CSCS Paper/Pencil vs. Computer based exam - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Sunny]

Hi,

I am an ACSM cPT and am planning on taking the NSCA CSCS exam in a couple of months. I am trying to make up my mind on which version of the exam to take - i.e. paper/pencil or computer based. The computer based exam is more expensive so the paper version is more enticing in that regard. On the other hand, I've been spoiled by taking all my standardized tests on a computer in recent years so don't know quite what to expect from the paper version. The ACSM cPT is only computer based so I didn't have this (hard) choice to make then!

I am also curious about how video clips translate over to the paper version.

Any thoughts/suggestions will be appreciated.

Many thanks!
Sunny

[mwill758]

I can't really speak to this exam specifically, however, I have an experience dealing with switching testing formats.

Up until about 2 years ago, I had only taken paper tests. It was no big deal, I was used to it. Then between my last test (SAT, if I recall) and the GRE several years passed and computer testing began to gain prevalence.

I took the GRE cold and the computer thing was a bit of a shock. I used a computer plenty of times, so it wasn't an issue not being familiar with a computer. It was more being in a pressured, timed environment and trying to take a test in a new unfamiliar format.

I would recommend you stick with what you are familiar with and/or comfortable with. That extra bit of difference can have an effect.

If saving the money is more important to you, then I would do some paper/pencil practice tests in a simulated test environment, and hold yourself to the time, rules, etc.

[Sunny]

Thanks mwill758. I agree on the comfort level bit. It's a tough choice!

I am still curious how the video clips translate over. Would love to have someone who took this exam to comment.

Thanks.