Studying for the NSCA-CSCS

B

busupshot83

0
I am currently studying for for the NSCA-CSCS certification, and lack an exercse-related bachelor's degree (I did gain acceptance into medical school, so I have taken quite a bit of science courses). I recently purchased the "CSCS ElitePlus + Exam Package" (NSCA Certification Commission:) from the NSCA's online store, and was wondering: what is the most efficient method of utilizing the materials?

Here's my current plan:

1) Review the CSCS Exam Content Description Booklet to familiarize myself with the test.

2) To learn the Scientific Foundation Section, I plan on thoroughly studying the Essentials of Stength Training and Conditioning Multimedia Symposium CDs, using the Essentials of Stength Training and Conditioning Textbook as a supplemental source.

3) To learn the Practical/Applied Section, I plan on studying the Exercise Technique Videos and Checklist Manual.

4) Take the official CSCS Practice Exam.

5) Take the real NSCA-CSCS exam.

Does that sound like a solid idea? I understand different methods work for different individuals, but I would appreciate any tips or feedback, especially from those who have passed the CSCS examination without an exercise-related bachelor's degree.

bus
 
I talked about this with a strength coach I worked with before I took the exam and his advice was, "know the book." After having taken the exam, I couldn't agree more. The other things (cd's, videos etc.) are good to supplement the book with, but I would focus on learning what's in the book more than anything else.

Also, definitely put the time into studying for this exam. It's not a walk in the park even for someone with a background in exercise science.
 
CAndersonCSCS said:
I talked about this with a strength coach I worked with before I took the exam and his advice was, "know the book." After having taken the exam, I couldn't agree more. The other things (cd's, videos etc.) are good to supplement the book with, but I would focus on learning what's in the book more than anything else.

Also, definitely put the time into studying for this exam. It's not a walk in the park even for someone with a background in exercise science.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice. However, would simply "[knowing] the book" be the most efficient way to study? The book obviously contains much more information than can be tested. Although it may be useful to know the book's information at some point, would studying "everything" be an efficient study method? Having taken other graduate-level examinations, such as the Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) and the Dental School Admissions Test (DAT), I have found that the process of studying everything does not always work. Still, to each, their own.

What is your opinion on the NSCA's CSCS Exam Content Description Booklet? This booklet contains a section entitled the "Detailed Content Outline," which is essentially a list of study objectives. According to the NSCA: "to be fully prepared for the CSCS exam, a candidate should possess strong knowledge of all the [objectives] listed in the DCO."

Do not get me wrong: I plan on using the textbook as my primary source of information, but will focus on studying the objectives listed in the DCO. I simply do not see how studying the entire book can prove beneficial (although reading it before studying could). Thanks for your wonderful insight... take care.

bus
 
Last edited:
Yeah, I used the content description as well. If I remember correctly, I believe it had listed the topics on the test and the number of questions that would be on the test from each topic. I used that to determine what I was going to concentrate on.

I definitely didn't spend equal time on everything in the book, but I would say that about 90% of my study time was dedicated to information from the book. The other 10% came from listening to the symposium once and reviewing the exercise video.
 
CAndersonCSCS said:
Yeah, I used the content description as well. If I remember correctly, I believe it had listed the topics on the test and the number of questions that would be on the test from each topic. I used that to determine what I was going to concentrate on.

I definitely didn't spend equal time on everything in the book, but I would say that about 90% of my study time was dedicated to information from the book. The other 10% came from listening to the symposium once and reviewing the exercise video.
Click to expand...

I started studying this week, and here are my initial thoughts on the materials:

CSCS Exam Content Description Booklet - As CAndersonCSCS previously stated, the content description book basically tells you what to focus on... very useful, if I must say.

Essentials Symposium CDs - These lectures I found pretty much useless, because all of the information is in the Essentials Textbook. Therefore, I do not plan on utilizing these in the future.

Essentials Textbook - This textbook is pretty thorough, even when compared to university-level biology and anatomy textbooks. So far, I have primarily used this, along with my biology and anatomy textbooks.

Had I known what I know now, I would have only purchased the Content Description Booklet, Essentials Textbook, and Practice Exams.

CAndersonCSCS, thanks for the responses :beerchug:.
 
Last edited:
Here's the thing about taking a certifying test like the CSCS and this is basically what has been stated before...you need to know the book to know how the NSCA wants you to respond to the question. Really get into the book and you should do well.
 
evolution said:
Here's the thing about taking a certifying test like the CSCS and this is basically what has been stated before...you need to know the book to know how the NSCA wants you to respond to the question. Really get into the book and you should do well.
Click to expand...

Thanks evolution.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top