Questions on studying for the NASM exam - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[mobeck]

I am currently studying for an NASM-cpt certification which I plan to take in a couple of months. I do not have a background with Anatomy or kinesiology courses, but I consider myself a good student and I don't have trouble memorizing information.

On certification exams, how much emphasis do I need to put on learning the insertion and attachment points for muscles? As I'm learning the muscles, I know these points in general, however do I need to be able to specifically name them?

Also, does my knowledge of the names of bones in the skeletal system need to be extremely in depth? I know all the major bones but there are many small ones that would be very difficult to learn the names of.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[rbd]

Learn the anatomy and the functional biomechanics, don't just memorize it, since it will always help you in your career. I can't remember how much emphais they place on that area, but you will need to know it or how in depth they will get on some of the anatomy. From my recollection they tend to focus on the major areas, but it has been awhile since I took their exam.

I hope this helps.

Jeff

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

While I haven't sat for the NASM_CPT exam I've taken both the ACE and NSCA CPT Exams and there was not 1 question on insertion origins or attachment points of muscles.

I think with most CPT exams the muscle questions will have to deal with movement or what exercise is working what muscle.

But, as I said I haven't taken the NASM exam so not 100% sure.

All the best,

Dave

[shawnnasmith02]

I too am studying for the NASM exam, I haven't purchased their study materials yet, but I am using my friends text books and study exams (she is a CSCS through NSCA with a 4 year degree in movement science). So I feel like I'm studying for something that might not be on the exam. I know that I'll need more than 120 days to be ready for the exam, that's why I'm using her study material. I just feel like i'm studying too hard for something I may not need a whole lot of info on. I'm studying physiology of sport and exercise, is this too much? Any suggestions?
Thanks in Advance!!
Shawnna

[jackson]

Shawnna if youre studying with NSCA materials why not just take the NSCA exam? Just curious.

Jackson

[Christina]

Hi Shawnna, welcome back! Keep in mind that physiology, anatomy, nutrition, etc. spans all certifications. Even though you are studying NSCA materials, a lot of the stuff will apply to the NASM certification.

When you say you are studying "physiology of sport and exercise" is this the subject matter or the name of the text? The reason I ask is because Physiology of Sport and Exercise is one of my favorite books!

Jackson brings up a good point: why not just take the NSCA exam since you have the materials? (I know it is CSCS materials but the text for the NSCA-CPT is not that different from the CSCS text.)

Christina

[shawnnasmith02]

Jackson and Christina,
Thanks for the impute! The reason why I am not taking the NSCA is because I don't have a 4 year degree and I believe it's a requirement through NSCA.

The book I am reading/studying from is the Phys. of Sport and Exercise, and I really enjoy it, as well!! The human body is so amazing!! Thanks again for the info!!

[Christina]

Hi Shawnna,

I am by no means trying to steer you away from the NASM cert but a four year degree is not necessary in order to take the NSCA personal trainer certification exam. The NSCA CSCS *does* require a 4 year degree but the CPT does not.

Yes, I absolutely love that book and it really helped my prepare for my ACSM exam.

Christina

[shawnnasmith02]

I don't need a degree for the NSCA?? :idea: I may have to look into the NSCA a little further. I am intrested in the NASM approach on fitness, and I do like that the exam is included in the cost of the study materials. However, is the NSCA a more accpeted cert?

[Christina]

Hi Shawnna,

NASM and NSCA have different approaches to fitness. You just have to find the one that you like best. I only mentioned the NSCA because you said you already had some of the study materials. (At least study materials for the CSCS.)

Christina