How much should I study for the ACSM exam?

by Pamela Gervais
(Castleton, NY)

I am studying for the ACSM certified personal trainer test and I feel overwhelmed. I have a full time job in an office and want this certification as a second career that I can do part time for now and maybe more in the future. I am trying to study about 8 hours a week. Is this reasonable?

Comments for How much should I study for the ACSM exam?

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Rating

You have chosen a very difficult exam
by: Katie - Admin

The ACSM exam is definitely the hardest exam to pass. It is not really suited to people getting their first certification.

Studying 8 hours per week might be fine. Depends on how many hours in total and what sort of experience/knowledge you are building on. If you are starting from nothing, I would expect to spend 250+ hours to get ready.

I know it can be discouraging at times. But if you love fitness and the idea of helping others, you will get through.

Good luck

- Katie

Rating

Is ACSM certification more than I need?
by: Pamela

I have taken the three day ACSM workshop and have been studying for 5 weeks on my own since the workshop. Since the feed back on the
certification exam is not encouraging, what other certification exams are reputable and may be easier to pass. I am interested in working with
housewives, not training power lifters so perhaps the ACSM certification is overkill. I just want my certification to be from a recognizable organization. Thanks for the input. Pam

Rating

Finish your ACSM certification
by: Katie - Admin

Since you are so far down the road with ACSM it may make sense to just finish it off. Have you taken the ACSM practice test? Have you tried our practice test on this site? How did you do on them? That will tell you how much studying you have left to do.

You can check also check out certs by ACE (the easiest) and NASM as alternatives...but you would be starting all over again. If you can get the ACSM you will have a great cert.

- Katie

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to ACSM Exam Tips.