hey guys.
Im looking into getting certified with the nsca and im wondering what books i should buy to prepare for the exam?
They of course would like me to buy all of them but i shouldnt need all of them.
I have The essentials of strength training and conditioning already. Should i buy the Essentials of Personal Training?
Any feedback is appreciated.
I purchased all of the recommended study materials just to be safe. I guess it helped because I passed, whereas around 50% of the people sitting in did not.
thanks for the tip
Wow, 50% failed !!
As far as what materials you need to prepare for the exam, it really depends on your level of knowledge and how good of a test taker you are.
I had nothing but their textbook, which contains all materials covered on the exam. They send you an outline of the exam makeup and format when you sign up for the exam.
If you’re new to the field or don’t learn well from that format you may benefit from more materials. It’s a standardized test, so if nothing else I’d recommend the practice tests to see where you stand knowledge wise, and familiarize yourself with the format.
Do you have any experience with Exercise Science or Physiology? I took the CSCS this past summer and passed with only studying the “Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning” book. I felt that my undergrad work in my major “Exercise Science” (semester away from graduating) helped prepare me for the test but this could be different based upon certain schools curriculum.
My best friend took his NSCA-CPT exam and passed by only studying the book, but he was also an “Exercise Science” major. I think that your previous background or area of study will be a good indicator as to how many outside resources you will need when studying for this exam. Hope this was of some help for you and good luck!!
-GSUPike
no schooling for me. Lots of reading and lots of experience taking myself to a pretty high level of strength. The physiology is where they would probably get me. Ive just started reading the essentials of strength training and conditioning and im hoping that i learn something from that.
Thanks for the replys.
I’m condsidering doing this too, as a part-time and summer job while as I am a full-time college student now. However, how much does this certification/test cost? I’m thinking I could get by with a shitty certification now and get a better one later once I make some money. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks
-Andrew
The NSCA is very particular in how they do things, what they feel is “right”, and how they word their questions.
My two biggest suggestions would be to get the PT Essentials book and don’t try to outsmart the exam. Answer the questions they are asking, based on the information they have provided. There will be questions that seem antiquated by T-Nation standards, but remember that they are asking based on their standards.
I had a friend bomb the exam because he was trying to answer the questions like Pavel was asking them. When he retook it, $200 later, he answered based on the text and passed easily. BTW, he had recently graduated with a Physiology degree.
Certifications are always baseline knowledge, to really get ahead you have to be under the bar, doing your own research, and in front of clients, athletes, etc.
Good luck and i hope this helps.
The NSCA is very particular in how they do things, what they feel is “right”, and how they word their questions.
My two biggest suggestions would be to get the PT Essentials book and don’t try to outsmart the exam. Answer the questions they are asking, based on the information they have provided. There will be questions that seem antiquated by T-Nation standards, but remember that they are asking based on their standards.
I had a friend bomb the exam because he was trying to answer the questions like Pavel was asking them. When he retook it, $200 later, he answered based on the text and passed easily. BTW, he had recently graduated with a Physiology degree.
Certifications are always baseline knowledge, to really get ahead you have to be under the bar, doing your own research, and in front of clients, athletes, etc.
Good luck and i hope this helps.
it does help. Thank you very much!