I am going to begin my certification process by first going through NASM-CPT program. I do not have my 4 year degree yet (only a junior) so I will have to wait on the NSCA. I would rather get NASM as a foundation and then have NSCA as a branch more of specialization (CSCS). Few questions on the NASM exam. If you have taken it, how difficult did you find it? How long would you suggest studying for it before scheduling the exam? Do you feel it prepared you to become a successful trainer?
i am as well studying NSCA-CPT. im not sure you need a 4 yr degree for that. I hope not, i have one but its not in anything related. It will take approx. 4 - 6 months to be fully prepared, depending on how much time to put to it. I borrowed the textbook from a friend to get a head start. I have a full time job so it will take much longer for me. its really hard, lots of info to take in.
I am going to begin my certification process by first going through NASM-CPT program. I do not have my 4 year degree yet (only a junior) so I will have to wait on the NSCA. I would rather get NASM as a foundation and then have NSCA as a branch more of specialization (CSCS). Few questions on the NASM exam. If you have taken it, how difficult did you find it? How long would you suggest studying for it before scheduling the exam? Do you feel it prepared you to become a successful trainer?
All advice welcome and appreciated...
I just recently passed my NASM CPT exam and I must say that it was very challenging.I would suggest studying for a minimum of an hour per day and sometimes longer. I definitely believe that this helped to prepare me as I had no real knowledge of personal training prior to taking the exam. I think that this will give you an excellent foundation as a trainer!
I just recently passed my NASM CPT exam and I must say that it was very challenging.I would suggest studying for a minimum of an hour per day and sometimes longer. I definitely believe that this helped to prepare me as I had no real knowledge of personal training prior to taking the exam. I think that this will give you an excellent foundation as a trainer!
How long did you study for, in terms of week/months?
How long did you study for, in terms of week/months?
You only have 120 days from the time you purchase the materials to take the test. It's not as hard as Raphael says, but I had been reading and studying training and training related material for awhile before I ever took it. Actually, when I got the materials, I took the practice exam as a benchmark, and I passed it.
The NASM materials are well laid out in terms of prepping. The way I did it was to lay out a 90-day reading schedule, read every day, watched the follow-up video after finishing the chapter, then do the workbook questions. I read back through material I wasn't quite sure of a couple of times, then went and took the exam.
You only have 120 days from the time you purchase the materials to take the test. It's not as hard as Raphael says, but I had been reading and studying training and training related material for awhile before I ever took it. Actually, when I got the materials, I took the practice exam as a benchmark, and I passed it.
The NASM materials are well laid out in terms of prepping. The way I did it was to lay out a 90-day reading schedule, read every day, watched the follow-up video after finishing the chapter, then do the workbook questions. I read back through material I wasn't quite sure of a couple of times, then went and took the exam.
So it's a 4 month process maximum, basically? I know this is a rather specific question, but how long per day and days per week did you study?
Obviously it will be different for me, especially considering that you had a background already. I don't really have one, other than the forums I go on and my own research I do. I'm sure it's helping me, but I have no clue how beneficial anything I know would be in therms of that type of test. My guess is not much. Anyway, I'm just looking for an idea only because I'm in school now and would really have to ration my time.
It is true you only have 4 months in which to take the test if you purchase one of the test packages from NASM.
However there is another way in which to do it so you do not have a time constraint. You can order just the book and/or the book+DVD and study on your own for however length of time you wish to study. Then when you are ready, purchase just the prep test and actual test and then take it within that 4 months.
Advantage of doing it this: You don't have the 4 month limitation to worry about.
Disadvantage: 1) It is slightly more to purchase the books, DVDs and test separately. 2) Without an "official" deadline, i.e. the 4 months, you must be disciplined enough to study and take the test in a reasonable amount of time.
I bought the book on Ebay and saved $15 from the cost from NASM and I saved $60 on the DVDs by purchasing on Ebay. I plan on taking the test in Jan/Feb 2010, which puts me in the 5 - 6 months for study. I have a full time job, father of 2 young kids and husband. I felt this was the best way for me. May not be for you, but just thought I'd give an option of how to get around the 4 month requirement.
Personally, I think that 4 months is plenty to take this test. I was working full time at my regular job, part time eves. and weekends as a trainer at a club, and was ready no problem. I don't recall how many days/week I studied, but I was inhaling anything fitness related at the time. The book is relatively thin compared to other certs, i.e., NSCA, and easy to read with lots of pictures. From what I've learned talking to others who got their NASM several years ago, it's been dumbed down quite a bit. The material used to be a lot more comprehensive, the book a lot more substantial. I haven't seen the books compared, just what I heard. There are only 200 questions on the test, and the test is only two hours. Of three certs, I found this one the easiest to get. Of course, everyone is different. It took me considerally be longer before I felt ready to take the NSCA CPT exam. It isn't a bad idea to get ahold of the book and review first to assess whether you think you can digest it and the time frame.
NASM CPT Exam
its really hard, lots of info to take in.
Linear Mode
