I have mine, and it was the most difficult exam I've ever taken. I'm sure it'll pale in comparison to sitting for the boards (although an athletic trainer told me it was more difficult than his licensing examination), but you need to try to know as much of that book backward and forward as possible. You will be required to know average stats, like average bench press for, I dunno, youth 15-17 or something like that. You'll need to know how much protein and carbs each type of athlete needs. You'll need to know all the formulas for finding out target heart rate and what not. You'll need to be extremely familiar with periodization principles, because you will be asked to choose a program that matches, for example, a football player in their off season. Sports psychology is also critical.
When you do the practice test, do it until you get a high A. However, don't simply look at what you got wrong and try to find the right answer. Look at what you got wrong, write down the general topic it is, and do not, I repeat do not, look at what the correct answer is. Wait another week or two, and then re-take the practice test. The practice test is set up exactly like the actual exam, and if you can get to a point where you do well on that, you should be able to scrape by on the actual exam.
Be extremely familiar regarding exercise technique of all the exercises listed in the book. You need to be able to watch a video and be able to tell from that whether or not there is anything wrong with the person's technique. Be familiar with muscles used during exercises (this is probably the easiest part, honestly). You also need to be familiar with the different types of tests used (like T-test), and what tests are best used for certain sports.
I took the test at the beginning of last year, so I'm trying to remember everything I can, but you can just message me with any more questions. Keep in mind I had a bachelor's in English and my only background was as a personal trainer prior to taking the exam, so the exam might be easier for you.
