This is not official NSCA policy. These ideas a borne out of experience with instructing Exam Prep Symposia and having taken the exam.

 1. Follow the Detailed Content Outline closely. This is your best clue as to what’s on the exam. (you'd be surprised by how many people ignore this)

2. Use the Essentials of PT textbook extensively (but not exclusively). This should be obvious, but again, people ignore it.

3. Practical experience was a huge help (hence the required clinical hours). Use more specific resources to fill in your knowledge gaps based on 1 (above).

I am planning on purchasing the items in order as I study, starting with the outline to get a grasp of what is required. 

I work as a physical therapist in an outpatient setting and it's essential knowledge for PT's, considering that the majority of our patients have many co-morbid conditions when they come in for treatment for a musculoskeletal issue.