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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.

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Getting Ready for the CSFM Exam

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  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Agronomics (100 questions) Soils • Physical and chemical characteristics • Water retention, movement • Fertility management The Grass Plant • Warm- vs. cool-season grasses • Basic photosynthesis, respiration • Species selection Agronomic Math • Fertilizer label • Calibration problems

  5. Pest Management (50 questions) Basic pest groups • Life cycles • Management principles IPM Pesticides • Types • Safe use • The pesticide label

  6. Administration (50 questions) Human resource management Communication principles Financial management, budgeting Employee motivation Project management

  7. Sports Specific (100 questions) Based on real-life, field experiences Questions on a wide range of sports Field/playing surface management • Game preparation • Event scheduling • Damage prevention and repair Field safety

  8. Question Format • Multiple choice • Four answers • Only one correct answer • 2 “obviously” incorrect answers • 1 distractor – but still incorrect • Some questions require the use of a calculator

  9. Sample Multiple-Choice Question Photosynthesis rate in turfgrass plants: a.      increases as the amount of shade increases b.      decreases as the amount of shade increases c.      is highest just before sunrise d.      is not affected by the amount of sunlight Answer: B

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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 Preparation

  13. Resources for Exam PreparationAgronomics Sports Fields Puhalla, Krans, Goatley Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management Christians Mathematics of Turfgrass Maintenance Christians and Agnew Practical Drainage McIntrye and Jakobsen

  14. Resources for Exam PreparationPest Management Controlling Turfgrass Pests Fermanian et al. State Pesticide Applicator Training manuals

  15. Resources for Exam PreparationAdministration Human Resource Management for Golf Course Superintendents Milligan and Maloney

  16. Resources for Exam PreparationSports Specific Sports Fields Puhalla, Krans, Goatley Baseball and Softball Fields Puhalla, Krans, Goatley STMA Sports Turf Topics Everyday experience

  17. 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

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