NSCA-CPT - Passed! - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Chris_78]

Well, I finally summoned up the courage to register for the test, went and took the computer-version, and passed easily - scaled score of 90.

I will admit that I really studied my a$$ off for this and it probably was not necessary. I do have a background in phys ed/kinesiology and have even taught at the college level - kinesiology. Nevertheless, with 600+ pages of text, you just never know what's going to appear.

Honestly, I did not think that the test was all that difficult.

For the most part, there is little need to know all of the formulas and such. Now, I don't know how many versions of this test exist, but there was not a single Karvonen calculation, Fick equation, etc. on the version that I took. Most of the calculations were nutrition calculations - calculate the percentage of fat...calculate how many grams...and variations of the sort.

Otherwise, I really only used my scrap paper to write done some of the stuff from the scenario problems. And, most of the scenario questions give you way more info that you really need to answer the questions about the scenario. So, just keep that in mind.

The key is to trust your gut and if the answer seems unbelievable obvious - it's probably the correct one. I only missed 15 total questions and many seemed too good to be true, but evidently they were correct. Also, make sure you know your rotator cuff muscles - seems to be an infatuation with these on my exam. Fortunately for me, since I taught anatomy, I knew them very well. (SITS) However, I am not sure if these are all listed in the book.

Infraspinatus & Teres Minor - External Rotators
Supraspinatus - Abductor
Subscapularis - Internal Rotator

Anyway, if you have any specific questions, I'll do my best to help. But, truthfully, if you study the book, take a couple practice exams to familiarize yourself with the way they ask questions, you should be able to do well. I stressed way too much and far too long on this. I've had the book in my possession for over 5 years - finally sat down and really studied it and decided to go sit for the exam. I should've done it much sooner.

Take care and good luck.

Next up - CSCS. Anybody want to study together? I have an entire set of PowerPoints for CSCS, actually.

[mguest]

Thanks for the update. I have had my materials for approximately 3 years now and have put the exam off way too long! My problem is - - I do not know where to begin. I tried studying the NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training texbook from the beginning to the end, but just couldn't stay focused. It was too much to retain! At which time, I decided to take a different approach by taking the Practice Exams and then I would study up on the questions I would get wrong. My only fear is that this strategy may limit me to the contents of the actual exam due to the fact that the actual exam will not entail the contents of the practice exam. Any suggestions?

BTW! Congratulations!