | $25 |
| Member Exam Registration | $340 |
| Non-member Exam Registration | $475 |
*The non-refundable application fee will be applied toward your exam registration fee once your application is approved. Exam preparation materials not included in registration.
NSCA Membership
Save $135 on your CPSS exam and join NSCA’s elite network performance and sport science professionals. Unlock exclusive discounts from exam prep to events, free continuing education, and unmatched support as an NSCA Member.
Not Sure Which NSCA Certification Is Right for You?
Compare types of training, groups you can support, eligibility requirements, and more across NSCA’s five industry-leading certifications.
How to Earn Your CPSS
Step 1: Review the Exam Description
Explore the CPSS Scope of Practice, including scientific disciplines, technology assessment, and scientific research processes.
Step 2: Study for the CPSS Exam
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, discover how to study for the CPSS exam using our detailed preparation guide.
Step 3: Register for the CPSS Exam
Ready to apply your CPSS exam? Learn about test center locations, retakes, foreign language options, and more.
Exam Preparation Resources
NSCA Certification Handbook
Required Reading: Learn what it takes to earn and maintain your NSCA certification.NSCA Resources & Study Materials
Purchase our CPSS textbook and browse other recommended resources selected by sport science subject matter experts.Sport Science Community
Join NSCA’s dedicated Sport Science and Performance Technology Special Interest Group to engage with active professionals.
Stay Certified & Complement Your CPSS
Maintain Your NSCA Certification
Once you hold the CPSS, staying certified means staying current through lifelong learning. Earn qualifying continuing education units (CEUs) and recertify every three years to build your skills and advance your career.
Recertifying with Distinction (*D)
Recertifying with distinction (*D), is one of the ways the NSCA acknowledges certified individuals who volunteer, contribute, and play a significant role in fulfilling the NSCA’s mission.
Earn NSCA’s Prestigious CSCS®
If you hold at least a Bachelor’s degree, you also qualify to sit for the CSCS. Become a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist® to deepen your expertise in exercise technique, program design, and more.
Disclaimer: The CPSS exam is based upon the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to safely and effectively work as a strength and conditioning specialist. These KSAs are developed following a job analysis and are used to create the CPSS Detailed Content Outline (DCO). To support individuals seeking certification as a strength and conditioning specialist, the NSCA has developed several optional preparatory materials. The NSCA does not require, provide, or endorse any specific study guides, preparation materials, or review courses. Candidates who choose to use and/or purchase NSCA preparatory materials are not guaranteed a passing score on certification exams offered by the NSCA.
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