It is not easy, but not impossible.  I would make sure to get the manuel in advance of your class and read it.

There are 3 parts, Equipment, Physical Game/Lane Play, and Non-Sport Specific (the Mental Game, Giving a Lesson, Legal Responsibilities, Video taping).  There are 16 Multiple Choice and 4 True/False for each section.  You must get no less than 80% on each section to pass.

If you do not pass, you have 1 year to retake the exam.  You will need to find a mentor coach in your area willing to proctor the re-test.  You nitify USBC Coaching and they send the testing materials to the coach who administers the test and sends everything back to USBC.

The biggest reason the test is a challenge is the amount of information you are prsented in the 2 1/2 days.  Day 1 is not bad and neither is day 3, the 2nd day is the meat and potatoes of the program.  It is pretty intense.

I just completed my Bronze in Las Vegas June 21 - 23.
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

slap -

You're welcome.  

I would highly recommend taking really good notes and re-reading them after the class each day.  When they suggest you record something in the manuel, do it and study it.  Anything they repeat, mark it.  When they ask questions, keep track of them.  They are really trying to help you to prepare for the test.

The ones who did not pass in my group, were the ones who came in with an attitude.  They thought they knew it all and were just going through the motions to get that paper.

In case there is any question, the test is closed book and closed notes unlike the Level 1.
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

I have a question regarding these classifications the USBC puts on this program.

Now dont take this the wrong way as I am just an old time bowler so to speak, but what does passing the classes get you in the long run? It costs you money I am sure out of pocket and time. Can one charge money for lessons when they pass the class and say they are certified?

Shipper

Sure anyone can charge money to give bowling lessons certified or not.  The Certification gives you established credibility.  The higher the level the more credibility and the more money you can charge for lessons.  It also gives a standardized method of determining coaches knowledge and abilites to a point.  Some coaches are better than others but with the level system it assures a standard level of teaching.  I charge on average $45 an hour for basic instruction and higher depending on options such as video taping.  

Smash49
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Smash49

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So my test is tomorrow and they didnt really say much about it except their are 3 extra bonus questions on the back.  What should i expect the normal questions to be like?  Please give me an example.  What are the bonus questions like?  Again example if can.  Im pretty nervous on what to study and what not too.  And last im having trouble with the difference between axis rotation and axis tilt.  Can someone explain better to me?  Thanks!

Edited on 7/28/2007 4:47 PM

I can't help you with the Silver Test, but I heard part of it is analyzing some video.

As for the Bronze test, the ones that confused me were open to the lane and closed to the lane for right handed vs left handed shooting different spares.  Yes, there are quite a few which is NOT, beware of the not questions.

As for T/F on Bronze, there are 12 total, 4 for each section.  

One of the Bonus Questions is to describe how to find some ones PAP.  The Bonus Questions are read only if you do not get the 80% on that section.  I passed each section and he never even looked at the bonus questions.  I can't remeber the other 2 bonus questions.
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USBC Bronze Coach

"I cannot change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to reach my destination." Jimmy Dean
Quaker 10/93 - 4/07
Quaker

I will echo the tip about notes.  Take copious and thorough notes.  

I had Suzie Minshew as an instructor for my Bronze certification and she was very thorough, but also brutally honest about the testing.  She discussed and covered every thing that was on the test in some form or another.  Much of the material for the test questions were not in the manual, so if you do not take notes you will be in trouble.  Also if you decide to go out for the evening instead of setting aside plenty of time to go through those notes and materials that night, you will not do well on the test.  If you do not understand something discussed in class, ask for refreshers on it before the test.  The questions will not always be in the same format that the information was given to you.  So even though they are multiple choice and true/false, if you do not fully understand the information given, you will not easily be able to unravel the reworded questions.  

As far as the bonus questions....write write write.  Write down anything that you think might even remotely pertain to the question.  And attempt all the bonus questions.  If you are missing key phases and information though, you will not get the points.  Again most of this was from taking notes (I'd say 80%), not from the manual.  

Also if you have Suzie Minshew....make sure you read your class confirmation and application through and adhere to all rules concerning materials you need to bring with you and dress code.  

Erin