CES Exam - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Modoc]

Hi all,

I just stumbled across this site and thought I would check it out. I am actually looking for a bit of advice. Two years ago I graduated with a BS in Kinesiology and a concentration in exercise science. This September I will be getting a promotion to cardiac rehab. My new job doesnt require this certification but I would like it so I can give my patients the best care and help possible.

Ive read that only 51% of people pass the CES exam on their first try. If any of you have passed it Im wondering if you have any tips on how to prepare for this exam. I have the certification review, resource manual, and of course the Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.

Thanks

[megfit]

I bet you'll do just fine! Congrats in advance! If we don't take chances, we don't achieve our goals.

Margie

[swol_je]

I am also interested in taking the CES. Right now I am studing for the HFI but the study material is the same and REALLY I want to get involved in cardiac rehab, that is actually what I did my internship in for my Exercise Science degree. Do we have any people on here who have taking the CES Exam? If so can we get some tips?

[Modoc]

I kept putting off this exam until recently. I took it my first time on Feb 10th, just a few days ago. That exam was no joke... It took me about 3 hours to complete and I had no idea if I passed or failed. I passed

I'll tell you how I prepared and it might give you an idea of what you need to do. First off I only studied for 5-6 weeks but I was very focused. I spent an average of probably about 4 hours per day.

I began by reading through the certification review and taking all the practice exams. This scared me since I didnt do very well on a lot of the chapters. Next I decided to read through the GETP. Then I went back through the certification review and wrote up a ton of notecards. Following that, I read through the GETP again highlighting anything I thought would be important. After that I went back through the GETP and took notes on everything highlighted. Now it was time to learn everything in my notes and on my notecards.

After I gained some confidence I decided to go through the KSA's in the resource manual. I only did the CES questions because I was very confident in my HFS knowledge. Afterwards I went through the HFS and CES exams at the end of the ceritfication review book. I marked any that I got wrong so I could study those. I also learned a lot about the cardiac drugs online. Finally it was time to study everything.

After 6 weeks of CES on my mind it was time for the exam. I went into it feeling very confident that I would pass. After the first 10 questions I freaked out a little bit. I know for a fact I didnt come across a few of those anywhere in my studies. I told myself to relax and focus. After 3 hours I passed the exam and just about passed out! That night I was so mentally exhausted all I could do was watch tv.

I have a BS in Kinesiology, worked as an EKG tech, and an exercise physiologist in cardiac rehab. I had a lot of knowledge prior to studying for this but it was still extremely difficult. Im not saying this to discourage anyone, but rather to let everyone know to study a LOT! I didnt do any of the webinars or workshops but I have a feeling they would be a great help. If anyone has more questions feel free to post here.

Good Luck!

Oh yeah, the practice exams at the end of the certification review are not even close to the difficulty of the actual exam.

[Dinah]

Congratulations on passing your CES exam!!! Thanks for sharing your study strategy -- I am sure it will be useful for someone looking to do the same.

Congrats again! :woohoo:

Dinah