Professional Standards & Ethics Flashcards
7 cards from real CSCS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Professional Standards & Ethics flashcards as text
A CSCS is employed by a university and is pressured by a head coach to exceed safe training loads to improve team performance before a major event. What should the CSCS do?
Answer: Advocate for athlete safety and document concerns in writing if overridden
The CSCS must prioritize athlete safety and use professional channels to document and escalate unsafe directives.
What is the primary purpose of the NSCA's Code of Ethics for CSCS professionals?
Answer: To establish a framework of conduct that protects clients and upholds the profession
The NSCA Code of Ethics provides guiding principles to ensure safe, competent, and ethical professional conduct.
A CSCS observes that a supplement company is making false performance claims in marketing materials. What is the most appropriate response?
Answer: Refrain from endorsing or distributing the product and consider reporting the misleading claims
A CSCS must not associate with or promote products making unsupported or misleading claims, to protect clients and their own professional integrity.
Which of the following would constitute a boundary violation in the CSCS-client relationship?
Answer: Accepting significant monetary gifts beyond normal professional fees
Accepting significant gifts can compromise objectivity and professional boundaries, representing an ethical violation.
A CSCS is asked to submit a research study for publication and is listed as a co-author despite minimal involvement. What ethical issue does this raise?
Answer: Ghost authorship and misrepresentation of scholarly contribution
Ghost or honorary authorship—claiming credit for research without significant contribution—is a recognized form of scientific misconduct.
When a CSCS moves to a new employer and wants to use previous client data for training program templates, what must they ensure?
Answer: Client data is de-identified or explicit consent is obtained before any reuse
Client data remains confidential and cannot be transferred or reused without de-identification or explicit informed consent.
A CSCS who fails to maintain current CPR/AED certification is in violation of which professional obligation?
Answer: Minimum competency and emergency preparedness standards
Current CPR/AED certification is a baseline competency requirement ensuring the CSCS can respond to emergencies in the training environment.