NCSF-CPT Exam

by G
(Washington)

I passed the NCSF-CPT exam this afternoon! I'm really excited, and quite glad to have it behind me.

I recently earned a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in personal training. I decided to pick up a certification and decided upon NCSF (as my professors and potential employers all had great things to say about it). I purchased the two practice exams produced by NCSF, as well as the Exam Prep Course from this website, and studied all three of those pretty intensely for about a month, then went and took the test. I spent around 70-80 hours studying these three items before I really felt comfortable enough to attempt the test. The NCSF-CPT exam is not an easy one, so don't go in thinking you'll "pass with flying colors" without putting forth some effort to study the beliefs of this organization. The NCSF-CPT credentials are some of the highest in the industry, and well respected among employers, and this shows in the thoroughness of the exam.

The Personal Trainer Certification Exam Prep Course produced by this website was quite helpful in my success on the test (thanks Katie!). Many of the questions are VERY similar to the ones you will see on the NCSF-CPT exam; so study up!

I also purchased the two practice examinations (Volumes I and II) produced by the NCSF, and I found these to be extremely helpful in my preparation for the exam. My advice is to purchase both practice exams that the NCSF produces as there are no overlapping questions at all (each book has 151 totally knew questions). Study these two practice exams in-depthly, as these are a phenomenal resource to use. I have one thing I'd like to advise you on these tests. These practice exams that the NCSF produces are more difficult than the ACTUAL examination is! Don't be stressed if you take these practice exams and feel overwhelmed, as the real exam is not NEARLY as difficult as these practice exams are (I wish I knew this prior to going to today's test, as it would have reduced a lot of stress). However, if you can take these practice exams and pass, then you will be more than good to go for the actual NCSF-CPT exam on test day.

For the exam itself: I found there to be very little math and formulas (2 or so). Know the anatomical planes, as well as the anatomical references (abduction, flexion, etc) and their application in functional anatomy and Ex. prescription. Also, know know know your blood pressure (when to refer, HDL, LDL, effects of aerobic exercise, etc), as there is A LOT of that on the exam. Also, there are two small exams that are free that the NCSF offers (one is in the exam registration handbook (pdf), and the other is listed on their website under "sample exam." There are several questions from these two tests on the actual exam (word for word)....KNOW THEM!

In summary, DEFINITELY purchase Katie's Exam Prep Course from this site, as it is invaluable. Also, in addition to these questions, purchase the practice exams from the NCSF, and study those hardcore. Relax, have some fun, take the test, and you'll be golden! By passing the NCSF-CPT exam you'll be well regarded among fellow employers and trainers.

Couldn't Have Done it Without This Site!

by Garret
(Idaho)

Katie,

Thank you a million times over for having such a wonderful site. This afternoon I passed my NCSF-CPT exam, and I definitely couldn't have done as well as I did without this site as well as your Exam Prep Course!

To those of you considering the purchase of Katie's Exam Prep Course from this site: DO IT! You cannot go wrong! I am still amazed that I found over 500 questions for only 30 dollars. Pay the 8 extra dollars and get the Exam Prep Course E-book so that you can print out the entire book and study whenever and wherever your busy life may take you.

Thanks again for the quality Exam Prep Course as well as all the information I have received from your site! I will definitely recommend this site to all the prospective trainers I know!

Passed the NCSF Exam yesterday

by JD
(N'ville, TN)

I passed the NCSF exam yesterday with an 80%. It is technical as has been stated before. There were very few questions that involved math - however there were questions concerning the formulas themselves i.e. BMI, Karnoven Formula, so don't just know the formula. Know about the formulas and their pro's and con's + background. Functional Anatomy and Ex Phys were pretty big. Know your exercises and how they affect all muscles involved (Agonists, Antagonists, Synergists, Stabalizers).
There were 52 total questions concerning Training Instruction and Exercise Programming so know your stuff like risk factors, special pop concerns etc.

I bought the quizzes and exam from this site, and I will say that it helped me tremendously. I don't think I could have passed the exam without it! You can't beat the amount of information that you will cover in the quizzes for $24.95! Thank you Katie for a great product. Anyone looking to pass a personal trainer cert exam should buy this course. It's a bargain.

Just passed NCSF

by Alexander
(Bay Area, CA, USA)

Hey everyone, I just took the NCSF test today, passed with a 75%

Im already ACE certified, and working as a personal trainer.

To help everyone out;

The test is fairly balanced according to the practice exams. Each section has 7-15 questions, and there arent any trick questions, least not that I can remember. Know your muscle anatomy, planes of movement, and postural muscles and muscle imbalances.

Special populations was only 7 questions on my exam. I'd recommend being familiar with blood pressure, medications, effects of dehydration, as well as basic nutrition. Nutrition is fairly easily long as you know RMR, calories per gram protein, carb, fat

I hadnt really "studied" for the test. I read MANY MANY MANY different fitness/bodybuilding magazines every week, and read online articles. That as well as having personal training experience I felt made the difference on the test. I constantly study all the time to keep my methods up to date. Any decent personal trainer should read every week literature on health and fitness.


For first time test takers, USE the practice exam on this site. It will prepare you hugely for the test and many of the questions are quite similar if not the same, though worded differently.

Also, take the NCSF workshop if possible. Practical experience is more important that anything else in passing these PT exams.

Remember being a personal trainer is not just getting a certificate and then being done with learning. You should week and week out be learning and increasing your knowledge. Dont ever think you can stop learning just because you got certified

I Passed the NCSF Exam

by Doreen Baldridge
(Hillsboro, Oregon)

Now taking appointments.......

I passed the NCSF exam last week (Sept 08). As reported earlier, it was comprehensive and challenging. I went through it a few times going over questions I had marked for review. I think I was more at ease considering the answers as I reviewed. Wording is a bit tricky on some; there was very little math or anatomy. Prescription/Training was big, as it should be. I took 1.5 hours and then, hit the submit button and, heart pounding, waited for what seemed like forever for the PASS message. After 1.5 I figured I had answered to the best of my ability and going over and over it would have me questioning my gut instincts and what I had learned over the months. Common sense is a GREAT asset so use it. :)
Best of luck to all!

Doreen

Great Program

by Tialisa
(New York)

I passed my NCSF-CPT exam with flying colors. I started a "hard" course of study after setting my appointment to take the test. I gave myself a little over a month to get myself ready. I found the exam prep course from this web site an extremely helpful learning tool because it's the same format for which the test is given and you learn as you go, as it offers the correct response with an explanation. I am happy to say I'm not eligible for a refund....the best money I've spent so far!!!