CSCS Professional Standards & Ethics 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CSCS is working with a minor athlete. Compared to working with adults, what additional consideration is most important?
- Minors can self-consent to all training procedures
- Parental or guardian consent must be obtained before initiating training (Correct answer)
- Training documentation is not required for minors
- Intensity should always be higher to develop early adaptation
Correct answer: Parental or guardian consent must be obtained before initiating training
Minors cannot legally provide independent informed consent, so parental or guardian consent is required.
Question 2: A CSCS falsely claims on a resume to hold a clinical nutrition license they do not possess. This violates which ethical principle?
- Principle of beneficence
- Principle of honesty and integrity (Correct answer)
- Principle of autonomy
- Principle of non-maleficence
Correct answer: Principle of honesty and integrity
Misrepresenting credentials constitutes dishonesty and directly violates professional integrity standards.
Question 3: When is it appropriate for a CSCS to provide specific dietary supplement recommendations to a client?
- Whenever the client requests them
- Only when the CSCS also holds a registered dietitian credential or equivalent licensure (Correct answer)
- After reviewing the client's bloodwork personally
- Never, as this is always outside CSCS scope
Correct answer: Only when the CSCS also holds a registered dietitian credential or equivalent licensure
Detailed individualized supplement prescriptions typically require additional licensure such as RD; general information may be within scope depending on state law.
Question 4: A CSCS notices an athlete showing signs of disordered eating. What is the most professionally appropriate action?
- Design a more aggressive caloric deficit program
- Refer the athlete to a qualified mental health or medical professional (Correct answer)
- Share the observation with teammates to build accountability
- Ignore it unless the athlete raises the issue first
Correct answer: Refer the athlete to a qualified mental health or medical professional
Disordered eating requires specialized intervention beyond the CSCS scope; referral to appropriate professionals is mandatory.
Question 5: Which of the following represents an appropriate dual relationship for a CSCS?
- Becoming a client's romantic partner while continuing to train them
- Training a family member with full transparency and professional boundaries maintained (Correct answer)
- Accepting large personal gifts that could compromise objectivity
- Sharing confidential client data with a third-party business partner
Correct answer: Training a family member with full transparency and professional boundaries maintained
Training family members can be appropriate when professional standards and clear boundaries are maintained and disclosed.
Question 6: A CSCS is asked to design a program for a client who is currently under care for a serious cardiac condition. What step is essential before beginning?
- Proceed with a conservative program without delay
- Obtain medical clearance and relevant guidelines from the client's physician (Correct answer)
- Advise the client to stop cardiac medications to improve performance
- Use only bodyweight exercises to avoid all risk
Correct answer: Obtain medical clearance and relevant guidelines from the client's physician
Medical clearance from the client's physician is essential before initiating exercise programming for individuals with serious cardiac conditions.
Question 7: According to NSCA professional standards, which of the following is required documentation when testing athletes?
- Only verbal instructions are needed for trained athletes
- Pre-activity health screening, informed consent, and test protocols (Correct answer)
- A signed coach authorization form only
- Insurance policy copies for each athlete
Correct answer: Pre-activity health screening, informed consent, and test protocols
Proper testing documentation includes health screening forms, informed consent, and standardized test protocols for legal and ethical protection.
CSCS Professional Standards & Ethics 3
A CSCS is working with a minor athlete.
Compared to working with adults, what additional consideration is most important?