Hi Everyone,

I'm finding that I am quickly becoming addicted to this board.


A little bit about me...
I'm 35yo and getting back into the field of training. I have an Associates Degree in Physical Fitness and worked as a PT and pilates instructor before deciding to stay home and take care of my 2 sweet little girls.
I'm currently finishing my B.S. in Exercise Science and am doing my Zumba certification in 2 weeks.
I have been studying to take the ACE CPT exam, but then I got to thinking about ACSM again. Back in 2001, I took the exam and practical, when they still did that, and I passed the exam and failed the practical. I decided not to attend the workshop leading up to the exams. I think I failed because I was just entirely too nervous in that situation, but I'm not nervous when I'm working/assessing my clients 1 on 1.

I have taken the practice tests online for the ACSM CPT and HFS. I passed both of those.

I'm wondering if I should go ahead and take the ACSM exam again and skip ACE. If so, how much should I prepare for it and if I opted to take just the 1-day workshop would that be enough of a review for me.

Also, I have ACSM study materials, they just happen to be older editions (Guidelines is 6th and Resource is 4th), would I need the updated editions? I still have all my books from my Associates program, which include: AFAAs Fitness Theory & Practice, ACE Personal Trainer manual (older edition), Physiology of Sport & Exercise, Anatomy & Physiology books, Athletic Training Books, and Nutrition.

Should I go for the ACSM CPT or HFS? In the past I have worked with relatively healthy clients (early signs of osteoporosis, knee injury, pre/post partum, MS), but would consider working with special populations.

Thanks for your help.

Stacy