Getting Ready for the CSFM Exam
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Transcript of Getting Ready for the CSFM Exam
Getting Ready for the CSFM Exam
Mary Owen, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Mike Schiller, CSFM, Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, IL
George Trivett, CSFM, Granite Falls, NC, Middle School
With special thanks to Dr. Tony Koski, Colorado State University
Purpose of the CSFM Exam
• Along with education and/or experience, the final qualifying step towards certification
• Examines:– “book” knowledge– knowledge gained through practical experience
Format of the CSFM Exam
• Agronomics (100 questions)
• Pest Management (50 questions)
• Administration (50 questions)
• Sports Specific (100 questions)
Exam is taken in 3 sections, each consisting of 100 questions
Agronomics (100 questions)Soils
Physical and chemical characteristicsWater retention, movementFertility management
The Grass PlantWarm- vs. cool-season grassesBasic photosynthesis, respirationSpecies selection
Agronomic MathFertilizer labelCalibration problems
Pest Management (50 questions)
Basic pest groupsLife cyclesManagement principles
IPMPesticides
TypesSafe useThe pesticide label
Administration (50 questions)
Human resource management
Communication principles
Financial management, budgeting
Employee motivation
Project management
Sports Specific (100 questions)
Based on real-life, field experiences
Questions on a wide range of sports
Field/playing surface managementGame preparationEvent schedulingDamage prevention and repair
Field safety
Question Format
• Multiple choice
• Four answersOnly one correct answer2 “obviously” incorrect answers1 distractor – but still incorrect
• Some questions require the use of a calculator
Sample Multiple-Choice Question
Photosynthesis rate in turfgrass plants:a. increases as the amount of shade increasesb. decreases as the amount of shade increasesc. is highest just before sunrised. is not affected by the amount of sunlight
Answer: B
What about “questionable” questions
• Each exam section can be evaluated by you after it is completed
• Comment on any questions you feel are poorly worded, unclear, or ambiguous
• Frequently missed questions are evaluated by the committee
• Evaluations and comments are taken seriously and acted upon - when a legitimate problem is found
Resources for Exam Preparation
Prepare by focusing on the Competency Outline and the Detailed Competency List provided in the Certified Sports Field Manager Certification Program Information Packet
Resources for Exam Preparation
Prepare by focusing on the Competency Outline and the Detailed Competency List provided in the Certified Sports Field Manager Certification Program Information Packet
Choose from any of a number of excellent resources and study materials
Resources for Exam PreparationAgronomics
Sports FieldsPuhalla, Krans, Goatley
Fundamentals of Turfgrass ManagementChristians
Mathematics of Turfgrass MaintenanceChristians and Agnew
Practical DrainageMcIntrye and Jakobsen
Resources for Exam PreparationPest Management
Controlling Turfgrass PestsFermanian et al.
State Pesticide Applicator Training manuals
Resources for Exam PreparationAdministration
Human Resource Management for Golf Course SuperintendentsMilligan and Maloney
Resources for Exam PreparationSports Specific
Sports FieldsPuhalla, Krans, Goatley
Baseball and Softball FieldsPuhalla, Krans, Goatley
STMA Sports Turf Topics
Everyday experience
Test-taking Strategies• Get a good night’s rest• Prepare – but don’t “overstudy”• Arrange for a comfortable setting
in which to take the exam • Allow plenty of time to take the
exam• Choose a time when family and
work obligations will be minimally distracting