Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator: Paper/Pencil Exam Candidate Handbook
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator: Paper/Pencil Exam Candidate Handbook
Table of Contents
Introduction
About the NSCA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 About NSCA Certication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator Exam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Scope of Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Explanation of Non-Scored Exam Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Exam Development .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Testing Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Quality Control .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Administrative Policies
Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Candidate Ineligibility .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Refund of Fees .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Transfer Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Special Accommodations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Test Center Locations .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Address Changes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Exam Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Rules for Exam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Inclement Weather Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Release of Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Privacy Policy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Reporting of Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Scores Cancelled by the Certication Committee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Exam Scoring AppealsHand Scoring .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Receiving the Certicate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Recertication Requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Certication Verication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Reasons for Disciplinary Action. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Appeals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Statement of Nondiscrimination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Exam Content
Exam Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Sample Exam Questions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Study Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Special Accommodations Request Form .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Helpful Tips about Pre-Exam and Post-Exam Information .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Code of Ethics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Copyright 2012. National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy or recording, or any information and retrieval system, without written permission from the NSCA.
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Introduction
About the NSCA
The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is an international, nonprot, educational association representing strength training and conditioning professionals, sports science researchers, athletic trainers, sports medicine therapists and physicians, personal trainers, students and others interested in tness and strength and conditioning activities and their relationship to overall sport and tness performance. The NSCA publishes two of the worlds premier strength and conditioning journals Strength and Conditioning Journal and the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. They link what is being learned in the sport science research laboratories to what is being taught by tness professionals, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice.
In 2012, the NSCA established the Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator (TSAC-F) credential. This credential was created for tness professionals interested in training tactical operators. The TSAC-F is the result of the increased need for qualied tness professionals to train this population.
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Introduction
Scope of Practice
Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators (TSAC-F) apply scientic knowledge to physically train military, re and rescue, law enforcement, protective services, and other emergency personnel to improve performance, promote wellness, and decrease injury risk. They conduct needs analyses and physical testing sessions, design and implement safe and effective strength training and conditioning programs, and provide general information regarding nutrition. Recognizing their area of expertise is separate and distinct, TSAC Facilitators consult with and refer those they train to other professionals when appropriate. Non-scored pretest questions appear on both paper/pencil and computer-based exam formats. This provides a similar testing experience to all candidates.
Exam Development
The TSAC-F EDC, comprised of individuals whose knowledge and experience in exercise sciences, strength training and conditioning, personal training, and medicine qualifying them as content experts, develops the exam questions. The committee develops specications from a job task analysis study that is completed every ve years that denes the content areas to be covered, the number of questions on the exam and the abilities and skills measured by the exam.
Testing Agency
The NSCA Certication Committee has the overall responsibility for exam development and policies governing eligibility and administration of the exam. It is also responsible for contracting with a professional testing agency that administers and provides psychometric expertise. Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP) is the testing agency contracted by the NSCA to assist in the development, administration, scoring and analysis of the TSAC-F exam based on the exam specications developed by the NSCA Certication Committee and the TSAC-F EDC. The testing agency is also responsible for the establishment of test centers and exam security.
Quality Control
Each exam undergoes quality control checks. A thorough item analysis is completed and is used as a part of the statistical review of the performance of the exam. The NSCA, AMP and the EDC review exam data and candidate comments. All of these materials are reviewed during a key validation meeting with the EDC to ensure that the scoring of the questions is appropriate. Candidates can provide written comments about any exam question. However,
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those comments do not have a bearing on a candidates exam score. Rather, they serve a purpose of requesting attention of the EDC. All candidate comments are reviewed for relevance and accuracy, but these comments are not taken as statements to argue or challenge the exam (either at the time of the exam or afterward). and admission letter information and notify the NSCA immediately if there are any errors. The admission letter serves as authorization to sit for the exam and, if incorrect, could preclude admission to the exam center. At the testing site, candidates are required to present proof of identity that includes a photograph (valid drivers license, state or military ID card or passport) and a second form of identication with name and signature.
Prerequisites
1. 18 years of age To qualify for the TSAC-F exam, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. 2. Current AED/CPR certication (BLS or equivalent) Current CPR/AED certication is also a requirement. If candidates do not have current CPR/ AED certication, they can still register for and take the TSAC-F exam. The NSCA will not release a candidates exam scores until we have received documentation of a valid CPR/AED certication. A photo copy of the front and back of the card is acceptable. Please mail your documentation to: National Strength and Conditioning Association c/o Certication Department 1885 Bob Johnson Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Candidate Ineligibility
A candidate may be determined ineligible for either of the following reasons: 1. Insufficient documentation to assess eligibility. 2. Documentation provided, or fees submitted, do not meet eligibility requirements for the exam. The NSCA Certication Committee reserves the right to cancel exam scores if an individual is deemed ineligible to meet the certication requirements. If a candidate is determined to be ineligible, a refund of his/her registration fee will NOT be provided. If a candidate has any questions regarding eligibility, contact the NSCA at 800-815-6826 or [email protected] BEFORE registering for an exam.
Registration
Candidates can register by mail, fax or online. All registrations must be received or post marked before midnight of the registration cut-off date. Once registration for an exam has closed, no additional registrations will be accepted. Candidates will receive an official conrmation notice approximately three weeks after the registration deadline. The conrmation notice will include the exam site and date for which they are registered. One week prior to the exam date, candidates will receive a test center admission letter identifying the exact time and address where candidates should report for the exam. It is very important to review the conrmation notice
Refund of Fees
Cancellation Policy: Notice of cancellation must be in writing. The NSCA provides a 50 percent refund when we receive the written notice of cancellation at least seven business days before the scheduled exam date. No refunds will be made after that date. Should fewer than 15 candidates register for a site, the NSCA retains the right to cancel the exam site. Those affected will be notied no later than four weeks after the registration cutoff date and offered the opportunity to transfer to a different date/site at no additional cost. The NSCA is not
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Administrative Policies
responsible for expenses incurred by a candidate due to a cancelled exam (e.g., airfare, hotel). No-shows: Candidates who do not arrive to take the exam and who do not cancel or transfer their registration will forfeit the registration fee. Should they wish to take the exam at a later date, they would need to register again and provide the full registration fee.
Special Accommodations
The NSCA is committed to ensuring that no individual with a disability is deprived of the opportunity to take the exam solely by reason of that disability. Candidates may request special accommodations if they have a medical condition that will prevent them from taking the exam as it is typically administered. A request for special accommodations must be made at the time of registration and must be made using the Special Accommodations Form (see pages 22 23) available online at www.nsca.com, or by contacting the NSCA office directly. Prior to the exam, candidates will receive notication from AMP of the accommodations that they will receive. If no information is provided or if the NSCA and/or AMP determines that the provided information is inadequate to assess special needs requirements, candidates will be asked to provide additional information/documentation and given a deadline by which they need to respond. If the required information is not received by the specied deadline, the request for accommodations will be denied. (Special language accommodations will not be made for those whose primary language is not English.) AMP is equipped with Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf (TDD) to assist deaf and hearing-impaired candidates. TDD calling is available 8:30am to 5:00pm (Central time) Monday-Friday at 913-495-4437. This TDD phone option is for individuals equipped with compatible TDD machinery.
Transfer Policy
If you are unable to take the exam on the date or at the ___location for which you are registered, you may transfer your registration by contacting the NSCA. Exam registrations cannot be transferred to another person, and the Exam Transfer Form must be completed at least seven days before the exam date. Candidates can provide payment of the appropriate transfer fee via check, money order or credit card. Payment is required to process the transfer. Call 800-815-6826 and specify the date and site to which you wish to transfer. Candidates cannot transfer into an exam after the registration deadline has passed. Candidates wishing to reschedule their paper/ pencil exam to another paper/pencil exam = $100 transfer fee. Candidates wishing to transfer from a paper/ pencil exam to a computer-based exam = $150 transfer fee. There is no limit on the number of paper/ pencil transfers.
Forfeit of Fee
Candidates who do not arrive to take the exam, and who do not cancel or transfer their registration will forfeit the registration fee.
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Test Center Locations
The exact ___location of the testing center in each city may change from exam to exam, depending on the space availability and/or conditions of the facility. Each exam candidate will be notied of the exact exam ___location with a mailed admission letter (sent by the independent testing agency one week before the exam).
Exam Schedule
1. Candidates registered for the TSAC-F exam will receive an admission letter for the exam. Candidates will be required to show the appropriate admission letter to the proctor during check-in. 2. Candidates must provide two forms of identication to gain admission to the test center, one of which must be photo-bearing. The photo-bearing identication must be one of the following: a valid drivers license, state or military ID card or passport. Candidates must have proper identication to gain entry to the test center. Candidates are required to sign the registration list prior to entry to the test center.
Address Changes
The address provided on a candidates registration will be used for mailing the exam conrmation notice, admission letter(s) and exam results. If candidates have a change of address, they should notify the NSCA no later than four weeks prior to the exam date. If a candidate moves after this time, he or she should leave a forwarding address at the post office so that the admission letter(s) and exam results will be sent to the new address. Candidates can update their address with the NSCA in one of the following ways: 1. Log into your prole at www.nsca.com 2. Call 800-815-6826 3. Email [email protected] 4. Send a fax to 719-632-6367 Mail the information to the NSCA at 1885 Bob Johnson Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
Address Changes
The address provided on a candidates registration will be used for mailing the exam conrmation notice, admission letter(s) and exam results.
ID
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Exam candidates must provide two forms of identication, one of which must be photo-bearing.
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Administrative Policies
6. No questions concerning the content of the exam may be asked during the exam. Listen carefully to the instructions given by the proctor and read all directions in the test booklet thoroughly. 7. Candidates may comment on any question if they believe it is misleading or decient in accuracy or content. A form for this purpose is included on the back of the answer sheet. Be specic when commenting on any item. Each comment is reviewed by the exam committee. Individual responses to question comments, however, are not provided and such comments do not affect exam scores. 8. Candidates must have the test center supervisors permission to leave the room during the exam. Candidates will not be allowed additional time to make up for time lost. 9. The test center supervisor may dismiss a candidate from the exam for any of the following reasons: if the candidates admission to the exam is unauthorized; if a candidate creates a disturbance, is abusive or is otherwise uncooperative; if a candidate gives or receives help, or is suspected of doing so; if a candidate attempts to remove exam materials or notes from the test center or if a candidate attempts to take the exam for someone else. 10. Eating, drinking, or smoking is not permitted in the exam room.
Release of Information
Both the NSCA and its testing agency are committed to protecting the condentiality of candidate records. For this reason, exam scores are never released by telephone, even to candidates. Also, information regarding candidate scores is never released to any third party. Verication of the certied status of an individual, however, is provided upon receipt of a written request. Neither the NSCA, nor the NSCA Certication Committee members, or their respective staff are involved with the handling or scoring of any exam in any way. This is the testing agencys responsibility.
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Privacy Policy
The NSCA is committed to the right of privacy for certicate holders (Certied Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certied Special Population Specialist, NSCA-Certied Personal Trainer, and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitator) and exam candidates. The NSCA will exercise care with customer property and personal information while it is under our control or used by the NSCA. The NSCA will handle and protect exam candidate property/information as is done with all NSCA property. Only authorized employees will have access to exam candidate les. The designated employees are responsible for maintaining the condentiality of the information in those les. The NSCA staff will not discuss, disclose or release any information submitted for certication purposes to any third party without the certicate holders or candidates written consent. The official exam candidate needs to make all inquiries pertaining to material submitted for certication exams and/or information related to the exam administration. With the exception of verication of certication, written consent from the certicate holder or exam candidate is required prior to the release of any information from the individuals record. To complete and submit the Authorization to Release Information Form, please visit our certication section at www.nsca.com, or contact the NSCA at [email protected] to receive a faxed or mailed copy of this release form. The NSCA reserves the right to modify its Privacy Policy without prior notication. In the event that we make a material change to our policy, we will post a notice of the change at www.nsca.com.
Reporting of Results
The testing agency will mail score reports to the candidate three to ve weeks following the exam. The total scaled score will determine whether the candidate passed. This scaled score is statistically derived from the raw score and can range from 1 through 99. The passing scaled score is 70 for the exam. The passing score reects the amount of knowledge that a committee of experts has determined to be appropriate for credentialing. A criterion-referenced standardsetting procedure and expert judgment were used to evaluate each item on the exam in order to identify the passing point. A candidates ability to pass the exam depends on the amount of knowledge displayed and is not based upon the performance of others taking the exam (i.e., the exam is not based on a curve). The reason for calculating scaled scores is that different forms (or versions) of the exam may vary in difficulty. As new forms of the exam are introduced, a certain number of questions in each content area are replaced by new questions. These changes may cause one form of the exam to be slightly easier or more difficult than another form. To adjust for these differences in difficulty, a procedure called equating is used. The goal of equating is to ensure fairness to all candidates. In the equating process, the minimum raw score (number of correctly answered questions) required to equal the passing scaled score of 70 is statistically adjusted (or equated). Non-scored questions will not affect the candidates overall scaled score or pass/fail status. For instance, if the exam is determined to be more difficult than the base form of the exam, then the minimum raw score required to pass will be slightly lower than the original passing raw score. If the exam is easier, the passing raw score will be higher. Equating helps to ensure that the passing scaled score of 70 represents the same level of knowledge, regardless of which form of the exam a candidate takes.
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If a candidate has a hold placed on his/ her registration, he/she will NOT receive the results; instead he/she will receive a notice that indicates additional documentation is needed and information on how to contact the NSCA. Scores will be sent out within 10 business days after the NSCA receives the required documentation. If a candidate indicates that he/ she is an NSCA Member but his/her membership status cannot be veried, he/she will receive a notice that indicates additional documentation is needed and information on how to contact the NSCA. The exam results will not be sent until proof of membership is provided. Score reports will be held for one calendar year from the date of the exam. If the hold has NOT been cleared in that time (i.e., the candidate has NOT provided the required documentation), the exam results become void. If a candidate wants to become certied after that point, he/ she is required to submit a registration with the appropriate fee and retake the exam. Certication Committee may be grouped into two categories: 1. Suspected candidate misconduct: In such cases, the NSCA may initially withhold exam scores and notify the candidates so that they have the opportunity to provide additional information as requested by the Certication Committee. The Certication Committee may also undertake a condential review of the circumstances giving rise to questionable score validity. If it is determined that there is sufficient cause to question score validity, the Certication Committee may cancel the score(s) and inform the involved parties. 2. Irregularities: Scores may be withheld and/or cancelled because of circumstances beyond the candidates control, such as defective exam materials or mistiming of the exam. In such cases, candidates will be informed and offered an opportunity to retake the exam if the NSCA determines that scores must be cancelled. In addition to the reasons listed, the NSCA may withhold or cancel exam results if, upon investigation, a violation of policies as outlined in this publication is found to have been committed.
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Administrative Policies
of passing. These answer sheets are manually rescored before results are mailed as a quality control measure. Therefore, the NSCA does not encourage candidates to request verication of their scores as it is extremely doubtful that any exam results will be changed from fail to pass.
Condentiality
Information about candidates for testing and their exam results are considered condential. Studies and reports concerning candidates will contain no information identiable with any candidate, unless authorized by the candidate.
Certication Verication
To request verication of a TSAC-F certication, the Certication Verication Form located in the certication section at www.nsca.com must be submitted to the NSCA.
Recertication Requirements
Candidates who pass the exam will receive information concerning the NSCAs Recertication Program requirements. It is important that this information be thoroughly read and understood. Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators are required to earn 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) (typically 1 contact hour equals 0.1 CEU) over specific threeyear periods (2009 2011, 2012 2014, etc.) to maintain their certication. Those certied within an existing three-year period will have their initial CEU requirement prorated to the end of the reporting period. A recertication fee for each certication is assessed for each three-year period. Those holding more than one certication (CSCS, CSPS, NSCA-CPT, and/or TSAC-F) may not need to acquire separate CEUs for each certication, as CEUs acquired will apply to each certication in most cases. No CEUs will be awarded for activities completed prior to becoming certied. If you earn certication, be sure to review the Recertication Policies and Procedures.
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6. Not accumulating and/or reporting the required number of CEUs or not paying the recertication fee within the applicable time period.
Appeals
Any action taken by the NSCA Certication Committee affecting the status of a certied individual may be appealed. Appeals must be in writing and received within 90 days after receipt of such notice.
Statement of Nondiscrimination
The NSCA does not discriminate among exam candidates on the basis of age, gender, race, religion, national origin, disability or marital status.
Exam Content
To begin preparing in an informed and organized manner, candidates should be aware of what they are expected to know for the exam. The following exam outline describes the content covered on the exam. The outline provides a general impression of the exam and, with closer inspection, gives candidates specic direction for studying. By comparing the number of items in each category, candidates can determine the relative importance given to each category on the exam.
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PERCENT OF EXAM
20% 10% 20% 35% 15% 100%
NUMBER OF QUESTIONS*
26 13 26 46 19 130
I.
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A. Apply General Concepts of Anatomy and Physiology 1. Muscle anatomy (e.g., muscle group names, specic muscle names) 2. Muscular dynamics involved during movement patterns (e.g., types of muscle action) 3. Bone and connective tissue anatomy 4. Bone and connective tissue responses to exercise 5. Cardiopulmonary anatomy (e.g., heart and vascular structure, lungs and respiratory system structure) 6. Cardiopulmonary responses to exercise B. Apply Basic Concepts of Neuromuscular Anatomy and Physiology 1. Neuromuscular anatomy (e.g., motor unit, Type I and II bers, muscle spindles, Golgi tendon organs) 2. Neuromuscular responses to exercise (e.g., chronic neuromuscular adaptations, motor unit recruitment patterns, nerve conduction, summation) C. Apply the Basic Principles of Biomechanics Regarding Exercise Selection, Execution, and Operation/Mission Performance 1. Kinetic laws and principles of movement (e.g., lever systems, momentum, work, isometric/ isotonic/isokinetic) 2. Kinematic laws and principles of movement (e.g., velocity, anatomical planes of movement, joint angles) 3. Various types of muscle action (isometric, concentric, and eccentric) and the forcevelocity and torque-velocity relationships 4. Role of muscles in movement (e.g., agonist, antagonist, synergist, stabilizer) D. Describe Bioenergetics and Metabolism (e.g., names and characteristics of energy systems, effects of manipulating training variables) E. Describe Physiological Adaptations to Exercise Designed to Improve 1. Aerobic endurance 2. Muscular endurance 3. Strength 4. Speed 5. Power
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Teach safe and effective techniques including preparatory body and limb position (stance, posture, alignment), execution of technique (body and limb positions, movement mechanics, breathing), correction of improper exercise technique, and spotting for...
A. Warming Up Prior to Endurance Exercise, Resistance Training, Plyometric Exercise, and Speed Work B. Resistance Training Exercise Technique 1. Free weight training equipment 2. Resistance machines C. Alternative Modes (e.g., proximal stability, stability balance, calisthenics under load, bodyweightonly, functional), Alternative Implements (e.g., truck tires, sledge hammers, heavy ropes, logs, suspension straps, sand bags), and Alternative Environments (e.g., off camber, uneven terrain) for Physical Training D. Plyometric Exercise Technique Including Recommendation of Type, Frequency, and Volume of Exercise Based on Training Status and Goals E. Speed/Sprint Technique (e.g., resisted and assisted sprinting, speed-strength) Both With and Without Operational Equipment (e.g., reghting equipment, protective vests, weapons, rucksack) Including Training Needs of Specic Conventional Military and Special Operations and Emergency Personnel F. General Agility Technique (e.g., forward, backward, lateral, turn, transition, change of direction) Including Training Needs of Specic Conventional Military and Special Operations and Emergency Personnel G. Aerobic Endurance Exercise Technique 1. Cardiovascular equipment including machine programming and set-up 2. Functional endurance activities H. Flexibility Exercise Technique 1. Static stretching exercises 2. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching exercises 3. Dynamic and ballistic stretching exercises 4. Myofascial release (e.g., foam rolling)
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g. Recognize when to refer a trainee to another professional (e.g., athletic trainer, physical therapist, physician, registered dietitian) h. Establish procedures for recording the type, severity, and mechanism of injuries that occur during physical training i. Modify the facility or program to enhance training safety 4. Establish Policies with the Department or Agency Supervisors Regarding the Type of Data Generated from the Program and the Frequency with which It Is Collected (e.g., improvements in physical tness, participation rates) 5. Create a Training Log 6. Describe the Dynamics/Logistical Considerations of Training Large Groups (e.g., limited equipment, on heavy days, circuit training, inexperienced trainees) B. Testing and Evaluation 1. Test Administration a. Describe tests used by tactical organizations (e.g., Army Combat Readiness Test) b. Select tests based upon the unique aspects of the trainees work demands and training status c. Develop alternative tests for injured/restricted individuals d. Organize testing procedures to efficiently use equipment, personnel, and time e. Establish a plan for testing frequency integrated within the overall periodized program f. Explain testing equipment and procedures to trainees g. Administer testing protocols and procedures to ensure reliable data collection 2. Evaluation of Results a. Discuss criteria for rating test performance b. Use test results to design or modify training programs c. Coach a trainee who is not performing to departmental physical performance standards d. Use psychological and motivational techniques to enhance training and performance e. Discuss pass/fail rates
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Study Tips
Tips for taking the TSAC-F Exam
Below are some general preparation tips that might be helpful to youplease note that these tips do not guarantee success on the exam.
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Helpful Tips
Helpful Pre-Exam Information Helpful Post-Exam
Exam Hours: The customary exam hours are 8:30am to 11:30am (except for the exam held in conjunction with the NSCA National Conference and at certain alternative sites). Hotel Information: The best source for hotel information is a travel agency in the candidates area or the Internet. Admission Letter: Candidates will receive the admission letter one week prior to the exam. If a map of the area is available, it will be provided. Bring with You: Bring two forms of ID, one of which is photo-bearing, and the admission letter to the exam. Questions? Contact the NSCA toll-free at 800-815-6826 or email [email protected].
Information
Exam Scores: Candidates will receive their exam scores three to five weeks after the exam administration. Certificates: Individuals who pass the TSAC-F exam will receive their TSAC-F certificate two weeks after receiving the exam scores. Additional certificates are available for a nominal fee. Certified Merchandise: TSAC-F credential holders may purchase a variety of materials that communicate their certified status. Visit www.nsca.com to order. Retakes: There is no limit to the amount of times a candidate may retake the exam. Recertification Requirements: Each TSAC-F certified professional must fulfill all recertification requirements to retain TSAC-F certification through the next reporting period. Important recertification materials will be included with the TSAC-F certificate that is mailed to each newly certified individual. Continuing Education Opportunities: Individuals who become TSAC-F certified have many opportunities to earn continuing education units. Some of the opportunities include online CEU quizzes, webinars, and pre-approved courses/ events listed on the CEU Activity Calendar. All of these CEU options are available at www.nsca. com.
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Code of Ethics
Code of Ethics
With the credibility possessed by the TSAC-F exam comes the responsibility to ensure the integrity of the credentials awarded. The Code of Ethics of the NSCA was established to make our certied individuals aware of the standards of ethical behavior that should be followed in the practice of their profession (strength training and conditioning and personal training). The Code presents fundamental standards of behavior that all certied individuals should strive to achieve. It serves to increase ethical sensitivity and judgement, strengthen support for certied individuals moral courage and sharpen their sense of identity as an integral part of the NSCA and its continued success. To review the entire Code of Ethics for Certied Individuals, visit the certication section at www.nsca.com. Certied individuals shall: 1. Respect the rights, welfare and dignity of all individuals. 2. Strive to provide equal and fair treatment to all individuals and not discriminate against anyone.
3. Provide and maintain a safe and effective training environment. 4. Comply with all general laws of the land including, but not limited to, applicable business, employment and copyright laws. 5. Accept responsibility for the use of sound judgment when working with their clientele. 6. Respect the condentiality of their clientele while remaining accountable. 7. Refer their clientele to more qualied tness, medical or health professionals when appropriate. 8. Remain current on practical and theoretical foundations through continuing education activities. 9. Avoid engaging in any behavior or form of conduct that would constitute a conict of interest or actions that adversely reect on the profession or the National Strength and Conditioning Association. 10. Strive to safeguard the public by reporting violations of this Code of Ethics.
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Notes
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Notes
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NSCA 1885 Bob Johnson Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80906 Toll-free: 800-815-6826 Phone: 719-632-6722 Fax: 719-632-6367 Web site: www.nsca.com Email: [email protected]
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