Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Testing, Evaluation & Needs Analysis 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a needs analysis when designing a strength and conditioning program?
- To determine the equipment budget
- To identify the sport's physiological demands and the athlete's current fitness level (Correct answer)
- To schedule competition dates
- To evaluate the coach's credentials
Correct answer: To identify the sport's physiological demands and the athlete's current fitness level
A needs analysis identifies the physiological and biomechanical demands of the sport and the athlete's current fitness to guide individualized program design.
Question 2: Which test is commonly used to assess lower-body anaerobic explosive power in athletes?
- VO2max treadmill test
- Vertical jump test (Correct answer)
- 1.5-mile run test
- Sit-and-reach test
Correct answer: Vertical jump test
The vertical jump test measures lower-body explosive anaerobic power and is widely used in athletic assessment.
Question 3: What does the Wingate Anaerobic Test primarily measure?
- Aerobic capacity (VO2max)
- Flexibility
- Peak and mean anaerobic power output (Correct answer)
- Isometric grip strength
Correct answer: Peak and mean anaerobic power output
The 30-second Wingate test measures peak anaerobic power and mean anaerobic power on a cycle ergometer.
Question 4: Which skinfold site is located at the back of the upper arm, measured at the posterior midline between the acromion and olecranon?
- Suprailiac
- Triceps (Correct answer)
- Subscapular
- Thigh
Correct answer: Triceps
The triceps skinfold is measured at the posterior midline of the upper arm at the level midway between the acromion and olecranon processes.
Question 5: The T-test primarily assesses which physical quality?
- Upper-body strength
- Cardiovascular endurance
- Agility and change of direction speed (Correct answer)
- Flexibility
Correct answer: Agility and change of direction speed
The T-test measures agility and change of direction speed by requiring sprinting and lateral movement in a T-shaped pattern.
Question 6: For maximal squat testing, what safety measure does the NSCA recommend?
- No spotters are required
- One spotter behind the lifter only
- A power rack or spotters on each side of the bar plus one behind (Correct answer)
- Three spotters standing in front of the lifter
Correct answer: A power rack or spotters on each side of the bar plus one behind
NSCA recommends using a power rack or having spotters positioned at each side of the bar and behind the lifter for maximal squat testing.
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Testing, Evaluation & Needs Analysis 1
What is the primary purpose of a needs analysis when designing a strength and conditioning program?