When to take ACSM workshop, how to begin studying... - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[JNJ.Violette]

Excuse my ignorance, but I just got my ACSM books to prepare for the CPT. Anyway, does anyone have a suggestion as to HOW to begin studying? I have these books in my lap...do I just open each book one at a time and start memorizing? I've had Ex. Phys., Anatomy, and Kines. classes, but its been years!! I'm way rusty.

ALSO, when is the best time to attend the 3-day workshop? At the beginning of studying (so I'll know what to study)? At the end (as a review for the test)?

I appreciate any help.

Thanks to all!!

[Dinah]

Hi JNJ --

You're certainly not alone in feeling lost re: how to study for the ACSM CPT. There's no hard and fast rules on how to do this, but it is recommended that you review the major textbook first -- Resources for the Personal Trainer. Since you have a background in the major areas, I am sure it will come back to you after the first read-through.

I've seen where some start making flashcards during the second round of text review. And then when you start to feel comfortable with what you're reading, you should begin to test yourself. Some of the ACSM-provided tests are worthwhile and so is the Cert Review. The Starting-Your-Own-Personal-Training-Business web site has a 750-question test that I really found useful towards the end of my studying.

As far as the workshop, I've come across a variety of different answers as to when to take it. I had been through the material once and was starting to go back through and make flashcards and start the Cert Review. So it was about mid-way through my studies when I took it. I felt like it helped bring into focus what I had been reading and then set me up for what to focus on for the balance of my studying.

I also found a study buddy on this very site. We made flashcards for every KSA, discussed the topics in-depth and tested one another. That's the other thing -- make sure you are familiar with every KSA listed for the CPT. If you aren't -- go back and research it. This is the backbone of what's required for you to know...not only for the test, but for being a good ACSM CPT.

When you're starting to make 90% or better on all of the tests and you really are understanding the material thoroughly (not just memorizing the answers '-), then you should be ready.

You can also, if you haven't already, check back through the ACSM part of this site and look through the various tips and helpful info. I know it's been extremely helpful for a lot of people.

Ok, good luck and let us know if you have questions along the way.


Dinah

[JNJ.Violette]

That was great, Dinah. I truly thank you for all the suggestions. I'll definitely do what you said. I'm under no time constraint, so I'll make sure I understand things before moving on.

Again, thank you! Have a super day.

[JNJ.Violette]

I hope you see my "thank you", Dinah. I'm still learning how this forum works as far as replying, etc. I got an email with your remarks, clicked on a link, thanked you, then it looked like my reply to you appeared BEFORE my question. Either way, thank you!!!

Hi JNJ --

You're certainly not alone in feeling lost re: how to study for the ACSM CPT. There's no hard and fast rules on how to do this, but it is recommended that you review the major textbook first -- Resources for the Personal Trainer. Since you have a background in the major areas, I am sure it will come back to you after the first read-through.

I've seen where some start making flashcards during the second round of text review. And then when you start to feel comfortable with what you're reading, you should begin to test yourself. Some of the ACSM-provided tests are worthwhile and so is the Cert Review. The Starting-Your-Own-Personal-Training-Business web site has a 750-question test that I really found useful towards the end of my studying.

As far as the workshop, I've come across a variety of different answers as to when to take it. I had been through the material once and was starting to go back through and make flashcards and start the Cert Review. So it was about mid-way through my studies when I took it. I felt like it helped bring into focus what I had been reading and then set me up for what to focus on for the balance of my studying.

I also found a study buddy on this very site. We made flashcards for every KSA, discussed the topics in-depth and tested one another. That's the other thing -- make sure you are familiar with every KSA listed for the CPT. If you aren't -- go back and research it. This is the backbone of what's required for you to know...not only for the test, but for being a good ACSM CPT.

When you're starting to make 90% or better on all of the tests and you really are understanding the material thoroughly (not just memorizing the answers '-), then you should be ready.

You can also, if you haven't already, check back through the ACSM part of this site and look through the various tips and helpful info. I know it's been extremely helpful for a lot of people.

Ok, good luck and let us know if you have questions along the way.


Dinah

[Dinah]

Nope, you did just fine. You'll get the hang of the forum and studying for the CPT exam.

And you're very welcome.


Regards,

Dinah