How to Prepare for the NSCA-CPT Exam
One of the most common questions received is, "How do I prepare for the NSCA-CPT® exam"? Preparation for the NSCA’s certification exams begins with a plan. The following checklist provides you with a series of recommendations that are fairly comprehensive and therefore may need to be modified dependent on your background: no one series of recommendations or resources can meet the needs of each individual. It is important for you to determine what steps will meet your needs and provide you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to become a professional.
Step 1: Planning
- Ensure you choose the correct certification.
- Review Exam Prerequisites
- Read the Certification Handbook to understand the examination process.
- Review NSCA-CPT Detailed Content Outline.
- Talk to people with similar backgrounds who have passed to get insights on what worked for them
- Determine how much time you need to study & set a target exam date.
- Create and commit to a study schedule.
|
Exercise Science Related Degree |
Internships or Practical Experience |
Approximate Length of Time |
|
Yes |
Yes |
3 to 6 weeks |
|
Yes |
No |
3 to 6 months |
|
No |
Yes |
4 to 6 months |
|
No |
No |
6 to 9 months |
Step 2: Get Your Study Materials
The NSCA-CPT certification exam is not based on memorization and recall of information within the Essentials of Personal Training but is an assessment of your knowledge, skills, and ability to be a Personal Trainer. The NSCA-CPT Study Guide will provide you with an understanding of the exam, recommendations for preparation, and the opportunity to self-assess your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The NSCAs textbook and official resources are valuable tools to help you prepare for the exam. Visit the NSCA Store to view the exam preparation materials that are available.
Additional Resources for gaining knowledge and experience:
- Become a Member and gain access to NSCA journals and member-only content.
- Check out the articles, videos, podcasts, and other resources on the Education page.
Step 3: Study
- Review the Detailed Content Outline
- Review the NSCA-CPT Study Guide for study recommendations and to identify your level of comprehension for each domain, sub-domain or task.
- Develop a study schedule with an emphasis on the weaker topics, but study all topics.
- Connect with others by creating a study group.
- Use the Online Practice Questions to :
- 1st time - to identify areas of weakness
- 2nd time - after reviewing of content to assess knowledge and understanding
- 3rd time - toward the end, Score > 85% and identify why you chose the answer and why you did not choose other answers (reminder: a passing score on exams are evaluated on a performance standard scale and not percentage-based).
- Answer open-ended questions found in the NSCA-CPT Study Guide
- Seek topic-specific webinars, articles, or references to address areas of weakness. The NSCA's Education page is a great place to look!
- Decide if further study of the exam preparation materials is needed; if not, register for the NSCA-CPT exam.
While experience is not required to sit for the exam, exposure to the activities of the profession through observation or an internship is recommended.
Additional Resources
Foundation of Coaching Lifts Course
A Hands-on Approach to Coaching Lift Progressions certificate course lays the groundwork for teaching athletes and clients how to properly perform the bench press, push press, power clean, and squat. This course covers exercise application, lift progressions, and coaching cues.
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