How to Prepare for the TSAC-F Exam
Plan your study for the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator® (TSAC-F®) exam.
Getting started can feel overwhelming, but exam preparation doesn’t have to be. Follow clear steps, from setting your study timeline to foundational references and optional NSCA Exam Prep resources. Plus, get added support through interactive community options — so you can stay on track, gain clarity, and approach exam day ready.
Plan Your Timeline
After you’ve confirmed your eligibility, plan for your exam target date and map out your study time.
Preparing for the TSAC-F exam takes steady effort, and the time you’ll need depends on your background. Use this table to estimate your study timeline and commit to steady weekly study sessions.
|
Exercise Science Related Degree |
Internships or Practical Experience |
Approximate Length of Time |
|
Yes |
Yes |
3 to 6 weeks |
|
Yes |
No |
3 to 6 months |
|
No |
Yes |
4 to 6 months |
|
No |
No |
6 to 9 months |
Not Sure if the TSAC-F Is Right for You?
Compare types of training, groups you can support, eligibility requirements, and more across NSCA’s five certifications.
Build Your Foundation
Start with NSCA-produced references. These resources provide the basis for your TSAC-F exam preparation.
NSCA Certification Handbook
Required Reading: Learn key exam policies and processes to earn and maintain your NSCA certification.
TSAC-F Detailed Content Outline (DCO)
Use the exam blueprint to see every domain and task assessed, then align your study schedule to those areas.
Choose Your Resource and Study
Select a mix that fits your study style. Many candidates find these optional resources to be invaluable for organizing and supporting their prep.
Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning
Read the cornerstone textbook — recommended for TSAC-F preparation but, not required. It also serves as a valuable go-to resource throughout your career.
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- Learn scientific principles, program design methods, and exercise techniques for military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue personnel.
- Review tactical research with practical applications for reducing injury risk, building resilience, and improving performance.
- Explore chapters on nutrition, wellness, assessments, and strategies tailored to tactical populations.
- Learn scientific principles, program design methods, and exercise techniques for military, law enforcement, and fire and rescue personnel.
Additional Independent Study Tools
Work through NSCA Exam Prep materials at your pace. These optional products can help you build structure, check readiness, and target key exam areas.
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- TSAC-F Study Guide — Organize content by exam domain and track progress.
- TSAC-F Quizzes & Practice Test — Assess your knowledge with domain quizzes and a full-length practice test.
- Essentials of Tactical Strength and Conditioning — Read the foundational text with tactical-specific applications.
- TSAC-F Exam Prep Online — Review modules covering all domains with a short practice exam.
- TSAC-F Platinum and Essential Collections — Bundle for the most comprehensive preparation and best overall value.
- TSAC-F Study Guide — Organize content by exam domain and track progress.
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Interactive Community Support
If you learn best by asking questions, talking it through, or seeing key concepts thoroughly explained, these engaging options may provide the encouragement you need.
TSAC-F Exam Prep Study Group
Join a moderated online community open to all, with fellow candidates preparing for the exam. Stay motivated by asking questions, exchanging strategies, and learning from resources shared by NSCA admins.
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Course
While not explicitly designed as exam prep, this four-day, in-person course includes study materials and TSAC-F exam registration. Explore program design and exercise technique with instructors who bring tactical expertise.Register and Schedule When You’re Ready
Learn how to register for and schedule your exam — including test center locations, retakes, foreign language options, and more.
Disclaimer: The TSAC-F exam is based on the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to safely and effectively work as a tactical strength and conditioning facilitator. These KSAs are developed following a job analysis and are used to create the TSAC-F Detailed Content Outline (DCO). To support individuals seeking certification as a tactical strength and conditioning facilitator, the NSCA has developed study materials. Purchasing NSCA study materials is not required to register for and using NSCA study materials does not guarantee a passing score on NSCA’s certification exam. Additional reading resources can be found in NSCA’s Certification Handbook.
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