ACE CPT EXAM ADVICE? - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[seanp]

I am new to this site and have just begun to study for the ACE CPT exams. I have a BS in Phys Ed but it's been over 10 years since I have studied Anat/Phys/Kineisiology etc. I am kind of feeling overwhelmed when reading the text and taking notes i.e. am I taking too many notes..not taking enough notes...not taking the right notes etc etc. I have researched the Morrison Study Guides and others. I guess what my questions would be is. Have any of you found these study guides to be helpful? Is there any advice anyone can offer when studying? I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions.

Thanks,

Sean

[PhillyJen]

Hi Sean,

I think I may be most recent passer of the ACE-CPT on these boards. If you've looked over on the ACE boards, don't be discouraged. I swear those people are trying to use every spare brain cell to memorize the book. I try to pursuade them otherwise, but there's too many people over there with that mindset.

It is overwhelming and you're led to believe that you have to know EVERY SINGLE WORD in the manual. Not true. I haven't looked into the study guides, as I think I do well on my own, but whatever helps you digest the info is always worth it. I do wish I'd have had the Netter's anatomy flash cards I got after I took the CPT.

Frankly, I think with the base of knowledge you have, if you've been working in the field, you may be able to read the book once and glean enough info to pass the test.

I just posted the below on the ACE forums. Hope it helps!!

Jen

"I would spend the most time on the manual. Despite what you read on these boards, you do NOT need to kill yourself with the difficult formulas, minute details of exercise physiology or anatomy, or periodization. They do not ask about things like insertion points of muscles and nerves and all that. You do not need to study for ages in order to pass. I know people get nervous and try to learn the manual cover to cover, but it's really not necessary.

With my method of studying, I was very comfortable with the material when I took the test. I bought the ACE premier package. I went with the 20 week schedule, and I had a few extra weeks for review before I took the written test. I studied on my own and didn't use any additional classes or anything like that.

1. Read the chapter
2. Take VERY detailed notes
3. Answer the questions in the Home Study Course and Master the Manual
4. Read and study the muscles section of the little skinny anatomy book (if you got it) and take the quizzes on the CD
5. Study the flashcards or make your own.
6. Invest in the online quiz. It really made me feel a lot more secure in what I knew.
7. The CDs were worthless and just confused me more.
8. DVD was OK, but not really necessary.

Know the following:
1. Karvonen Formula
2. BMI
3. Calories per nutrient
4. Posture and anatomical position
5. Planes of motion
6. Basic nutrition
7. Muscles, where they are, how they work, what exercises they are involved in, and what exercises properly strengthens them
8. Difference between the flexors and extensors, especially in the lower body.
9. Special populations & diseases
10. Exercise programming. It will come in handy with both the multiple choice and the practical knowledge portions.
11. What advice you can and can't dispense
12. What can get you sued
13. The ACE Code of Conduct

Also, DO study those sidebars and charts, especially in chapter 3. I made sure I got up and did all the movements, especially with learning the planes. I touched and flexed all the muscles so I knew where they were. I also picked up a set of Netter's Anatomy Flashcards after I had taken my test. They were $35, but they would have been a huge help while I was studying.

Just keep in mind that the tests are designed to make you PASS, not fail. ACE wants you to pass. They are NOT trying to trick you. If they were, no one would ever take the test an they'd be out of business. They want as many certified professionals as possible so 1) their member base goes up, and 2) they can make $$ on CEC's.

Most importantly, RELAX!! If you stress, you won't remember as much. And...everything builds off those first 3 chapters so you will revisit that material."

[seanp]

Thank you Jen, I really appreciate the prompt response. This is some good info, I will look into the Netter's Anatomy Flashcards as well. Again, thanks for the info...I can tend to stress a bit in regards to exams, this definitely helps!!!

Sean

[kenazari]

To appear for this exam you MUST have a strong command of program assesment, design and modification. There are a series of questions of the professional role. My advice is to focus on program evaluation, planning, for implementation, and change. Try to get some practical experience, if not already. Also remember that while each situation has a few exceptions, the questions cover most situations.