NSCA CSCS Topic Guide
Testing and Evaluation
Testing and evaluation questions ask whether a test is valid, reliable, practical, sequenced well, and interpreted correctly.
What the exam tends to ask
Reasons for testing and common testing terminology.
Evaluation of test quality before interpreting results.
Testing order, conditions, athlete readiness, and statistical interpretation.
Must-know concepts
Validity
The test must measure the ability the coach claims it measures for the athlete and sport context.
Reliability
Testing procedures should be repeatable enough that changes likely reflect performance, not noise.
Testing battery
Order and recovery matter because one test can fatigue or prime another.
Practice prompts
- 01Choose the best first test in a battery when fatigue would distort later results.
- 02Explain why environmental conditions should be recorded across test days.