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Math, Formulas on NSCA exam ?

by Oscar
(NJ)

I am taking the NSCA in 2 weeks. I was told no calculators are allowed. What type of math can I expect if no calculators are permitted? Thanks

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Calculators
by: Georgert

I took and passed the CSCS exam, but if you're doing the CPT, it's probably the same. There are a few calculations you need to do, but you can write them in the notes section of the exam book. The questions would be like, An athlete's daily caloric expenditure is 3600 kcal/day. If his diet consists of 50% carbohydrates, 30% fats, and 20% protein, what is his protein, carbohydrate and fat intake in grams. So, simple math function with maybe some elementary "solve for X" algebra. But from the example I gave you, you would of course need to know the caloric content of nutrients per gram, and that's the point. You don't need to work the numbers as much as know them.

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CSCS calculator
by: Anonymous

Totally silly that you can't use a calculator for this test. As someone replied below the NSCA wants you to set a minimum standard for math, I totally understand that. However, in the real world no one will be calculating any of these things by hand, so, if you know how to use a calculator to arrive at the correct answer that means you know how to do basic math and you know the correct correlating numbers (calories per gram of CHO, fat, protein etc) does it not? Just another stupid aspect of the CSCS test that just makes less time for answering questions that actually prove you know how to train an athlete.

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Using a calculator on the NSCA-CPT exam?

by Cass
(Boston, MA)

I have been studying for the NSCA-CPT exam for quite some time now and will likely be taking the exam at the end of June. While I am completely overwhelmed by the amount of information that you need to know, I am more bowled over by the fact that I have heard you cannot take a calculator in with you!

Really? Trying to figure out BMI and convert lbs>kg and inches>meters and no calculator? What if you know everything you should about training but you are really lame at math (like me)?

I would love to hear input about how challenging these problems are and how complicated the calculations get, please!

Please help talk an otherwise intelligent woman off the ledge! ;)

Thanks,
Cass

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NSCA-CPT Exam
by: Dr. Anthony Abbott

As an originator of the NSCA-CPT exam and a member of the NSCA examination development committee for fifteen years,I commend you for planning to sit for this exam. The NSCA personal trainer exam was the first PT exam to be accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA)and this at a time before the standards for accreditation were lowered. NSCA and ACSM are the only two truly non-profit, professional associations with credible standards.

Regarding calculators, it is true that they are not permitted during the exam. It is felt that candidates ought to have basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division) which would be needed in such activities as determining target heart rates using the Karvonen formula or calculating one's BMI. Requirements for math skills are very minimal such as determining fat weight, lean body mass, what an individual should weigh at a new percentage of body fat, how much fat weight has been lost or gained and how much lean body mass has been lost or gained. Calculations for BMI and other areas of concern can be conducted without worrying about conversions from the English to the metric system because both values are given within the question.

As one who has taken over thirty certification exams in order to comment on their credibility in court litigations in which I have been retained as an expert witness for both injury and death cases,I can tell you that the NSCA-CPT is more challenging than all other PT exams. However, this is to your credit when you pass this exam. It is anticipated that candidates will have undergone formal training to include comprehensive academic instruction and extensive practical, hands-on training other than just reading a manual, a textbook and spending time in a gym.Hopefully this has been helpful,

Anthony Abbott,EdD,FNSCA,NSCA-CPT*D,CSCS*D,CSPS

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Thank you, Dr. Abbott!
by: Anonymous

Wow, Dr. Abbott, thank you so much for such a thorough reply!! While I am already certified and training clients, I could clearly see the value in having such a respectable certification behind my name, which is why I chose to sit for the CPT exam.

I will say, the thought of doing so in about a month or so is daunting but I am hoping that all the time spent studying will prove fruitful.

As someone so directly involved with the test, can I ask you this: What is your thought on someone doing quite well on the practice exams being an indicator that they are ready to sit for the real test?

Once again, thank you for your reply!

Cass

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NSCA Exam
by: Dr. Abbott

Hello Cass,

To answer your question, doing well on the practice exams is somewhat of a positive indicator. Hopefully, you have purchased NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training which if thoroughly digested, should well prepare you for the exam. A comprehensive textbook in Exercise Physiology such "Physiology of Sport and Exercise" by Wilmore and Costill (Human Kinetics publishers - 800-747-4457) will also help you in your preparation as well as be a nice resource to have in your library. By the way, if you go to Amazon.com or BAMM.com, you can pick up a used copy and save yourself a lot of money.

I don't know your location, but if you are in South Florida, Fitness Institute International is the best preparation for both ACSM and NSCA personal trainer exams. To date, our Certified Personal Training Specialist (CPTS) graduates not only have a 100% pass rate for these PT exams but also have what has been recognized as the most legally defensible personal trainer certificate within the fitness industry.

Good luck with your studies,

Dr. Anthony Abbott, FACSM, FNSCA

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Wish I were in FLorida!
by: Anonymous

Unfortunately, I am in Massachusetts and while the NSCA is now starting to do exam prep courses for this CPT exam, none of them are local and also, they are not yet available online.

I have read the Essentails of Personal Training Textbook, as well as viewed all the Symposium CD's. It is overwhelming, all the content, so I am trying to remind myself that we are not supposed to memorize all 700 pages in this book, rather know the key concepts. The overwhelming part is really knowing what you DO need to know and what you do NOT need to know! THAT is the million dollar question! The more I read, review, the less confident I feel. Course, since I tend to over think everything, I likely just need to dive in, take one of the 3 practice exams I bought, and just see how I do.

If you have any other advice that would help get me ready for taking this in late June, but that would not make me feel even more overwhelmed, please do share!

I cannot thank you enough, again, for you kind posts. I hope others find them helpful as well.

Cass

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NSCA-CPT Exam
by: Dr. Abbott

Hello Cass,

It appears that you have been very conscientious with your study, and I am sure that you will do very well.

Good Luck and my best,

Dr. Abbott

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What formulas do you need for NSCA cpt

by Richard
(So Cal)

Does any one have a list of formulas that need to be memorized for the NSCA test. I am terrible at math can you use a calculator for the test?

Richard

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NOt many formulas....
by: Anonymous

Know how to do the Karvonnen HRR formula for what heart rate range they will be at based on intensity. Know that one gram of fat is worth 9 calories, and 1 gram of protein or carbohydrates are each 4 calories each. Otherwise there wouldn't really be "formulas" that you need to know, just basic stuff that you should be able to do as a personal trainer.

Good luck!

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thanks
by: Chris

Thanks for the tip :)

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CSCS Formulas
by: Anonymous

What formulas do you need to know for the NSCA CSCS exam?

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