Studying for a major exam can be frustrating. When I passed the ACE Personal Trainer Certification Exam after studying for only 2 months, I decided that I would share my tips on how I did it. Here is a summary of my study method.
You must buy some study materials. I bought the minimal materials I felt were necessary and that included the manual, study guide, practice test and an additional online practice test.
Start with Chapter 4 in the manual. The reason is that the first 3 chapters on anatomy, physiology and kinesiology can be overwhelming. I started with the chapter on Nutrition and then ended with the first 3 chapters.
Answer the corresponding questions in the study guide after you read each chapter. The study guide will be valuable to you so that you don’t have to re-read the entire manual when reviewing before your exam.
After going through the entire book and study guide, go back to the vocabulary at the end of each chapter and write out the definitions. There is a handy glossary at the end of the manual to help you with this. Writing it out helps reinforce the learning process.
Now do the practice test and the simulation problems that come with the materials. Do these more than once, even though you’ve read the answers.
Next do the online practice test. After you take it, print out the results. There will be explanations for every answer and this is another valuable study tool.
Go through the book, study guide, and practice tests a third time. It will go a lot faster now that you have comprehended the material.
Go over the formulas that you must learn such as Karvonen formula and calculating body fat percentage. Practice your math manually with paper and pen since you will not be able to use a calculator at the exam.
The week before the exam take a few days to relax. Your mind may need some time to assimilate all this material. Then just go over your major points, facts and formulas a few days before the exam.
When you take the exam, read each question carefully without taking a lot of time on each question. You should be able to eliminate 2 of the 4 choices on the multiple choices offered. If you absolutely don’t know the answer take an educated guess.
Visualization helps. Before you go to your exam visualize seeing the words, Congratulations, you passed, on your computer screen.
Visit ACE certification exam [http://dancenyoga.com/test_taking_tips_for_the_ACE_Personal_Trainer_Certification_Exam.html] for more test taking strategies to help you pass the exam as well as tips on how start a career as a personal trainer.
S. McRee is a fitness instructor and personal trainer who loves to inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle.
