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