CPT CBT Handbook

7/30/2019 CPT CBT Handbook

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NSCA-CPT

Computer-basedExam Candidate

HandbookNSCA-Certifed Personal Trainer

Includes:

About the NSCA-CPT ExamPage 4

Exam PoliciesPage 9

NSCA-CPT Exam ContentPage 16


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NSCA-CPT Cpte-ase Ea Canate Hank

www.nsca-cc.org3 August 2009

TAblE o CoNTENTS

About the NSCA.................................................................4About NSCA Certifcation....................................................4

NSCA-Certifed Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT) Exam..............4Explanation o Nonscored Questions...................................4Exam Administration...........................................................5

Exam Development.............................................................5Quality Control...................................................................5

Prerequisites......................................................................6Candidate Ineligibility.........................................................6

Statement o Nondiscrimination.........................................6Special Arrangemets or Candidates with Disabilities..........6

Exam Appointment Changes...............................................7Exam Reunds/Foreiture....................................................7

Exam Transers....................................................................7Failure to Report.................................................................7

Inclement Weather, Power Failure or Emergency.................7

Assessment Center Locations.............................................8

Scheduling an Exam Appointment......................................8Holidays.............................................................................8

On the Day o the Exam.......................................................9Security.........................................................................9

Misconduct......................................................................9Copyrighted Exam Questions...............................................9

Release o Inormation......................................................10Confdentiality.................................................................10

Privacy Policy....................................................................10Cancelled Scores..............................................................10Reasons or Disciplinary Actions.......................................11

What to Expect at the Assesssment Center.......................12Actual Exam.....................................................................12

Candidate Comments.......................................................12Conclusion o the Exam....................................................12

Reporting o Results.........................................................13Pass/Fail Score Determination.........................................13Review o Exam Questions................................................13

I You Pass the Exam........................................................14

Reestablishing Exam Eligibilty...........................................14Exam Scoring Appeals......................................................14

Recertifcation Requirements............................................14Recertifcation Appeals.....................................................14Address Changes.............................................................14

Certifcation Verifcation....................................................14

Code o Ethics..................................................................15

Exam Content...................................................................16

NSCA-CPT Outline.............................................................16

Sample Exam Questions...................................................19

Study Tips........................................................................20

Special Accommodations Request Form...........................21

rEgiSTrATioN PoliCiES

iNTroduCTioN

SCHEduliNg A ComPuTEr-bASEd ExAm

ExAm PoliCiES

AT THE ExAm

ATEr THE ExAm

CodE o ETHiCS

ExAm CoNTENT ouTliNE

SAmPlE ExAm quESTioNS

STudy TiPS

SPECiAl ACCommodATioNS rEquEST orm


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www.nsca-cc.org 4August 2009

At the NSCAThe National Strength and Conditioning Association(NSCA) is an international, nonprot, educationalassociation representing strength training and conditioningproessionals, sports science researchers, athletic trainers,sports medicine therapists and physicians, personal trainers,students and others interested in tness and strength andconditioning activities and their relationship to overallsport and tness perormance.

The NSCA publishes two o the worlds premier strengthand conditioning journalsStrength and ConditioningJournal and the Journal o Strength and ConditioningResearch. They link what is being learned in the sportscience research laboratories to what is being taught bytness proessionals, thereby bridging the gap between

theory and practice.

At NSCA CetfcatnIn 1985, NSCA Certication was established in orderto administer a certication program or those in theeld o strength training and conditioning. Initially theCSCS Agency, this organization later became known asNSCA Certication. The NSCAs original certicationprogram, the Certied Strength and ConditioningSpecialist (CSCS) continues to be the only nationally-accredited certication that is specically designed to assesscompetencies o those who strength train and condition

athletes.

As the tness industry continued to grow, the NSCACertication Executive Council Committee saw a needor a personal training certication that would earn thesame prestige and credibility as the CSCS. Thus, in 1993,the NSCA-Certied Personal Trainer (NSCA-CPT)credential was established. Today, more than 36,000 CSCSand NSCA-CPT credentials are held by proessionalsacross the world.

NSCA-Cetfe Pesna Tane

(NSCA-CPT) EaThe NSCA-Certied PersonalTrainer (NSCA-CPT) exam isdesigned or proessionals who trainclients in one-on-one situations inclients homes and health/tnessclubs. Clients typically includeactive and sedentary physicallyhealthy individuals as well as

the elderly and obese. Personal trainers with specialized

expertise may also be involved in training clients withorthopedic, cardiovascular and other chronic conditions.Personal trainers will nd this to be one o the mostchallenging o all personal training certication exams. Thecredential earned upon passing will identiy them as trulycompetent personal trainers among their peers, clients andproessional groups.

The policies and procedures described herein regardingthe NSCA-CPT program will continue to be modied inresponse to changes in the proession as directed by theNSCA Certication Executive Council Committee. Suchmodications will be announced to candidates via ourcertication website (www.nsca-cc.org), NSCABulletin orspecial mailings.

Epanatn Nnsce qestnsThe NSCA-CPT exam contains nonscored questionsthat are being pretested or evaluated or uture use.Including this type o question allows the NSCA-CPTExam Development Committee to collect meaningulinormation about new questions that may appear as realscored questions on uture exams.

Pretesting is accomplished by interspersing new (untried)questions throughout the exams. Only this small number isincluded so that additional testing time will not be neededby exam candidates. These questions are not scored as part

o a candidates certication exam, and they do not aectan individuals pass/ail status. The nonscored questions arescattered throughout the exam so candidates will answerthem with the same eort that they give to the actualscored questions.

To keep the NSCA-CPT exam refective o current job-related duties, new questions must continuously beintroduced and evaluated. Pretesting is an accepted testingpractice that creates a statistically sound standardized examand allows candidates to receive immediate or instantscores that are based only on previously used (tried)

questions.

Nonscored pretest questions also appear on the traditionalpaper and pencil exam to provide the same testingexperience to all candidates, regardless o which exam ormata candidate chooses. Despite that instant score reports arenot available or paper and pencil candidates, the practiceo including nonscored questions ensures candidates aretreated equally so that test scores are comparable and notinfuenced by exam ormat.

iNTroduCTioN


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Ea AnstatnThe NSCA Certication Executive Council Committee hasthe overall responsibility or exam development and policiesgoverning eligibility and administration o the exam. It isalso responsible or contracting with a proessional testingagency that is responsible or the establishment o testcenters, administration o the exams and exam security aswell as providing psychometric expertise.

Applied Measurement Proessionals, Inc. (AMP) isthe proessional testing agency retained by the NSCACertication Executive Council Committee to assist inthe development, administration, scoring and analysis othe NSCA-CPT exam based on the exam specicationsdeveloped by the NSCA Certication Executive CouncilCommittee. AMP is a research and development rm that

conducts proessional competency assessment research andprovides exam services or a number o health practitionercredentialing programs.

Neither the NSCA nor the NSCA Certication ExecutiveCouncil Committee members or their sta are involved inany way with the handling or scoring o any exam. This isthe testing agencys responsibility.

Ea devepentThe NSCA-CPT Exam Development Committee (EDC),comprised o individuals whose knowledge and experience

in exercise sciences, strength training and conditioningand personal training qualiying them as content experts,develops the exam questions. The committee developsspecications rom a job task analysis study that iscompleted every ve years that denes the content areas tobe covered, the number o questions on the exam and theabilities and skills measured by the exam.

The NSCA-CPT exam is monitored constantly or contentvalidity and updated or timeliness. It is designed to ensurea minimum level o competency among practitioners andto create a better awareness among the public o the natureand purpose o the proession. One ocal point o theexam is to demonstrate that candidates possess appropriateknowledge o sae and eective program design or thegeneral population as well as those clients with specializedneeds.

qat CntEach exam undergoes quality control checks. A thoroughitem analysis is completed and is used as a part o thestatistical review o the perormance o the exam. TheNSCA, AMP and the EDC review exam data and candidatecomments. All these materials are reviewed during a key

validation meeting with the EDC to ensure that the scoringo the questions is appropriate. Candidates can providewritten comments about any exam question. Howeverthose comments do not have a bearing on a candidatesexam score. Rather, they serve a purpose o requestingattention o the EDC. All candidate comments arereviewed or relevance and accuracy, but these commentsare not taken as statements to argue or challenge the exam(either at the time o the exam or aterward).

iNTroduCTioN


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PeestesTo qualiy or the NSCA-CPT exam, you must be at least 18years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Current CPR and AED certication is also a certication

requirement. The NSCA will accept any adult CPR andAED certication obtained by attending a CPR and AEDcourse that meets the ollowing criteria:q Must have a hands-on training component

(certication through a course completed entirelyonline will not be accepted)

q Must include a skills perormance evaluation

Examples o approved providers include:q American Heart Associationq American Red Crossq National Saety Council

q St. John Ambulance

I candidates do not have current CPR and AEDcertication they can still register or and take the NSCA-CPT exam. The NSCA will not release a candidates examscores until we have received documentation o a validCPR and AED certication.

Please mail your documentation to:National Strength and Conditioning Associationc/o Certication Department1885 Bob Johnson Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Canate inetA candidate may be determined ineligible or either o theollowing reasons:

1) insucient documentation to assess eligibility

2) documentation provided or ees submitted do notmeet eligibility requirements or the exam

The NSCA Certication Executive Council Committeereserves the right to cancel exam scores i an individual is

deemed ineligible to meet the certication requirements. Ia candidate is determined to be ineligible, a reund o his/her registration ee will not be provided. I a candidate hasany questions regarding eligibility, contact the NSCA at800-815-6826 or [email protected] BEFORE registeringor an exam.

Stateent NnscnatnThe NSCA and AMP do not discriminate among candidatesbased on race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin,disability or marital status.

Speca Aaneents Canates wthdsatesThe NSCA and AMP comply with the Americans withDisabilities Act and strive to ensure that no individualwith a disability is deprived o the opportunity to takean exam solely by reason o that disability. AMP willprovide reasonable accommodations or candidates withdisabilities.

When a candidate requests special accommodations, thecandidate must:

1. Submit the Request or Special ExaminationAccommodations orm provided at the end o thisdocument at least 45 calendar days prior to thedesired exam date.

2. Call AMP at 888-519-9901 to schedule theexam. When scheduling the exam, candidatesneed to inorm AMP o the need or specialaccommodations.

a) Wheelchair access is available atall established Assessment Centers.Candidate must advise AMP at the timeo scheduling that wheelchair access isnecessary.

b) Candidates with visual, sensory or physicaldisabilities that would prevent them romtaking the exam under standard conditions

may request special accommodations andarrangements.

I the candidate does not provide the inormation withinthe specied time rame (at least 45 calendar days beorethe exam) or i the NSCA and/or AMP determine that theprovided inormation is inadequate to assess special needsrequirements, candidates will be asked to provide additionalinormation/documentation and given a deadline by whichthey need to respond. I the required inormation is notreceived by the specied deadline, the NSCA will deny therequest or accommodations.

(Special language accommodations will not be made or thosewhose primary language is not English.)

AMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices orthe Dea (TDD) to assist dea and hearing-impairedcandidates. TDD calling is available 8:30am to 5:00pm(Central time) Monday-Friday at 913-495-4437. ThisTDD phone option is or individuals equipped withcompatible TDD machinery.



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Ea Appntent ChanesCandidates who do not schedule an exam appointmentand take the exam within 120 days rom the date theireligibility is conrmed will oreit their entire registrationee. A completed registration and exam ee are required toreschedule or the exam.

Ea rens/eteq Candidates deemed ineligible or an exam will not

receive a reund o their registration ee. I you haveany questions regarding your eligibility, contactthe NSCA at 800-815-6826 or [email protected]. I a candidate has any questions regardingeligibility, contact the NSCA at 800-815-6826 [email protected] BEFORE registering or anexam.

q Reunds are not granted on cancelled computer-based exam registrations. Candidates wishing tocancel their exam appointment will oreit theirentire registration ee.

q A candidate who arrives or the exam more than15 minutes lateor any reasonoreits theregistration and all ees paid to take the exam. Acompleted registration and exam ee are requiredto reschedule or the exam.

Ea Tansesq Candidates can transer ONLY into an exam or

which there are available testing slots (dates andtimes).

qCandidates wishing to extend their 120-daywindow with an additional 120 days = $100 ee.

q Candidates wishing to transer an exam date and/or location OR to transer rom one certicationexam to the other certication exam or the samedate and location = $100 transer ee.

q Candidates wishing to transer an exam date and/or location AND rom one certication exam toanother = $125 transer ee.

q Candidates wishing to transer rom a computer-based exam to a paper/pencil exam = $150 transeree.


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Assessent Cente lcatnsExams are administered by computer at more than 160 AMP Assessment Centers geographically distributed throughoutthe United States. Assessment Centers are typically located in H&R Block oces. Assessment Center locations, detailedmaps and directions can be ound at www.nsca-cc.org/cbt/locations. Specic address inormation will be provided when acandidate schedules an exam appointment.

Schen an Ea AppntentAter you have received notication o your eligibility rom the NSCA, you may schedule an exam appointment by one othe ollowing methods. Candidates can schedule up to two days beore the testing date. NOTE: Be prepared to confrm adate and location or testing and to provide your Assigned ID Number, which you will receive ater you have completed your onlineregistration.

1. Online: The candidate may schedule an exam appointment online at any time by using our Online RegistrationScheduling service at www.nsca-cc.org.

OR

2. Telephone: Call AMP at 888-519-9901 to schedule an exam appointment. You can reach an AMP representativerom 7:00am to 7:00pm (Central time) Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 5:00pm on Friday and 8:30am to5:00pm on Saturday.

The exams are administered by appointment Monday through Friday at 9:00am and 1:30pm (with some select Saturdayappointments available). Individuals are scheduled on a rst-come, rst-served basis. Reer to the chart below.

I you call to schedule an exam appointment by3:00pm Central time on

Depending on availability, your exam may bescheduled beginning

Monday Wednesday

Tuesday Thursday Wednesday Friday

Thursday Monday (Saturday, i available)

Friday Tuesday

Saturday Wednesday

When the appointment is made, the candidate will choose a time to report to the Assessment Center. Candidates will receivea conrmation email with the location, date and time. The candidate can only take the exam or which the appointment hasbeen made; no changes in exam type can be made at the Assessment Center. NOTE: Unscheduled candidates (walk-ins) willnot be admitted to the Assessment Center.

HasThe exams are not oered on the ollowing holidays:

SCHEduliNg A ComPuTEr-bASEd ExAm

New Years DayMartin Luther King DayPresidents DayGood FridayMemorial DayIndependence Day (July 4)Labor Day

Columbus DayVeterans DayThanksgiving DayFriday ater ThanksgivingChristmas Eve DayChristmas DayNew Years Eve Day


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ExAm PoliCiES

qCandidates wishing to transer rom a computer-based exam to a paper/pencil exam AND romone certication exam to another = $175 transeree.

q Candidates may transer ONLY one time andmust transer to a date within the original 120-daytesting window.

q Candidates CANNOT transer rom onecertication exam to another.

ae t reptA candidate who ails to report or an exam oreits theregistration and all ees paid to take the exam. A completedregistration and exam ee are required to reschedule or the

exam.

inceent Weathe, Pwe ae EeencIn the event o inclement weather or unoreseen emergencieson the day o an exam, AMP will determine whethercircumstances warrant the cancellation, and subsequentrescheduling o an exam. Candidates may contact AMPsWeather Hotline at 913-495-4418 (24 hours/day) prior tothe exam to determine i AMP has been advised that anyAssessment Centers are closed.

Typically, the exam is NOT rescheduled i the AssessmentCenter personnel are able to open the Assessment Center. Ipower to an Assessment Center is interrupted temporarilyduring an administration, AMP will restart the exam romwhere it let o so that candidates may continue the exam.

Every attempt is made to administer the exam as scheduled;however, should an exam be cancelled at an AssessmentCenter, all scheduled candidates will receive inormationabout rescheduling procedures.

on the da the Ea

On the day o your exam appointment, report to theAssessment Center no later than your scheduled testingtime. Signs indicating AMP Assessment Center check-inwill be posted in the H&R Block oce. A CANDIDATEWHO ARRIVES MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTERTHE SCHEDULED TESTING TIME WILL NOT BEADMITTED.

To gain admission to the Assessment Center, a candidateneeds to present two orms o valid identication, onewith a current photograph. Both orms o identicationmust be current and include the candidates current nameand signature. Acceptable orms o identication includea current:

1. Drivers license with photograph2. State identication card with photograph3. Passport4. Military identication card with photograph5. Social security card (secondary orm)

Employment ID cards, student ID cards and any typeo temporary identication are NOT acceptable asprimary identication. Candidates are prohibited rommisrepresenting their identities by alsiying inormation

to obtain admission to the Assessment Center.

SectThe NSCA and AMP maintain exam administrationand security standards that are designed to assure thatall candidates are provided the same opportunity todemonstrate their abilities. The Assessment Center iscontinuously monitored by audio and video surveillanceequipment or security purposes.

The ollowing security procedures apply during the exam:q Exams are proprietary. No cameras, notes, tape

recorders, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)pagers or cellular phones are allowed in the testingroom. Use o a cellular phone or other electronicdevices is strictly prohibited and will result indismissal rom the exam and oreiting the entireregistration ee.

q Pencils will be provided during check-inCandidates will be provided with scratch paper touse during the exam. I a second piece o scratchpaper is needed, candidates may ask the testproctor or another piece o paper and turn in theone they used beore. Candidates must sign and

return the scratch paper to the supervisor at thecompletion o testing or they will not receive ascore report.

q No documents or notes o any kind may beremoved rom the exam room.

q No calculators are permitted in the AssessmenCenter or testing room.

q No guests, visitors or amily members are allowedin the testing room or reception areas.


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ExAm PoliCiES

q No personal belongings are allowed in theAssessment Center. Only keys and wallets maybe taken into the testing room. AMP, the NSCA,and the testing center are not responsible oritems let in the reception area.

Other Restrictions:q No questions concerning the content o the

exam may be asked.q Eating, drinking or smoking are not

permitted in the Assessment Center.q Candidates may take a break whenever they

wish, but they are not allowed additionaltime to make up or time lost during breaks.

mscnct

Individuals who engage in any o the ollowing conductmay be dismissed rom the exam, their scores will not bereported and exam ees will not be reunded. Exampleso misconduct are when a candidate:q Creates a disturbance or is abusive or otherwise

uncooperative;q Displays and/or uses electronic communications

equipment such as pagers, cellular phones,PDAs;

q Gives or receives help or is suspected o doingso;

q Attempts to record exam questions or make

notes;q Attempts to take the exam or someone else; orq Is observed with notes, books or other aids.

Cphte Ea qestnsAll exam questions are the copyrighted property o theNSCA. It is orbidden under ederal copyright law tocopy, reproduce, record, distribute or display these examquestions by any means, in whole or in part. Doing somay subject you to severe civil and criminal penalties.

reease inatn

Both the NSCA and its testing agency are committed toprotecting the condentiality o candidate records. Forthis reason, exam scores are never released by telephone,ax or email, even to candidates. Also, inormationregarding individual candidate scores is never releasedto any third party. Verication o the certied status oan individual, however, is provided upon receipt o awritten request.

CnfentatInormation about candidates or testing and their examresults are considered condential. Studies and reportsconcerning candidates will contain no inormationidentiable with any candidate, unless authorized by thecandidate.

Pvac PcThe NSCA is committed to the right o privacy orcertied individuals (Certied Strength and ConditioningSpecialist and NSCA-Certied Personal Trainer) andexam candidates. The NSCA will exercise care withcustomer property and personal inormation while it isunder our control or used by the NSCA. The NSCA stawill handle and protect customer property/inormationas is done with all NSCA property. Only employees

authorized by the Executive Director (or designee) willhave access to customer les. The designated employeesare responsible or maintaining the condentiality o theinormation in those les.

The NSCA sta will not discuss, disclose or release anyinormation submitted or certication purposes to anythird party without the certicate holders or candidateswritten consent.q The exam candidate needs to make all inquiries

pertaining to material submitted or certicationexams and/or inormation related to the exam

administration.q With the exception o verication o certication,

written consent rom the certicate holder orexam candidate is required prior to the release oany inormation rom the individuals record.

To complete and submit the Authorization to ReleaseInormation Form, please visit the NSCA websiteat www.nsca-lit.org/nscapd/view.asp or contact theNSCA at [email protected] to receive a axed ormailed copy o this release orm.

The NSCA reserves the right to modiy its Privacy Policywithout prior notication. In the event that we make amaterial change to our policy, we will post a notice o thechange on the NSCAs website (www.nsca-lit.org).

Cancee ScesThe testing agency is obligated to the NSCACertication Executive Council Committee to reportscores that accurately refect the perormance o eachcandidate. For this reason, the testing agency maintains


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ExAm PoliCiES

exam administration and exam security standards that aredesigned to ensure that all candidates are provided thesame opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and toprevent some candidates rom gaining an unair advantageover others due to testing irregularities or misconduct. Thetesting agency routinely reviews irregularities and examscores suspected o resulting rom unusual or nonstandardcircumstances and reports such to the NSCA CerticationExecutive Council Committee.

The NSCA Certication Executive Council Committeereserves the right to withhold or cancel exam scores i, inits opinion, there is reason to question their validity or toinvestigate a violation o the testing regulations. Scoresconsidered or cancellation by the NSCA CerticationExecutive Council Committee may be grouped into two

categories:

1. Suspected candidate misconduct: In such cases,the NSCA may initially withhold exam scoresand notiy the candidates so that they have theopportunity to provide additional inormation asrequested by the NSCA Certication ExecutiveCouncil Committee. The NSCA CerticationExecutive Council Committee may also undertakea condential review o the circumstancesgiving rise to questionable score validity. I itis determined that there is sucient cause to

question score validity, the NSCA CerticationExecutive Council Committee may cancel thescore(s) and inorm the involved parties.

2. Irregularities: Scores may be withheld and/or cancelled because o circumstances beyondthe candidates control, such as computermalunctions. In such cases, candidates will beinormed and, i the NSCA Certication ExecutiveCouncil Committee determines that scores mustbe cancelled, oered an opportunity to retake theexam.

In addition to the reasons listed, the NSCA CerticationExecutive Council Committee may withhold or cancelexam results i, upon investigation, a violation o policiesas outlined in this publication is ound to have beencommitted.

reasns dscpna ActnThe NSCA Certication Executive Council Committeehas approved the ollowing items as reasons why candidateor the NSCA-CPT exam may be reused or or which examcandidates or credentialed individuals may be disciplinedup to and including the revocation o their certied status

1. Obtaining or attempting to obtain certication byraud, deception or artice.

2. Knowingly assisting another person or other personsin obtaining or attempting to obtain certication byraud, deception or artice.

3. Illegal use or alsication o certication certicatescredentials or any other NSCA-CPT documents.

4. Unauthorized possession and/or distribution o anyocial NSCA-CPT testing materials to includecopying and/or reproduction o any part o the NSCA-CPT exam questions or scenarios.

5. Unauthorized use o any o the registered trademarksowned by the NSCA or NSCA. These include theassociation and certication logos.

6. Not accumulating and/or reporting the requirednumber o CEUs or not paying the recertication ee

within the applicable time period.

When the NSCA becomes aware o an incident thamay all into one o the preceding categories, a judiciacommittee is convened to begin a structured investigationto determine whether any disciplinary action will be taken

Upon receipt o the notice o the judicial committeesdecision, the charged party has 30 days to le a writtenappeal o the decision to the NSCA. Upon receipt oan appeal, the NSCA Certication Executive CounciCommittee reviews the record o the case and determines

whether to arm or modiy the judicial committeedecision.


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AT THE ExAm

What t Epect at the Assessent CenteAter conrming the candidates identication, thecandidate will sign in and will be directed to a testingstation. The candidate will receive on-screen instructionsto enter his/her assigned ID number. The candidatesphotograph will be taken and displayed throughout theexam session. This photograph will also print on the scorereports.

Prior to attempting the exam, the candidate will be given theopportunity to practice taking an exam on the computer.Please note that this practice exam is to help the candidatebecome amiliar with the computerized exam ormat. Alsonote that it is possible that the practice exam questions willnot relate to strength and conditioning. The time used orthis practice session is NOT counted as part o the exam

time or score. When the candidate is comortable withthe computer-testing process, he/she may quit the practicesession and begin the timed exam.

Following the practice session, instructions or taking theexam will be provided on-screen. Then the candidate willbegin the actual timed exam.

Acta EaThe computer monitors the time the candidate spends onthe exam. The exam will stop when the testing time hasexpired. Candidates can click on the Time box in the

lower right-hand corner o the screen or select the Timekey to monitor the time. A digital clock indicates the timeremaining or the candidate to complete the exam. TheTime eature may be hidden during the exam.

Only one exam question is presented at a time. Thequestion number appears in the lower right-hand cornero the screen. Choices o answers to the exam question areidentied as A, B, C or D. Candidates must indicate theanswer choice by either typing in the letter in the responsebox in the lower let hand o the computer screen or clickingin the option using the mouse. To change the answer, just

enter a dierent option by pressing the A, B, C or D keyor by clicking on the option using the mouse. Candidatescan change their answer as many times as they wish duringthe exam time limit.

To move to the next question, click on the orward arrow(>) in the lower right-hand portion o the screen or selectthe NEXT key. This action will move the candidateorward through the exam question by question. Shouldthe candidate wish to review any question(s), he/she canclick the backward arrow (


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reptn restsI a candidate has met all o the eligibility requirements andpaid all o the ees, he/she will receive a score report at theAssessment Center.

I a candidate has a hold placed on his/her registration,he/she will NOT receive the results; instead he/she willreceive a notice that indicates additional documentationis needed and inormation on how to contact the NSCA.Scores will be sent out within 10 business days ater theNSCA receives the required documentation.

I a candidate indicates that he/she is an NSCA member buthis/her membership status cannot be veried, he/she willreceive a notice that indicates additional documentation isneeded and inormation on how to contact the NSCA. The

exam results will not be sent until proo o membership isprovided.

Score reports will be held or one calendar year rom thedate o the exam. I the hold hasNOT been cleared in thattime (i.e., the candidate has NOT provided the requireddocumentation), the exam results become void. I acandidate wants to become certied ater that point, he/she is required to submit a registration with the appropriateee and retake the exam.Scores are not reported over the telephone, by electronic

mail or by acsimileeven to the exam candidate.

Pass/a Sce detenatnThe total scaled score will determine whether the candidatepassed. This scaled score is statistically derived rom theraw score and can range rom 1 through 99. The passingscaled score is 70 or the exam.

The reason or calculating scaled scores is that dierentorms (or versions) o the exam may vary in diculty. Anew orms o the exam are introduced, a certain numbero questions in each content area are replaced by newquestions. These changes may cause one orm o the examto be slightly easier or more dicult than another ormTo adjust or these dierences in diculty, a procedurecalled equating is used. The goal o equating is to ensureairness to all candidates.

The methodology used to set the minimum passing scoreis the Ango method, based upon data gathered during theperormance o a passing point study conducted by a paneo experts in the eld. The experts evaluated each questionon the exam to determine how many correct answers arenecessary to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required

to pass this exam.

A candidates ability to pass the exam depends on theamount o knowledge displayed and is not based upon theperormance o others taking the exam (i.e., the exam isnot based on a curve).

revew Ea qestnsThe NSCA will not accommodate a request to reviewmissed or incorrect exam questions. From the initiationo the exam program, the NSCA has not permitted anycandidate access to the exam materials (test booklet and

answer orms) other than during the time that he/she wasactually taking the exam. This policy is consistent withother nationally recognized certiying or licensing bodiesThe NSCA has devoted a signicant eort to develop validand reliable exams. Allowing candidates to review examwould compromise the security o our exams and theireliability.

AT THE ExAm


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i y Pass the EaAll candidates who pass the exam will receive a certicateand recertication inormation within 15 business days.

reestashn Ea EtA candidate who ails the exam may reregister or theNSCA-CPT exam online at www.nsca-cc.org. Candidateswho ail the exam are eligible to retest ater a 90-day waitingperiod. Note that candidates are allowed to reregister oran exam and schedule or a date as long as the date selectedis beyond the 90-day window.

Ea Scn AppeasIn computer-based testing, the computer accepts responsesrom a keyboard or mouse in digitized orm. As a result,computer-based testing eliminates problems that may have

previously arisen with scanning paper/pencil answer sheets,since all responses are recorded by candidates during theirexam. However, candidates receiving ailing scores mayrequest that the exam score be veried. Candidates mustrequest this score verication in writing to the NSCA andprovide a $25 ee. Candidates may contact the NSCAvia email at [email protected], ax at 719-632-6367 orthrough the mail at 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, ColoradoSprings, CO 80906. Please know that AMP has notencountered one occasion when an exam score changed asa result o score verication. Requests must be submittedto the NSCA, in writing, within 12 months ater the exam.

recetfcatn reeentsCandidates who pass the exam will receive inormationconcerning requirements associated with the NSCAsRecertication Program. It is important that newlycertied individuals thoroughly read and understand thisinormation in order to retain their certication. NSCA-Certied Personal Trainers are required to earn 6.0 CEUs(typically 1 contact hour equals 0.1 CEU) over specicthree-year periods (2006 2008, 2009 2011, etc.) tomaintain their certication. Those certied within anexisting three-year period will have their initial CEU

requirement prorated to the end o the reporting period.

A recertication ee or each certication is assessed oreach three-year period. Those holding both certications(CSCS and NSCA-CPT) may not need to acquire separateCEUs or each certication, as CEUs acquired will apply toboth certications in most cases.

No CEUs will be awarded or activities completed prior tobecoming certied. In addition to earning and reportingContinuing Education Units (CEUs) or retaking the exam,all certied individuals must maintain current adult CPRcertication in order to retain the NSCA-CPT credential.

More inormation regarding recertication requirementscan be ound in the Recertication Policies and Proceduresdownloadable at www.nsca-lit.org/nscapd/view.asp.

recetfcatn AppeasAny action taken by the NSCA Certication ExecutiveCouncil Committee aecting the status o a certicateholder may be appealed. Appeals must be in writing andreceived within 90 days ater receipt o such notice. Youcan send appeals to the NSCA Certication Executive

Council Committee at 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, ColoradoSprings, CO 80906 or to [email protected].

Aess ChanesThe address provided on a candidates registration will beused or uture mailings. I candidates have a change oaddress, they should notiy the NSCA. Candidates canupdate their address with the NSCA in one o the ollowingways:

1. Visit www.nsca-cc.org and submit the Change oAddress orm online

2. Call 800-815-68263. Email [email protected]. Send a ax to 719-632-63675. Mail the inormation to NSCA, 1885 Bob Johnson

Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906

Cetfcatn VefcatnTo request verication o a CSCS or NSCA-CPTcertication, the Certication Verication orm locatedat www.nsca-cc.org/contact/certication_verication.htmlmust be submitted to the NSCA.

ATEr THE ExAm


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With the credibility possessed by the CSCS and NSCA-CPT exams comes the responsibility to ensure the integrity othe credentials awarded. The Code o Ethics o the NSCA was established to make our certied individuals aware o thestandards o ethical behavior that should be ollowed in the practice o their proession (strength training and conditioningand personal training). The Code presents undamental standards o behavior that all certied individuals should strive toachieve. It serves to increase ethical sensitivity and judgment, strengthen support or certied individuals moral courageand sharpen their sense o identity as an integral part o the NSCA and its continued success. To review the entire Code oEthics or Certied Individuals, visit www.nsca-lit.org/nscapd/download/Code_o_Ethics_or_Certied_Individuals.pd.

Certied individuals shall:

1. Respect the rights, welare and dignity o all individuals.2. Strive to provide equal and air treatment to all individuals and not discriminate against anyone.3. Provide and maintain a sae and eective training environment.4. Comply with all general laws o the land including, but not limited to, applicable business, employment and

copyright laws.5. Accept responsibility or the use o sound judgment when working with their clientele.6. Respect the condentiality o their clientele while remaining accountable.7. Reer their clientele to more qualied tness, medical or health proessionals when appropriate.8. Remain current on practical and theoretical oundations through continuing education activities.9. Avoid engaging in any behavior or orm o conduct that would constitute a confict o interest or actions tha

adversely refect on the proession or the National Strength and Conditioning Association.10. Strive to saeguard the public by reporting violations o this Code o Ethics.

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Ea CntentTo begin preparing in an inormed and organized manner, candidates should be aware o what they are expected to knowor the exam.

The ollowing exam outline describes the content covered on the exam. The outline provides a general impression o the

exam and, with closer inspection, gives candidates specic direction or studying. By comparing the number o items ineach category, candidates can determine the relative importance given to each category on the exam.


1. Cent Cnstatn an Assessent (32 scored questions)A. Initial Interview

1. Determine compatibility between a client and a personal trainer2. Complete a client-personal trainer and/or a client-personal trainer-itness acility agreement3. Administer an inormed consent and liability waiver orm

B. Medical History and Health Appraisal

1. Administer a detailed medical history/health appraisal orm and a liestyle questionnaire(including exercise history) and, i necessary, obtain a medical release rom the clientsprimary physician

2. Evaluate and interpret medical history/health appraisal orm and liestyle questionnaire3. Recognize when to reer a client to and/or seek input rom an appropriate health care

proessionalC. Fitness Evaluation

1. Conduct itness evaluation:a. Vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure)b. Heightc. Weightd. Body compositione. Girth measurements. Muscular strengthg. Muscular enduranceh. Speed/agility/poweri. Cardiovascular endurancej. Flexibilityk. Postural alignment/muscle balance

2. Evaluate and interpret the results o a health/itness evaluation3. Recognize when to reer a client to and/or seek input rom an appropriate health care

proessional

Domain Percent of Exam Number of Scored Questions

Client Consultation and Assessment 23% 32

Program Planning 32% 45

Techniques o Exercise 32% 45

Saety, Emergency Procedures andLegal Issues

13% 18

Total 100% 140

NSCA-CPT ExAmCoNTENTfor ExAmS


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D. Basic Nutrition Review1. Identiy the personal trainers scope o practice regarding nutritional recommendations2. Conduct a review o a clients dietary habits3. Communicate basic inormation regarding nutritional aids, supplements and daily caloric

needs4. Recognize the signs and symptoms o an eating disorder5. Recognize when to reer a client to and/or seek input rom an appropriate health care

proessional

2. Pa Pannn (45 scored questions)A. Goal Setting

1. Discuss the results o a itness evaluation with a client to determine needs and goals2. Discuss the results o dietary habit review with a client to determine needs and goals3. Discuss health-related liestyle habits (smoking, alcohol use, etc.) with a client to determine

needs and goals4. Determine the motivational/coaching techniques (reward system, reinorcement strategies,

mental imagery techniques, visualization, etc.) that will be eective or a clientB. Program Design1. Select the exercise modality or type2. Select the warm-up/cool down exercises3. Determine the order o exercises or exercise components4. Determine the exercise intensity or workload5. Determine exercise duration6. Determine exercise requency7. Determine the rate o exercise progression

C. Training Adaptations1. Understand exercise-induced changes to body structures:

a. Muscle

b. Tendons and ligamentsc. Bone and cartilaged. Adipose tissue (at stores)

2. Understand exercise-induced changes to body systems:a. Neuromuscularb. Cardiorespiratoryc. Metabolicd. Endocrinee. Psychological

D. Special Populations1. Determine capacities and limitations o a client with a specialized need or condition:

a. Older adults/elderly

b. Pre-pubescents and adolescentsc. Females who are prenatal or postpartumd. Females who are postmenopausale. Individuals who are overweight or obese. Individuals with eating disordersg. Individuals with orthopedic disorders/conditionsh. Individuals with arthritic disordersi. Individuals with hypertensionj. Individuals with hyperlipidemiak. Individuals who are in post-cardiac rehabilitation


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l. Individuals with Type 1 diabetesm. Individuals with Type 2 diabetesn. Individuals with respiratory disorders/conditionso. Individuals with osteoporosis/osteopeniap. Individuals with peripheral vascular diseaseq. Individuals training or a certain sport/ competition (athletes)r. Individuals with back pains. Individuals with ibromyalgiat. Individuals with canceru. Individuals with neurological disordersv. Individuals with metabolic syndromew. Individuals who have had a stroke

2. Modiy the exercise program to coincide with the limitations and capacities o a client with aspecialized need or condition

3. Recognize when to reer a client to and/or seek input rom an appropriate health careproessional

3. Technes Eecse (45 scored questions)A. Machine Resistance ExercisesB. Free Weight ExercisesC. Flexibility ExercisesD. Functional Training ExercisesE. Calisthenic and Body Weight ExercisesF. Sport-speciic/Perormance-related ActivitiesG. Cardiovascular MachinesH. Non-machine Cardiovascular Activities

4. Saet, Eeenc Pcees an lea isses (18 scored questions)

A. Saety Procedures1. Properly monitor and maintain exercise equipment2. Create a sae exercise environment according to industry standards3. Recognize symptoms relating to overtraining, overuse injuries, and temperature-induced

illnessB. Emergency Response

1. Understand how to perorm basic irst aid2. Understand how to perorm CPR3. Understand how to use an Automated External Deibrillator (AED)4. Implement a plan to respond to an emergency in an exercise acility (ire, tornado, medical

situation, etc.)C. Proessional, Legal and Ethical Responsibility

1. Recognize litigation issues and circumstances2. Maintain a proessional client-personal trainer relationship3. Maintain client-personal trainer conidentiality


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SAmPlE ExAm quESTioNS

1. Which o the ollowing describes when the personal trainer should administer a medical historyquestionnaire to a client?

A. beore the itness evaluation

B. immediately ater the irst exercise sessionC. during the physicians medical examinationD. immediately ater discussing the itness evaluation results

2. A moderate intensity (8 12RM loads) resistance training program involving one minute rest periodsbetween sets and exercises is designed PRIMARILY to improve a clients

A. strength.B. hypertrophy.C. explosive power.D. aerobic endurance.

3. A personal trainer oers ree sessions to clients who achieve their goals within a predetermined amounto time. Which o the ollowing describes this motivational technique?

A. intrinsic motivationB. achievement motivationC. positive reinorcementD. positive punishment

4. What is the days caloric intake o a client who consumed 100 grams o protein, 450 grams ocarbohydrates, and 40 grams o at in one day?

A. 5310 kcalsB. 4180 kcalsC. 2700 kcalsD. 2560 kcals

5. A clients 10RM in the bench press exercise is 150 pounds (68 kg). Which o the ollowing is this clientsestimated 1RM?

A. 175 pounds (80 kg)B. 200 pounds (91 kg)C. 230 pounds (105 kg)D. 250 pounds (114 kg)

Answers:(1)A(2)B(3)C(4)D(5)B


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Tps takn the NSCA-CPT eaBelow are some general preparation tips that might be helpul to youplease note that these tips do not guarantee successon the exam.

genea St Tps: ReviewtheNSCA-CPTExamPreparationSuggestionslocatedatwww.nsca-lift.org/nscapdf/view.asptodetermine

what study materials and reerences you could use. Examinethecontentoutline(page16).Concentrateonareasyoufeelwouldbemostbenecialtoyouandlocate

these areas in the study materials. The content outline can also be ound at www.nsca-lit.org/nscapd/view.asp. Review for the exam anywhere from three to nine months, depending on your educational and professional

background.

Tps Takn the Ea: Readeveryquestionandallthechoicescarefullybeforechoosingananswer.Ifnecessary,makesuretousethescroll

bar to view all the answers. Donotreadtoomuchintothequestions.Usecommonsenseintandemwithyourexpertisewhenreviewingthe

question/answers. Remember that the answers are based on the reerence inormation and not individual practicesdictated by physicians, acilities where you work, etc. Youareallowedonlyonepieceofscratchpaperatatime.Ifyouneedasecondpiece,youwillneedtoasktheproctor

or another piece o paper and turn in the used one you have. During theexam,onlinecommentsmaybeprovidedforanyquestionbyclickingon thebuttondisplayingan

exclamation point (!), which is ound to the let o the Time button. This opens a dialogue box where you mayenter your comments. Comments are reviewed, but individual responses are NOT provided or considered in thegrading process.

Pleasenotethatyouarenotallowedtotakepursesorotherpersonalbelongingsincludingcellphonesintotheexamroom.

Youareallowedtotakerestroombreaks;however,youwillonlyhavethedesignatedtimetocompletetheexam. Useofacalculator,PersonalDigitalAssistant(PDA),etc.arenotpermitted.

Examroomsizesandclimatesvary,sodressinlayerstoensurepersonalcomfort.

STudy TiPS


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You may request special accommodations i you have a medical condition that will prevent you rom taking the exam asit is typically administered. A request or special accommodations must be submitted at the time o registration. Pleasecomplete the candidate inormation and requested accommodations sections o this orm and have your healthcareprovider complete the proessional documentation section. All sections o this orm must be completed and submitted oryour request to be considered by our testing service. The NSCA must receive your completed orm at least 45 days priorto your scheduled exam appointment.

Assigned ID Number: _____________________________

Last Name: ____________________________ First Name: ________________________ MI: ________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________ State/Province/Country: _________________ ZIP/Postal Code: ________________

Work Phone: _________________________________ Home Phone: ____________________________________

Email Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

CANdidATE iNormATioN

rEquESTEd ACCommodATioNS

I request special accommodations or the exam listed below:

_____ CSCS_____ NSCA-CPT

Please check all that apply:

_____ Extended exam time (maximum time allowed: time and a hal)_____ Reader_____ Replay_____ Separate exam room_____ Other special accommodations (please speciy)

Comments: __________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ___________________________________________ Date: _____________________________

Return this orm to the: NSCA, 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 or send by ax to 719-632-6367.I you have questions, please contact the NSCA at 800-815-6826 or 719-632-6722 or [email protected].

Speca Accatns reest


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ProESSioNAl doCumENTATioN

I you have a learning disability, a psychological disability or other disability that requires an accommodation in testing,please have this section completed by an appropriate proessional (education proessional, doctor, psychologist orpsychiatrist) to certiy that your disabling condition requires the requested exam accommodations.

I have known __________________________________________ since ______________________ in my capacity

as a __________________________________________________.

The candidate discussed with me the nature o the exam being administered. It is my opinion that because o thiscandidates disability described below, he/she should be accommodated by providing the special arrangements previouslylisted.

Description o Disability: __________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ________________________________________________________________________________________

Title: __________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________ License # (i applicable): _______________________________

Speca Accatns reest

CPT CBT Handbook

Documents

Transcript of CPT CBT Handbook