Official NSCA exam study and question thread

[donnajo]

I am studying to take the exam as well as others so I thought this could be a great place to discuss anything pertaining to that and also to get answers from those of us who have taken the exam or are more experienced.

Also, to get any tips from those who have taken the exam.

So, if you have taken it feel free to offer up advice as it comes to mind.

Let the fun begin..........

[Erik]

I will reiterate my main tip.

Don't think the practice exams are representative of the difficulty of the actual exam.

[fitmonkey]

You need to know a lot more than just the main text tells you, and even the video symposium. Answers are not black and white. You will be required to analyze and think for yourself in the exam.
i.e.
If you have a multiple choice it will not be like this "Which one of these things is a color? A. apple B. orange C. Banana D. platypus

[Erik]

i.e.
If you have a multiple choice it will not be like this "Which one of these things is a color? A. apple B. orange C. Banana D. platypus

I just burst out laughing.

:funny:

[Ana]

You need to know a lot more than just the main text tells you, and even the video symposium. Answers are not black and white. You will be required to analyze and think for yourself in the exam.
i.e.
If you have a multiple choice it will not be like this "Which one of these things is a color? A. apple B. orange C. Banana D. platypus
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to fitmonkey again.
:lol3: :lol3:

[fitmonkey]

I was being serious though. :D
Some tests would be happy to pass you if you could tell a bicep from a gluteus maximus!

[Noel Clark]

I was being serious though. :D
Some tests would be happy to pass you if you could tell a bicep from a gluteus maximus!
soooo true

[donnajo]

So, is this a good method of study. I have the text, the symposium, a sample exam, the exercise technique video and workbook. I got a great deal on these on ebay. Payed less than half for it all if I ordered it from NSCA. Just a good hint for anybody out there to save money.

OK, back to study. What is the best way to organize this? I have been looking over the text right now and starting with the areas I am weakest and leaving what I know or my strengths for later.

Any other tips on studying for it?

[Erik]

I think, depending on how many practice exams you have, taking one right now and then seeing where you're strong and where you're weak is a good idea.

The areas you're weak in, as evidenced by how well you do on that section of the test, you focus your attention on.

[donnajo]

I think, depending on how many practice exams you have, taking one right now and then seeing where you're strong and where you're weak is a good idea.

The areas you're weak in, as evidenced by how well you do on that section of the test, you focus your attention on.


Good idea. I will do that. I only have one practice exam. But I could take it and then buy a another one to take later.

:shock: I am scared to take it.

[Noel Clark]

Good idea. I will do that. I only have one practice exam. But I could take it and then buy a another one to take later.

:shock: I am scared to take it.
Which one do you have?

[donnajo]

volume 1

[Noel Clark]

I have 2 and 3. If you want them :D

[donnajo]

Yes Please:girly:
I have 2 and 3. If you want them :D


and thank you.

[Noel Clark]

Yes Please:girly:


and thank you.
K

pm me your addy

[donnajo]

Noel, Did you ever send them? No rush, I just didn't want them to have gotten lost in the mail and I did not know.I don't need them yet, just checking so take your time if you didn't send them..

[Ali]

I think...I might try to do this. :unsure:

You think this particular cert is way better than some of the others that are easier to get? Kind of expensive, no?

Donna...do you have other certs?

[donnajo]

I think...I might try to do this. :unsure:

You think this particular cert is way better than some of the others that are easier to get? Kind of expensive, no?

Donna...do you have other certs?

I think NSCA and ACSM are the best.

I have NASM currently and I think that is a good one but I think for me having that and NSCA is a good mix. If I was to pick again which one to do first I would do NSCA.

[Ali]

Thanks, DJ. :)

I'm off to look at books on eBay. I wonder if I would take a Kinesiology course. :unsure:

[Erik]

I wrote this I guess just for fun back in October. I had to wait to get my results due to not having my AED (to go along with CPR).

Finally got my scores back today. I passed. :lol:

Overall - 90%

[donnajo]

Thanks, DJ. :)

I'm off to look at books on eBay. I wonder if I would take a Kinesiology course. :unsure:

They have to tracks of studying they suggest for those with a college degree and those without. So look at that first. I have a college degree but I am doing the non degree suggestions because I have been out of school for almost ten years.

[donnajo]

I wrote this I guess just for fun back in October. I had to wait to get my results due to not having my AED (to go along with CPR).

Finally got my scores back today. I passed. :lol:

Overall - 90%

Great job Erik. That is an awesome score. So, if you got a 90 I should get what? just passing. :lol:

[Erik]

Great job Erik. That is an awesome score. So, if you got a 90 I should get what? just passing. :lol:

You'll do fine. Ironically, I did better on the CSCS exam. :lol:

On this test you needed 87 answers correct to pass.

My lowest area was Safety, Emergency Procedures and Legal Issues - I got 11/14 on that one - 78.5% :lol:

[donnajo]

You'll do fine. Ironically, I did better on the CSCS exam. :lol:

On this test you needed 87 answers correct to pass.

My lowest area was Safety, Emergency Procedures and Legal Issues - I got 11/14 on that one - 78.5% :lol:


That is why I did not feel safe on my plan. I always wondered how you would get to TN fast if there was an emergency! :lol3:


Actually, I think I will do fine. I have always been able to test well. I scored high 90's on my NASM exam and I always did well in college when it came to testing. Now, if I have to write an essay. Well, that is a weak area. I am a horrible writer.

I thought the CSCS was harder. I actually have all the materials from that from college but when I did not go that route I never took the exam.

[donnajo]

Ali, this is what I found on ebay. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=1&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=NSCA+books&sacat=267%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=37923&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1


But if you are not in a rush you might want to wait because sometimes you can get the whole package of everything you need like I did. Go to NSCA's website and see what they suggest and what you think you need based on your knoweledge and then go to ebay. I got the text, exam, symposium , and exercise technique workbook and video. All for half the price.

[Ali]

I wrote this I guess just for fun back in October. I had to wait to get my results due to not having my AED (to go along with CPR).

Finally got my scores back today. I passed. :lol:

Overall - 90%

:scratch:

Thanks for your input.

Congrats on passing!

[Erik]

:scratch:

Thanks for your input.

What?

[Ali]

Ali, this is what I found on ebay. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&dfsp=1&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=NSCA+books&sacat=267%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=37923&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1


But if you are not in a rush you might want to wait because sometimes you can get the whole package of everything you need like I did. Go to NSCA's website and see what they suggest and what you think you need based on your knoweledge and then go to ebay. I got the text, exam, symposium , and exercise technique workbook and video. All for half the price.



Thanks, Donnajo. :)

[Ali]

What?

I don't understand what you are saying. Did you post info a while ago that I missed? I did a search already.

[Erik]

I don't understand what you are saying. Did you post info a while ago that I missed? I did a search already.

:confused:

Searched for what? I was just saying that I took this test back in October and I got my results back. :scratch:

Sorry my post didn't contain any usable info.

[Ali]

:confused:

Searched for what? I was just saying that I took this test back in October and I got my results back. :scratch:

Sorry my post didn't contain any usable info.

I'm just confused...nevermind.

[fitfan]

I am studying to take the exam as well as others so I thought this could be a great place to discuss anything pertaining to that and also to get answers from those of us who have taken the exam or are more experienced.

Also, to get any tips from those who have taken the exam.

So, if you have taken it feel free to offer up advice as it comes to mind.

Let the fun begin..........
first time posting. I just took the exam. Be sure to know every muscle/tendon bone by name. They do not ask questions in layman's terms very technical. The good and bad thing about the test is that you really really need to know your stuff.

[Noel Clark]

first time posting. I just took the exam. Be sure to know every muscle/tendon bone by name. They do not ask questions in layman's terms very technical. The good and bad thing about the test is that you really really need to know your stuff.

:yeahthat:

I was telling Amy that exact thing...Know them well too

[donnajo]

Great advice. Ali if you can wait I can lend you my materials. Just a thought.

I have been studying tonight a lot. and finally taking a break.


Thanks for the usefull advice everyone. Please.. Please, keep it coming. I want to know it all but where to focus is important.

[Ali]

Is there anything here that I DON'T need? $700 is a big chunk of change for me, but I want to be prepared. Is there a benefit to becoming a member? (other than saving on the materials). That's about $120, I guess. And then plus and anatomy/kinesiology text?? I wonder if they have this stuff at the college bookstore. ? I found a set on eBay, but it's just partial.

Does it matter if it's a 2007 set?
Is there and advantage/disadvantage to paper/pencil vs. what? computer?

Products Included:

•
NSCA-CPT Paper/Pencil Exam Registration
(CPT-027)

•
NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training textbook
(CPT-001)

•
Essentials of Personal Training Multimedia Symposium CDs
(CPT-018)

•
NSCA-CPT Exam Content Description booklet
(CPT-004)

•
Free Weight and Machine Exercise Techniques video
(CSCS-008)

•
Exercise Technique Checklist Manual
(CSCS-009)

•
NSCA-CPT Practice Exam, Volume 1
(CPT-009)

•
NSCA-CPT Practice Exam, Volume 2
(CPT-011)

•
NSCA-CPT Practice Exam, Volume 3
(CPT-014)


Members: $459.95
Non-Members: $724.95

[Erik]

Is there anything here that I DON'T need? $700 is a big chunk of change for me, but I want to be prepared. Is there a benefit to becoming a member? (other than saving on the materials).

Yes.

You'll save on your actual exam ... I think.

You also need CEUs to maintain the certification or you lose it. That means some seminar/conference attendance (or there are some other ways you can gain some CEUs

It pays for itself very quickly.


That's about $120, I guess. And then plus and anatomy/kinesiology text?? I wonder if they have this stuff at the college bookstore. ? I found a set on eBay, but it's just partial.

Honestly, if you just studied from the text, plus learned some muscle anatomy, you'll be ok.



Does it matter if it's a 2007 set?
Is there and advantage/disadvantage to paper/pencil vs. what? computer?


Doesn't matter if it's an 07 set. I don't know about the different tests. I wrote everything in person.

[Ali]

Yes.

You'll save on your actual exam ... I think.

You also need CEUs to maintain the certification or you lose it. That means some seminar/conference attendance (or there are some other ways you can gain some CEUs

It pays for itself very quickly.



Honestly, if you just studied from the text, plus learned some muscle anatomy, you'll be ok.

Does it matter if it's a 2007 set?
Is there and advantage/disadvantage to paper/pencil vs. what? computer?



Doesn't matter if it's an 07 set. I don't know about the different tests. I wrote everything in person.


Ok...thanks. :)

[Steve]

This can be helpful for those trying to learn anatomy and it's free:

www.getbodysmart.com

It even has quizes.

[Ali]

This can be helpful for those trying to learn anatomy and it's free:

www.getbodysmart.com

It even has quizes.

Can't rep you. :dry:

Awesome. Thanks. :clap:

[Steve]

Can't rep you. :dry:

Awesome. Thanks. :clap:

Welcome, Ali!

[michellebelle]

I just bought the text and an anatomy book and was well prepared. You don't need everything that is suggested on the NSCA site.

[Anca]

I just bought the text and an anatomy book and was well prepared. You don't need everything that is suggested on the NSCA site.

Your avi is so cool! Are you having a baby soon? Are you currently a personal trainer- and if yes, was it difficult to find a job? I have no idea if the NSCA-CPT would pretty much guarantee a job- I heard it's the best certification there is.
Do they even allow you to train people when obviously pregnant?
... Sorry for the "interview". :D Trying to make up my mind if I want to go for it or not. And how it will play out with having kids later. Maybe.

[donnajo]

Your avi is so cool! Are you having a baby soon? Are you currently a personal trainer- and if yes, was it difficult to find a job? I have no idea if the NSCA-CPT would pretty much guarantee a job- I heard it's the best certification there is.
Do they even allow you to train people when obviously pregnant?
... Sorry for the "interview". :D Trying to make up my mind if I want to go for it or not. And how it will play out with having kids later. Maybe.

Did you get the books on ebay?

[Anca]

Did you get the books on ebay?

Nope. The set had cassette tapes and I have no way to play these. :shrug:

[michellebelle]

Your avi is so cool! Are you having a baby soon? Are you currently a personal trainer- and if yes, was it difficult to find a job? I have no idea if the NSCA-CPT would pretty much guarantee a job- I heard it's the best certification there is.
Do they even allow you to train people when obviously pregnant?
... Sorry for the "interview". :D Trying to make up my mind if I want to go for it or not. And how it will play out with having kids later. Maybe.

Yes, my due date is February 9th.

It's not going to guarantee you a job...people who know about certifications in the industry know it's a good one, but honestly, the majority of people (gym management included) know nothing about certifications. That was my experience, at least, but jobs as a trainer aren't too difficult to find where I live.

I didn't train clients too long into pregnancy just because I had some lifting restrictions. For safety reasons (and because how do you demonstrate proper form on, say, a deadlift when you can only lift 15 pounds) I stopped around month four. I was able to move into managing the business office at the gym, so it's worked out for me. I plan on staying there even when I go back from maternity leave. Being a personal trainer just wasn't what I expected. :lol:

It could be ideal work if you are planning on a family later, though. Depending on where you work you have flexibility in terms of hours and the amount of time you want to spend working. So if you're not looking for the traditional 40 hour work week it might work out well for you.

[donnajo]

I have my NASM certification so I could start working now. I am going to start at my gym training in may or June when my friend moves here from Atlanta. We are going to watch each others kids so we can both work part time.

I decided to get the NSCA because I want more knoweledge and it is one of the best. Plus I feel like I am doing something productive til I can start working.

My gym is affiliated with a hospital and requires a lot of their instructors and trainers. They have a great structure and pay scale and I really respect how they run their programs.

[Anca]

Yes, my due date is February 9th.

It's not going to guarantee you a job...people who know about certifications in the industry know it's a good one, but honestly, the majority of people (gym management included) know nothing about certifications. That was my experience, at least, but jobs as a trainer aren't too difficult to find where I live.

I didn't train clients too long into pregnancy just because I had some lifting restrictions. For safety reasons (and because how do you demonstrate proper form on, say, a deadlift when you can only lift 15 pounds) I stopped around month four. I was able to move into managing the business office at the gym, so it's worked out for me. I plan on staying there even when I go back from maternity leave. Being a personal trainer just wasn't what I expected. :lol:

It could be ideal work if you are planning on a family later, though. Depending on where you work you have flexibility in terms of hours and the amount of time you want to spend working. So if you're not looking for the traditional 40 hour work week it might work out well for you.

Oh wow! Congratulations! ;) You're pretty much due any day now- I've heard that many babies are born a little early!
Yeah, 4-5 months into pregnancy is what I was thinking too as far as keeping one-on-one clients. After that you start showing and can't lift as hard (and can't demo all the exercises, such as the ones on your back).
That's nice that you were able to change to office work. For me, it would be more of a hobby than a job. So I like the flexibility part.

[Anca]

Ok so I decided to go for it! ;) I got the biggest kit they have since, although I've been training for 8 years, I am pretty much clueless about the technical aspects of it. :oops:
I was also looking at a musculoskeletal anatomy book (by Sieg, I believe; it was spiral-bound and thin, with illustrations and names of all the major and minor muscles and bones). Anyone have other recommendations? I would really like something concise not some 400 pg book meant for doctors or nurses!
Are we supposed to know e-v-e-r-y single little muscle and bone or just the major ones? I was looking at the "hands" and there are like, 20 bones just there! :faint:

[donnajo]

Ok so I decided to go for it! ;) I got the biggest kit they have since, although I've been training for 8 years, I am pretty much clueless about the technical aspects of it. :oops:
I was also looking at a musculoskeletal anatomy book (by Sieg, I believe; it was spiral-bound and thin, with illustrations and names of all the major and minor muscles and bones). Anyone have other recommendations? I would really like something concise not some 400 pg book meant for doctors or nurses!
Are we supposed to know e-v-e-r-y single little muscle and bone or just the major ones? I was looking at the "hands" and there are like, 20 bones just there! :faint:

:popcorn:

[Noel Clark]

focus on the muscles. I don't recall bones being on there...

[Anca]

focus on the muscles. I don't recall bones being on there...

Oh good! I just bought some Musculoskeletal Flash Cards and all I see on them is muscles. Doesn't "skeletal" mean bones? :unsure:
Do we need to know everything about each muscle? Such as, how the fibers run, what action it assists in, what it is attached to (as far as bones and joints)? Or would it be enough to know and be able to locate each muscle?
Also, out of the 240 flash cards, 60 or so were on muscles of the head and neck. I really don't think facial anatomy would play a big part in the test! :lol: Should I just skim through those as opposed to memorizing them?

[Anca]

Anyone? Noel? Erik?
:popcorn:

[Noel Clark]

Major muscles..no facial stuff :lol:

When they talk about a muscle..know where it is and what type of exercise would work it.

[Anca]

Major muscles..no facial stuff :lol:

When they talk about a muscle..know where it is and what type of exercise would work it.

Thank you! ;)

[Anca]

I have a feeling by the time I'm done studying I'll bring this thread up to 20 pages. :lol3:
I came up with another question: for the test, do we need to know the detailed chemical reactions that occur during a muscle action? How about the details in the biomechanics section of the book (I skimmed a little through it). I mean, I can probably "get it" when I read it and retain a vague idea of the concepts, but to be able to repeat it back, that is a whole different ball game. :rolleyes:
Honestly, I had a hard time just understanding and memorizing the structure of the muscle cell from the smallest to the greatest. I've always been more "literary-oriented" and creative than science-type.
:help:

[donnajo]

I found a website with free online study flashcards. You can practice on the website to study.

http://www.flashcardexchange.com/google?domains=www.flashcardexchange.com&q=nsca&sitesearch=www.flashcardexchange.com&client=pub-5814868776588505&forid=1&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&cof=GALT%3A%23008000%3BGL%3A1%3BDIV%3A%23336699%3B VLC%3A663399%3BAH%3Acenter%3BBGC%3AFFFFFF%3BLBGC%3 A336699%3BALC%3A0000FF%3BLC%3A0000FF%3BT%3A000000% 3BGFNT%3A0000FF%3BGIMP%3A0000FF%3BFORID%3A11&hl=en&sa=Search

[Original Kloe®]

Bumping, cause I've been studying for this and am overwhelmed! *eek*!!!

I've read over the thread and it seems like I REALLY need to know my muscles... more anatomy than anything. Should I be re-memorizing origin/insertions and functions of every muscle known to man?! :blink: :suicide:

I heard another huge focus of the exam is on exercise technique-- true?

Anyone have practice exams they can sell me?! :bannana:

[Anca]

Bumping, cause I've been studying for this and am overwhelmed! *eek*!!!

I've read over the thread and it seems like I REALLY need to know my muscles... more anatomy than anything. Should I be re-memorizing origin/insertions and functions of every muscle known to man?! :blink: :suicide:

I heard another huge focus of the exam is on exercise technique-- true?

Anyone have practice exams they can sell me?! :bannana:

I haven't taken the exam yet but highly doubt you'll need to know all those details about insertion points etc. Just know the major muscles and what exercises work them. For instance, if a question is "which dynamic warm-up exercises work the hip extensors?" you need to know which muscles are in the hip extensor group. Makes sense?
Yep exercise technique is a big part of the exam- heck, it will be most of what we'll be instructing clients on, right? From what I understand there will be video questions too (as in "what is this client doing wrong on this exercise?"). Not sure how that's going to be set up- maybe they'll have computer monitors although it's a paper&pencil exam (that's the one I registered for).
Sorry I have no exams to sell. (Yet ;) ). I have 3 practice ones but haven't taken them yet.

[MichelleS]

I have to retake the test cause :blondmoment: I forgot to send in my cpr card when I got it done 6 months after my test

[Erik]

Bumping, cause I've been studying for this and am overwhelmed! *eek*!!!

I've read over the thread and it seems like I REALLY need to know my muscles... more anatomy than anything. Should I be re-memorizing origin/insertions and functions of every muscle known to man?! :blink: :suicide:


Some anatomy and function, but nothing to do with origins and insertions.



I heard another huge focus of the exam is on exercise technique-- true?


Yes, this is important to know, but this should be the easy part for most competent people.



Anyone have practice exams they can sell me?! :bannana:

Just an FYI on this one - the practice exams are representative of the format of the actual tests, but are NOT representative of the test difficulty. Not that it's hard, but the practice exams are very easy comparatively speaking.

[Original Kloe®]

What's a better format-- the paper/pencil exam, or the computer based exam?!

I know the paper one requires waiting FOREVER to get your results, and with the computer based you find out if you passed right away...

But in terms of actually writing the exam, what format did you write, and what was your experience?

I'm trying to decided! :D

[Erik]

I wrote both the NSCA-CPT and the CSCS the old fashioned way. We found out in I think 6 weeks.

Mind you, I knew I did very well right away. :shrug:

[MichelleS]

I did the paper and it took about 3 or 4 hours to take the test.

[Anca]

:bump:

Just took the test on Saturday- I posted my thoughts about it on page 498 of my journal. ;)