There are a lot of sports nutrition certifications out there, but not all are created equal. So we searched out the best of the best to provide you with some guidance and insight. We picked reputable certifications from industry leaders, so you can be confident that your investment will have returns, and you’ll be learning the right information to be successful in your field. Our list of the best sports nutrition certifications has options for coaching everyone from the general population to elite athletes and everywhere in between.

Best Sports Nutrition Certifications of 2024

• Best Sports Nutrition Certification Overall: ISSA Nutrition Certification
• Best Budget Nutrition Certification for Sport Fitness Clients: ACE Fitness Nutrition Certification
• Best Online Sports Nutrition Certification: NASM Sports Nutrition Certification
• Best Sport-Specific Sports Nutrition Certification: NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification
• Most Comprehensive Sports Nutrition Certification: ISSA Nutrition Certification
• Best Sports Nutrition Certification for Flexibility: Fitness Mentors Nutrition Certification

Best Sports Nutrition Certification Overall

The best sports nutrition certification has to cover every facet of nutrition and present it in a way that will prepare you to bring it to the masses. ISSA teaches you the basics and delves deeper into supplements for athletes, nutrition programming, and running a business — making it our pick for the best overall.

ISSA Nutrition Certification

We like the ISSA Nutrition Certification for many reasons, like its in-depth information, the after-certification support, and the wide range of topics covered. If your goal is to work with athletes, the in-depth knowledge of energy systems covered in this cert teaches you which system is primarily used in each client’s sport. Powerlifters will have vastly different nutritional needs than cross-country runners, so the ability to customize a diet to optimize performance in specific sports can help you stand out and deliver results.

You’ll also learn the business side of nutrition coaching, which can help you hit the ground running once you pass the final exam. We’re confident that with this certification, you’ll have the knowledge to speak with authority and share your expertise with your clients. Though the majority of the information presented is geared toward the general public, ISSA still includes a focus on sports nutrition.

Specs

• Study Materials: Online Textbook, Practice Exam, Section Quizzes, Education Bootcamp, Student Forum, 1-on-1 Support, Audio Lectures, Interactive Videos
• Cost: $799
• Estimated Time to Complete: Around 10 weeks
• Final Exam Format: Online or In-Person

Pros

• This cert includes sections to help you be knowledgeable in nutrition, motivation, and business. All three are required to be a successful sports nutrition coach over the long term.
• The study materials are varied so that people who learn differently will all have a way of digesting the information that suits them.
• You don’t need a background in nutrition to begin this certification; the information starts with the basics and builds up from there.

Cons

• Other certs may have more specific sections dedicated to coaching athletes.
• If you already have a nutrition degree, the information here will be mostly a refresher. 

Just about every sports nutrition certification teaches you about macronutrients and how to write a nutrition plan. It’s the less common but still incredibly important sections — like energetics and behavior modification — that ISSA includes in your course of study that set it apart from the rest.

Best Budget Sports Nutrition Certification

Odds are, if you’re looking to start a new career or branch out from your existing one, you might not be looking to spend a ton of money to get started in that endeavor. Thankfully, the ACE Fitness Nutrition Certification is priced well and still covers the material you’ll need to succeed.

ACE Fitness Nutrition Certification 

One of the things we like most about this certification is the price. At about $379, it’s less than half the cost of some other certs and still prepares you to step into the world of sports nutrition with targeted fitness nutrition sections and podcasts. Sections like “ACE Presents Fitness Nutrition” and “Nutrition Scope of Practice” make this cert ideal if you’re a certified personal trainer or another fitness professional. They provide the tools to enhance the value of the coaching you provide your clients and not have to worry about stepping outside of your scope of practice.

ACE Fitness Nutrition Certification

ACE Fitness Nutrition Certification

ACE prices this certification well at less than half that of other similar certs while still preparing you to be a competent sports nutrition professional. The approach is more practical and applied so you learn actionable information.

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While it might be helpful to educate someone on the intricacies of nutrition, ACE’s courses also teach you how to educate your clients with more practical advice, like how to shop for healthy food at the grocery store, cook healthy meals, and more. You’ll also learn how to optimize performance by helping your clients develop more mindful eating habits through the curriculum. There is no final exam, which could be good or bad, depending on your level of test anxiety. This may hurt the weight the ACE certification holds and be seen as less rigorous than other certs with tougher final exams.

Specs

• Study Materials: eBook, Lecture Series, Podcasts, Video Series, Selected Readings, Optional Hard Copy Textbook
• Cost: $379
• Estimated Time to Complete: Around 4 weeks
• Final Exam Format: N/A

Pros

• You’ll learn about nutrition principles to provide actionable advice that your clients can put to use right away.
• There are cooking demonstrations, smart grocery checklists, and interactive platforms to enhance your learning experience.
• This cert is an easy and cost-effective way to provide more value to clients and enhance their performance through nutrition. 

Cons

• There are more comprehensive curriculums that go deeper into the topics of program design, energetics, and psychology.
• You’ll have to pay $100 extra for a hard copy of the textbook rather than just the e-book.
• There is no final exam, which may cause this cert to carry less esteem compared to others with challenging tests. You only have to complete each course module and the associated quiz.

ACE’s nutrition certification proves that you don’t need to spend your life savings on a sports nutrition certification. While it may not have the most exhaustive curriculum, it provides you with a practical education that you can apply to your athletes and clients to potentially help them perform better and eat healthier.

Best Online Sports Nutrition Certification

Not all online learning platforms are made the same. Some might be tough to navigate, glitchy, or simply lacking in content. NASM’s online Sports Nutrition Certification makes great use of a robust platform to provide you with a wealth of educational content.

NASM Sports Nutrition Certification

The first thing we noticed when we reached the landing page for the NASM Sports Nutrition Certification is that it’s laid out well and easy to navigate. You can take a tour of their digital learning platform right from the page, and the prompts walk you through how to use it and show off the learning features like interactive videos. And for NASM, the term “online” doesn’t just apply to computers. For people on the go, the study materials are optimized to be accessed from any device — phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop — so you can take advantage of downtime for studying anywhere you find yourself.

NASM Sports Nutrition Certification

NASM Sports Nutrition Certification

NASM cranks up the sports nutrition and exercise performance focus with this certification. It has all you need to best help your athletes and clients succeed by optimizing their nutrition.

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You’re granted access to the online content for five years, even after you become certified. We love this feature, as it lets you return to any module for a refresher when a client hits you with a tough question. This cert is heavily geared toward sports nutrition and dives deep into the science of performance enhancement through nutrition. If you’re not as comfortable with the nitty-gritty of theories or want a more generalized nutrition cert that still has sports nutrition aspects, then the NASM Nutrition Certification might be a better option. 

Specs

• Study Materials: Online Textbook, Practice Exam, Section Quizzes, Audio Lectures, Interactive Videos
• Cost: $899
• Estimated Time to Complete: Around 6 weeks
• Final Exam Format: Online

Pros

• NASM’s online interactive learning platform is among the best we’ve used and intuitive to navigate.
• You can complete this course more quickly than some of the others. However, if you prefer to take your time, you have up to a year. 
• The content is created and curated to instill a deep understanding of how to best help your athletes and clients perform better through nutritional interventions.

Cons

• You might find that the sports nutrition in this cert is too deep and exhaustive if your intention is to work with the general population. There are other certs, even from NASM, that don’t focus solely on sports nutrition.
• This is the most expensive cert on the list, though NASM does offer flexible payment plans.
• The course is 100 percent online with no option for a physical textbook, which people who don’t like to read eBooks might not enjoy.

NASM’s learning platform is probably the best we’ve seen out of any certification. Navigating the menu is a breeze, and the interactive elements don’t feel clunky or forced. This cert is directed toward people who are looking to work with high-level athletes and make the most of their training with nutrition. 

Best Sport-Specific Sports Nutrition Certification

Some nutrition certifications throw in a section or two about sports nutrition as an afterthought. The NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification, however, was designed for sports nutrition from the ground up, covering everything from supplements and performance-enhancing nutrition to nutrient timing and hydration.

NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification

Your clients and athletes might already know how to eat healthy, but what this certification teaches you is how to help them achieve better performance through nutrition. The in-depth sections prepare you for teaching your clients how to properly fuel themselves before workouts and eat for recovery after — helping you potentially deliver results. 

NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification

NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification

This nutrition certification is directed at preparing you to coach people in the fitness realm more so than sedentary individuals but it still provides a robust course path to learn all aspects of nutrition. It's also very cost-effective making it great for people who are looking to pad their coaching credentials or cautiously venture into nutrition coaching without diving in headlong.

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We especially like that this cert covers specific areas of sports nutrition, like supplements and hydration, that many other certifications neglect. It also tackles topics that some shy away from, like fad diets and distinguishing nutritional fact from fiction, to provide the tools to be a lifelong learner in the nutrition field. This cert does assume that you have some background knowledge in health and fitness, so if this is your first foray into the field, you may want to take some time learning that before diving into your studies here.

Specs

• Study Materials: Online Textbook, Practice Exam, Review Quizzes, Lesson Notes, Instructor Support, Instructional Videos
• Cost: $349
• Estimated Time to Complete: Around 8 weeks
• Final Exam Format: Online

Pros

• The information is all catered toward sports nutrition and enhancing athletic or in-gym performance.
• This course is made for people with a background in nutrition/exercise, so you can cut through the basics and get right to the sports nutrition information. 
• This cert costs less than half of some nutrition certifications on the market.

Cons

• If you don’t already have at least some background in health and fitness, you’ll be working from behind the eight ball to catch up.
• This certification’s focus on sports nutrition makes it less ideal for coaching the general population than other, more generalized certs.

Coaching athletes requires a different knowledge base than coaching the general fitness population. This cert provides you with the knowledge you need to provide guidance on how your clients should time their eating, which supplements might be best for them, and how to eat for muscle recovery. 

Most Comprehensive Sports Nutrition Certification

Sports nutrition certifications contain the knowledge you are looking for to kick your career off or send it to the next level. Some are more specialized and may stick to covering only certain populations. The ISSA Nutrition Certification has 18 chapters and dozens of lessons to ensure you’re as prepared as you can be, whether you’re coaching an average Joe or a top-tier athlete.

ISSA Nutrition Certification

The ISSA Nutrition Certification takes the term “comprehensive” seriously. Not only is the information presented applicable to a wide range of populations, but there are also various learning materials available that allow people with different learning styles to retain the information well. ISSA starts from the beginning with the basics of nutrition, so you don’t need a background in the field to thrive with this program. If you already have a base knowledge of nutrition, though, those sections may feel like a rehash.

ISSA Nutrition Certification

ISSA Nutrition Certification

The ISSA has been certifying people for decades and their nutrition certification is well-respected in the industry. It can prepare you to work with a diverse range of people, but focuses mainly on general population and improving overall wellness through nutrition.

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Learning the information is only part of being a successful sports nutrition coach. The other part is learning how to market yourself and operate as a businessperson, which may not come as easily to some. That said, we’re impressed with the amount of resources ISSA provides you after certification. Perks like a free professional website for you to showcase your services, client forms, and business lessons during certification are designed to help you hit the ground running as a nutrition pro. 

Specs

• Study Materials: Online Textbook, Practice Exam, Section Quizzes, Education Bootcamp, Student Forum, 1-on-1 Support, Audio Lectures, Interactive Videos
• Cost: $799
• Estimated Time to Complete: Around 10 weeks
• Final Exam Format: Online or In-Person

Pros

• This comprehensive cert covers everything from nutrition basics to advanced theories as well as business practices.
• You’ll be able to absorb the information no matter your preferred learning style with ISSA’s various learning styles. 
• If you’re not so business-savvy or nervous about that aspect of being a nutrition coach, then the included website, forms, and lessons may help put your mind at ease and inspire confidence.

Cons

• The comprehensive nature of this course means it might take longer than others to complete.
• Even though it covers sports nutrition, there are other certs that put even more of a focus on that area.

The curriculum for the ISSA Nutrition Certification is exhaustive, touching on all aspects of nutrition, from energy systems and supplements to how to set up a business. We were impressed with the depth of knowledge that you can gain from this course and like that it sets you up for success after you’ve completed your certification.

Best Sports Nutrition Certification for Flexibility

While training athletes and fitness enthusiasts can be fun and rewarding, coaching regular, everyday folks can be just as fulfilling. The Fitness Mentors Nutrition Certification opens up the possibilities for you and doesn’t lock you into coaching just one segment of the population.

Fitness Mentors Nutrition Certification

Specialization can be a great way to hone your skills and become a leading coach in a specific area, but it also has the drawback of limiting your potential client pool. This certification provides knowledge on exercise and sports nutrition while also teaching you about assessing and coaching clients from the general population. Fitness Mentors starts this course off with the basics, so you don’t need to have a background in nutrition to get started.

Fitness Mentos Nutrition Certification

Fitness Mentos Nutrition Certification

Fitness Mentors takes a holistic approach to health and incorporates nutrition along with lifestyle modifications to help your clients potentially make lasting and impactful changes. This cert puts a focus on knowledge that's applicable to the widest range of the general population when you're coaching.

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The nutrition information is thorough, and the curriculum even teaches you about the digestive system. Still, it misses areas that other certs excel in, like behavior modification and the psychological aspect of dieting. These may be especially important when you’re working with non-athletes who might not have as high of internal motivation. We do like the price, though, and the flexibility that this cert affords you as a coach or trainer. 

Specs

• Study Materials: Online Textbook, Instructor and Fitness Mentor Access, Study Group, Templates, Audio Lectures, Video Presentations
• Cost: $499
• Estimated Time to Complete: Around 8 weeks
• Final Exam Format: Online

Pros

• You aren’t stuck with one smaller potential client base. Being able to coach anyone except special populations opens up your options to gain experience and earn money.
• This cert is a great choice for people who don’t have a background in nutrition or personal trainers looking to expand their service offerings.
• It’s possible to finish this certification more quickly than others since the information isn’t as comprehensive.

Cons

• The lack of psychological and behavioral information in the curriculum leaves a notable gap in your knowledge when clients have trouble staying motivated or making changes stick.
• Some other certifications put more emphasis on exercise and sports nutrition.

This certification opens you up to a wider potential clientele upon certification, thanks to its broad coverage of nutrition — even if it provides a more abbreviated study on exercise and sports nutrition. Plus, this cert is cheaper than some others and can be completed quickly, so you’ll be on your way to coaching sooner.

Benefits of Having a Sports Nutrition Certification

Breaking into sports nutrition coaching can be difficult, but being armed with the knowledge and resources that come with a well-respected certification may make your path easier. Not only will you be more credible to potential clients and employers, but you’ll have the knowledge to help athletes perform at their best, and you’ll be a more well-rounded fitness professional in general. 

Credibility

While everyday gymgoers might not be overly picky about which credentials you hold, athletes and organizations certainly will be. Having a certification from one of the institutions on this list may give you preference over other candidates or coaches. Having a sports nutrition certification is a great way to send the message that you can help athletes know that you’ve got what they need to help them achieve their goals.

Performance Optimization

Having a sports nutrition certification can instill the knowledge base that you need to help your clients achieve their peak performance levels. Whether that entails manipulating nutrient timing, dialing in hydration, or figuring out what supplements (like protein powders or multivitamins) an athlete needs, you’ll be able to specifically address those needs. 

More Complete Coaching Skillset

From a client’s perspective, it’s much more convenient (and often more affordable) to have all of your fitness needs taken care of by one person. You already know their workouts intimately, so you can tailor their nutrition needs with more of a keen eye than someone who was simply given their workout routine. 

How We Chose the Best Sports Nutrition Certifications

Where you receive your certification from is an impactful decision on your future career prospects, as it lays the foundation for your knowledge and credibility. That’s why we took extra care when choosing the certs that made it onto this list. Read on to see the factors that swayed us the most. 

Cost

It’s no secret that certifications can be expensive, and sports nutrition certs are no exception. That’s why we took care to include options on this list that are from a variety of price points. Some of the more cost-effective ones may include fewer study materials or not have quite as robust a learning platform, but we ensured that the information you’ll learn is top-notch and covers everything you need to succeed. Also, all of the choices on this list also have the option to break up the payment over time if you can’t or don’t want to pay the full fee upfront. 

Sport Emphasis

Not all certifications cover exactly the same material or present it in the same way. We made sure to only select certifications that dedicated a sufficient amount of study time specifically to sports nutrition. Since this is a list of sports nutrition certifications, it was important to see that a variety of information pertinent to athletes was presented, like supplements, hydration, and recovery.

Not everyone wants to work solely with athletes, so we also wanted to present some options that would work for you if you want to have the option to take on sports nutrition clients while also coaching regular everyday people.

Study Materials

All of the certifications on this list include access to an online textbook or eBook, though the peripherals do vary. We gave more weight to certs that offer robust study platforms that we found easy to navigate with intuitive directions. It’s also important that the learning platforms have a variety of ways to consume the content. You may like to watch videos, while others prefer reading or listening to audio lectures while lifting or driving. However you prefer to learn, there’s an option for you on this list.

How Much Do Sports Nutrition Certifications Cost?

Sports nutrition certifications are usually cheaper than personal trainer certs, but they still aren’t cheap. Even the most cost-effective ones are still a few hundred dollars, so we only wanted to select the best ones to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth. It may be a more viable option for you to break the payments down into monthly installments if you can’t drop all that cash without flinching a bit. 

The more budget-friendly sports nutrition certifications can be as low as about $350. That’s still not cheap, but it’s less than half the price of more expensive ones. At the other end of the spectrum, you can spend up to around $900 for certification. There are some organizations that offer packages where you can pick up multiple certs at a discounted price, so that may be worth it if you want to get all your certifications at once.

What to Consider Before Buying a Sports Nutrition Certification

A sports nutrition certification is an investment, so selecting the right one for you is important. Some of the most important factors that we like to consider when weighing certs are the study materials, the organization’s reputation, and the emphasis on the area of expertise we’re trying to develop.

Study Materials

Being a highly sought-after sports nutrition coach requires you to do more than pass a test. You need to learn the material intimately to be an effective and successful coach. That’s why the study materials and learning platform that a cert provides are so important. Many of the organizations will offer a tour of their platform to highlight certain features and give you a taste of how it operates.

Other than the platform itself, the materials used to guide you through the courses are important. Are you more of an auditory learner or a visual? Do you prefer to read, or do you work best in a group with peer-to-peer learning? Introspection will help you pick out what certification is best suited for your learning style and expectations.

Sport Emphasis

Some certifications are more oriented toward strictly improving athletic performance through nutrition, with entire sections dedicated to topics that may only receive a single lesson with other certifications. On the flip side, some offer a more generalized approach to the nutrition information that’s applicable to the general population as well as athletes, with some sports nutrition lessons sprinkled throughout. 

There are benefits and drawbacks to both approaches. If you’ve already got a strong background in nutrition or simply only want to coach athletes, then a cert that is more specialized is probably the one for you. Should you be more open to working with anybody and want to keep your options open, then a more generalized certification might be a better choice. 

Reputation

It should go without saying that all of the certifications on this list are highly reputable and well-respected, but we’ll say it anyway. We only selected organizations with a track record for high-quality teaching and standards. Should you want to purchase a certification from outside of this list, we’d recommend doing diligent research and ensuring that they’re a trusted name in the nutrition and fitness industry.

Final Word

Sports nutrition certifications contain deeper dives into the nitty gritty of nutrition than you’ll find in generalized nutrition certs. But since everyone has different career goals and points of emphasis, one size does not fit all. All of these organizations use different approaches and learning platforms, but they all have the information to help you teach athletes to eat and train their way to optimal performance. 

They all have varied study materials and support options, so it may be best to think about your career aspirations and learning style, so you can choose the right sports nutrition certification to help you get started on your career. 

FAQs

References

1. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/sports-nutritionist-salary

The post The 6 Best Sports Nutrition Certifications of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.

The nutrition certifications on this list are all well-respected and offer online study, test-taking, and certification. We chose only reputable certs from industry leaders, so you can know that your investment will pay off in the long run and equip you to help your clients. The approaches and intended populations you’ll work with will vary depending on the certification you select, but there should be something for everyone on this list. These are the best nutrition certifications on the market with options for value, varied study materials, general fitness clients, and even nutrition for athletes.

Best Nutrition Certifications

• Best Nutrition Certification Overall: ISSA Nutrition Certification
• Best Nutrition Certification for Sport Fitness Clients: NASM Nutrition Certification
• Best Nutrition Certification for the Money: NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification
• Best Nutrition Certification for Study Materials: ISSA Nutrition Certification
• Best Nutrition Certification for Program Building: NASM Nutrition Certification
• Best Nutrition Certification for General Fitness Clients: Fitness Mentors Nutrition Certification

Best Nutrition Certification Overall

There are a variety of nutrition certifications that offer varying forms of learning materials, test difficulty, and specialization, but it can be hard to nail down the very best one. The ISSA Nutrition Certification wins out for its well-rounded curriculum, business skills course, and fair price. 

ISSA Nutrition Certification

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Nutrition Certification is intended to help you develop a well-rounded knowledge of nutritional strategies for your clients. You’ll learn a complete view of nutrition, from macros versus micronutrients to metabolism, energy balance, hydration, supplements, and even motivation strategies. Plus, having a nutrition degree isn’t necessary since the textbook starts with the basics and builds from there though if you do have one most of the info will likely be a refresher.

One thing that sets this certification apart from others is that it’s meant to give business and nutritional coaching skills. You’ll receive a free professional website along with a full library of client forms for when you become credentialed. Unlike many other certifications, you can retake the final exam once without paying a fee. We don’t anticipate you’ll have to retake the exam, though, thanks to the comprehensive practice exam and frequent section quizzes to focus your studies. 

Pros

• There are a wide variety of study materials included (online textbook, videos, audio lectures, practice tests, etc.) for people who learn in different ways.
• This cert teaches you not only nutrition information but also how to run a successful business.
• You don’t need a background in nutrition to begin this certification; the information starts with the basics and builds up from there.

Cons

• This cert is for working with the general public and gym-goers, not athletes or special populations.
• If you already have a nutrition degree, the information here will be mostly a refresher. 

The ISSA Nutrition Certification is designed to prepare you for the nutrition field as a well-rounded professional. It marries business and practices with nutrition information so you can hit the ground running after passing the final exam.

Best Nutrition Certification for Sport Fitness Clients

Athletes have different nutritional needs than the general population, but discerning precisely what those needs are can be tricky. A nutrition certification can help you prepare your clients to perform optimally when it’s time to compete, and the NASM Nutrition Certification has a thorough focus on nutrition for athletes.

NASM Nutrition Certification 

The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) follows strategies to optimize your clients’ performance through nutrition choices that focus on health and positive wellness-related outcomes. The Certified Nutrition Coach course arms you with the latest in evidence-based approaches to help your clients perform at their best. The ideas are broken down into 24 in-depth chapters written by leading experts in nutrition including information about testing.

You can access the course on any device (tablet, smartphone, or computer), allowing you to study at home, in a coffee shop, or in line at the DMV. NASM also provides high-end videos, interactive learning materials, progress quizzes, and audio lectures to help you learn in addition to the online textbook. Once you complete your studies, take the comprehensive practice exam and brush up on certain areas as needed, then you can take the certification exam. You have one full year of your purchase date to take the test, so you have ample time to study. This cert is well-respected in the industry and regularly costs around $899, though there are often deals and flexible payment plans.

Pros

• This cert has more of a focus on athletes and active populations to optimize their performance through nutrition.
• NASM allows you to take your time studying; you have one year to take the exam before it expires.
• If you want to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of the science behind nutrition, this course focuses on underlying theories in addition to practical knowledge. 

Cons

• People looking to become credentialed more quickly may work better with a tighter schedule.
• If you’re not into the science of nutrition and simply want actionable information for your clients, then this cert might be more in-depth than you need.

Training athletes hard in the gym is only a part of the battle; optimizing their recovery and nutrition is needed to help athletes continue to perform at their highest levels. The NASM Certified Nutrition Coach course imparts the knowledge that may set you apart from other nutrition professionals when courting competitive clients.

Best Nutrition Certification for the Money

If you’re trying to earn a nutrition certification to start a side hustle or to fortify your training credentials, opting for a more cost-effective one might be a good idea. The NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification provides great knowledge to improve your expertise at an affordable price.

NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification

Some nutrition certifications can cost more than a thousand dollars. The NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification costs a fraction of that, with options starting as low as around $349 (about $32 per month with a payment plan), so you can become credentialed without spending a small fortune. Cost-effective doesn’t equate with low quality, however. The NCSF cert provides extensive nutrition knowledge on a wide range of topics like enhancing athletic performance, balancing weight and activity, supplements, nutrient timing, hydration, and more. 

NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification

NCSF Fitness Nutrition Certification

This nutrition certification is directed at preparing you to coach people in the fitness realm more so than sedentary individuals but it still provides a robust course path to learn all aspects of nutrition. It's also very cost-effective making it great for people who are looking to pad their coaching credentials or cautiously venture into nutrition coaching without diving in headlong.

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Even the most basic program NCSF offers includes a variety of study options. In addition to the digital textbook, you can utilize instructional videos and review quizzes to highlight where your knowledge is solid and where you need to brush up, while Instructor support can help clarify complex concepts. The program is self-paced, so you can learn as quickly or slowly as you prefer, though NCSF states that the typical completion time is around two to four months.

Pros

• The cost-effective price of this certification is great for people who want to add to their training resume or test the waters of being a nutrition coach.
• Thanks to the self-paced system that NCSF uses, you can learn at your own pace
• If you’re a value shopper, then it’s hard to beat this cert for the price. Inclusions like videos, quizzes, an online textbook, instructor support, and more are usually reserved for more expensive programs.

Cons

• This cert covers mainly practical and applied knowledge. If you’re interested in learning more about nutrition theory and the underlying mechanism of action, we suggest looking elsewhere. 
• This course is often presented as a compliment to the NCSF personal trainer or strength coach certification, so you may be tempted to purchase a combo package that will increase the price considerably.

The basic nutrition certification on its own is a great value. The learning tools that are included, especially considering the price, are impressive. It’s also comforting that you won’t be on a strict timeline, so you can learn at your own pace.

Best Nutrition Certification for Study Materials

Everyone learns differently, and having many approaches to presenting information can be invaluable to anyone wanting to successfully complete a certification. Regardless of whether you prefer to listen to lectures, watch videos, or read on your own, the ISSA Nutrition Certification has a way for you to digest information.

ISSA Nutrition Certification

When it comes to learning, everyone has their own preferred style of retaining new information. The ISSA recognizes that and has a plethora of ways to absorb the information in this cert. If you’re more of a visual learner, the high-quality instructional videos might be for you. People who prefer peer-to-peer learning can benefit from the online student forum and nutritionist education bootcamp. Prefer reading or listening? Audio lectures and an included online textbook can accommodate you. 

ISSA Nutrition Certification

ISSA Nutrition Certification

The ISSA has been certifying people for decades and their nutrition certification is well-respected in the industry. It can prepare you to work with a diverse range of people, but focuses mainly on general population and improving overall wellness through nutrition.

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Those who need a more personal touch can access unlimited educational support with on-staff professors to guide them. No matter how you learn, the practice exam and section quizzes can help you track your progress and prepare for the final exam. You’ll receive support even after you’ve passed the exam with a free professional website and a library of client forms. 

Pros

• This cert caters to your preferred learning style, whether it be audio, visual, reading/writing, or a combination of them.
• In addition to the nutrition information, you’ll learn basic business skills with this certification. 
• The included client onboarding docs and free professional website can be a very helpful starting point to launch your new career.

Cons

• This cert is more aimed toward working with regular gym-goers than athletes, so if that’s your goal, you may want a sports nutrition certification instead.
• People may not make use of all of the ways of learning or feel obligated to use all of the different learning options.

Not everyone wants to sit and listen to a lecture; some prefer videos or study groups. The diverse array of learning approaches the ISSA offers helps to ensure that everyone can retain the information presented and achieve their goal of becoming certified. 

Best Nutrition Certification for Program Building

Building out programs and long-term nutrition programs can be overwhelming without the proper training. The NASM Nutrition Certification tackles how to design and implement a well-developed nutrition program so you can provide detailed nutrition regimens for your clients to follow.

NASM Nutrition Certification

Creating effective nutrition programs can be one of the most challenging aspects for a nutrition coach. It’s the culmination of all of your knowledge regarding energy balance, micronutrient intake, nutrient timing, and energy systems. The NASM nutrition certification program prepares you for this by providing 24 in-depth chapters on a digital learning platform with comprehensive nutrition information. Program building merges theory and practice together, and with this cert, you learn both. 

NASM Nutrition Certification 

NASM Nutrition Certification 

NASM's nutrition certification provided a comprehensive pedagogical approach to maximizing your clients' performance through precision nutrition. They cover all aspects of metabolism, hydration, energy systems, supplements, motivational strategies, and programming to make you a complete nutrition coach.

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Chapters one through 13 teach you all about nutritional science; chapters 14 through 17 cover strategies to help your clients stick to the plan; chapters 18 through 23 teach you how to apply it and revolve around nutrition coaching and assessment. The final chapter is where you put it all together in practice and learn a step-by-step process to build nutrition programs. NASM charges about $899 for the full certification package.

Pros

• This comprehensive course covers everything from theory to motivation and the application of nutrition strategies.
• If you want to learn how to program nutrition utilizing evidence-based approaches to nutritional science and behavior psychology, this is the course for you. 
• People who want to work with athletes will like the detailed information about performance nutrition and program-building.

Cons

• Because of the density of the information provided, this course may take longer than others to complete.
• There are more cost-effective nutrition certifications out there.

Effective program building is the crowning achievement for nutrition coaches and the hallmark of a proficient coach. If you want to become adept at it, this cert works toward putting your knowledge into practice with a well-rounded nutrition curriculum.

Best Nutrition Certification for General Fitness Clients

If you’re interested in taking on clients that reflect the average fitness enthusiast, then this certification is the way to go. The Fitness Mentors Nutrition Certification is a solid bet because the information is more streamlined and doesn’t take detours to present ideas you will likely not use with your chosen clientele. 

Fitness Mentors Nutrition Certification

The age-old adage that you can’t out-train a bad diet still, unfortunately, holds true. Exercise is, of course, an important part of health, but it isn’t the only important aspect of it. This cert takes a holistic approach to well-being through nutrition, whether you want to help your clients lose fat, bulk up, or maintain their current state of fitness. 

Fitness Mentos Nutrition Certification

Fitness Mentos Nutrition Certification

Fitness Mentors takes a holistic approach to health and incorporates nutrition along with lifestyle modifications to help your clients potentially make lasting and impactful changes. This cert puts a focus on knowledge that's applicable to the widest range of the general population when you're coaching.

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The information presented in this course is widely applicable. By the end of it, you’ll understand each of the macronutrients intimately. You’ll also learn how to perform nutrition assessments and coach nutrition. The final chapter is a primer on exercise and sports nutrition, but most of the course is focused on coaching everyday people and helping them achieve their goals while improving their health. 

Pros

• Your potential clientele base is wide; this cert prepares you to work with a wide swathe of the population rather than focusing too narrowly on one demographic.
• If you don’t have a nutrition background, this is a great way to learn the basics and hone your skills, even if you aspire to coach athletes.
• This certification is shorter and potentially quicker to complete than some others due to the general nature and lack of intense specialization.

Cons

• This doesn’t adequately prepare you for the different needs of athletes and other factors that need to be considered when coaching them.
• Anyone who wants more in-depth knowledge of nutrition theories and the body’s inner workings may want to complete a more comprehensive cert.

The Fitness Mentors Nutrition Certifications help you to understand and communicate a well-rounded and holistic approach to nutrition. You won’t be as qualified to work with elite athletes but can cater to the general population, folks looking to lose fat, build muscles and feel better. 

Benefits of Having a Nutrition Certification

If you’re interested in becoming a nutrition coach, you’ll (likely) need to be credentialed to work at any reputable establishment. Plus, it’ll give you plenty of credibility if you work independently. The certs on this list let potential employers and clients know that you’ve put in the work to learn your craft and that you have a grasp of the foundations of nutrition. Many of the courses also teach you how to run a nutrition business and maintain healthy relationships with your clients, which is necessary for long-term career growth.

Credibility

Clients will want to know that you’re a credible coach and are certified by a legitimate organization. This builds an instant feeling in potential clients that you are up to date on the latest nutrition science and have the know-how to help them achieve their goals. Having a certification from this list is a great way to convey that you know what you’re doing. 

Nutrition Knowledge

It is true that anyone can write a meal plan, but the safety and effectiveness of it is a different question entirely. Owning a garden hose doesn’t make you a firefighter, and a six-pack doesn’t qualify you to dole out effective and sustainable nutrition advice.

Nutrition certifications impart the knowledge that you need to assess clients, understand nutrition in a way that applies to coaching others, and build a program for them based on their aspirations.

Professionalism and Fostering Relationships

While credibility is a bedrock foundation for building client relationships, professionalism builds on that foundation. You can be credible and have the knowledge to back it up, but if you’re unprofessional and don’t actively work to cultivate rapport with your clients, you’ll soon be left without anyone to coach. Many nutrition certifications provide you with the tools you need to build a business, act professionally, and create positive client interactions so you can set yourself up for continued success.

How We Chose the Best Nutrition Certifications

The organization that you choose for your nutrition certification can have a massive impact on your career trajectory and competency as a nutrition professional. That’s why we took such care when choosing the best certs to include on this list. We used a few key factors to choose like the cost, education provided, study materials, and post-certification support when making our choices.

Cost

Nutrition certifications can be expensive, and even the relatively cost-effective ones cost several hundred dollars. That said, every option on this list offers the choice to pay up-front or split the payments up over a few months to soften the blow while you work toward your new certification. We only included certifications that are worth the money and will command respect when they show up on a resume. Some may be more expensive than others, but they’re all worth their price tags — it just depends on what you can pay and what you’re looking to gain from the certification.

Education

Obviously, the whole point of a certification is to become an expert in the subject and show that you have intimate knowledge of the field. All of the certifications on this list provide quality education in nutrition, but they may have different content emphases. While the basics are all the same, some certs on this list are more directed at people who want to work with the general population while others are more dedicated to coaching athletes and programming. We provided an array of different areas of expertise, so there’s something for everyone no matter your end goal.

Study Materials

While all of the certs on this list provide access to an online textbook, they vary in what supporting content is provided and at what cost. We prioritized the certifications that provided access to the most diverse array of study materials without an extra fee since everyone learns differently — having multiple approaches to learning may help retain information more effectively.

Post-Certification Support

No one wants to feel like they’ve been left out in the cold once the certification process is complete. Many credentialing organizations offer support after you’ve been certified to help you make headway in the nutrition field. Some common support systems provided include professional website building, career placement, client forms, and other career resources. A few organizations even bake business sections into the course content, so you’re better prepared to make a splash after you’re certified.

How Much Do Nutrition Certifications Cost?

Nutrition certifications are often cheaper than other certs like personal trainer certifications, but they’re still a costly investment. However, most offer the option to break your payments down into monthly installments, which may be a good option for people who are just starting out or can’t afford to drop all that cash at once.

On the lower end of the cost spectrum, nutrition certifications can cost around $350, but prices can increase up to around $900 for the cert. If you purchase certification packages that offer credentials for multiple fields, you can spend even more — sometimes over a thousand dollars. There’s usually a discount for buying multiple certifications at once, so if you can swing it, those bundles may be worthwhile.

What to Consider Before Buying a Nutrition Certification

A nutrition certification is the foundation of a career in nutrition coaching. Selecting the right cert for you is similar to picking a college or trade school to attend, and it requires the same careful consideration. Here are the biggest factors to consider when looking through the options.

Study Materials

First and foremost, you need to learn the material, not just to pass the exam but also to be an effective nutrition coach. That’s why it’s so important to think about your learning style and which certification organizations cater to that style. 

Essentially all certifications will include some sort of textbook and course guide to help you navigate the material. Others will include video lessons of varying quality and type — some more engaging than others. Audio lectures can be helpful for more passive learning when you’re driving or working out. If you work best in a group, peer learning is also available from some organizations through online forums and groups. Look at all of the study materials available and make sure they line up with how you best absorb information before purchasing a certification program.

Certification Focus

Every certification differs in some way regarding its emphasis. Do you want to work with everyday people and gym-goers? Perhaps your end goal is to be the nutrition coach for high-level athletes. Maybe you prefer to work with special populations who need additional support and considerations in their nutrition. There’s a cert for that.

Taking a look at the textbook and course materials will often allow you to glean insight into the population the course will best prepare you to coach. You can decide from there if it fits with your goals and intended career path.

After-Program Support

Once you finally complete your certification, you may be left wondering how to get your career off the ground. Some organizations have a support system in place to help prepare you for the portion of your career where the rubber meets the road. This can include offering client forms, setting you up with a website, or even job placements to help you on your way.

Reputation

Not all nutrition certifications are made the same. While the ones on this list are all highly reputable from well-recognized organizations, there are some out there that don’t have the same standards and quality teaching. If you plan to purchase a nutrition certification program from outside of this list, it’s usually a good idea to do your research and ensure that they’re a trusted name in the fitness industry.

Final Word

Nutrition certifications can take different approaches to provide you with the information and expertise you need to be a competent and successful coach. Through them, you’ll learn about how the body metabolizes food and puts it to work, the differences in macronutrients and micronutrients, client assessment, and more. All of this goes to build your confidence and ability to help your clients achieve their health and wellness goals.

One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to certifications, though, and there are a variety of different populations that they can focus on. Different certifications also have varied learning platforms and study materials. Think about what is best for your career aspirations and learning style, and use this list as a guide to finding the ideal cert to help you start building and serving your clientele. 

FAQs

References

1. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/nutrition-coach-salary

The post The 6 Best Nutrition Certifications of 2024 appeared first on BarBend.

The personal trainer certifications on this list are all accredited by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), but they vary a bit in what they offer specifically — some cater to special populations and elite athletes, while others focus more on the general fitness population. Use our list to help you narrow in on the correct personal training certification for you.

Best Personal Trainer Certifications

• Best Overall Certification: ISSA Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Certification for Coaching Athletes: NASM Certified Personal Trainer
• Best Certification for the Money: ACE Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Certification for National Recognition: NCSF Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Certification for General Fitness Clients: Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Certification for Special Populations: ISSA Personal Trainer Certification
• Best Certification for Jobs in Exercise Physiology: NASM Certified Personal Trainer

Best Overall Certification

When it comes to the best overall personal trainer certification, you’ll want one that prepares you to work with all types of clientele — from young adults to older individuals and every fitness level in between. This one fits the bill.

ISSA Personal Trainer Certification

The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Personal Trainer Certification will help teach you the skills you need to motivate any client to reach their fitness goals. You’ll learn all about the body’s musculature and skeletal structure, along with how these joints, bones, and muscles work and function. Plus, you’ll also gain confidence using the cert’s Purpose-Driven Training Model to create custom programs that focus on the most effective exercises for your trainee and ways to ensure they stay injury-free in the process.

When you sign up for this certification, you’ll receive access to an online textbook, online practice quizzes, audio and video lecture options (for those who prefer to hear or watch the information), an online workout, an online student forum, an open book or proctored exam option, a CPT education boot camp, as well as a free professional website post-certification. Keep in mind that if you already have a background in fitness, you may want to find a more specialized certification. The information presented is comprehensive but more basic than what you’ll have learned while obtaining a kinesiology degree.

Pros

• Anyone looking to train a variety of clients will like that this certification covers training material for a variety of client demographics.
• Individuals who are getting their first training certification will appreciate the ISSA’s range of packages.
• There are a wide variety of instructional options (online textbook, audio, video, etc.) to suit different learning types.

Cons

• Individuals who want to work with athletes or train clients at a higher fitness level may not find this certification specific enough.
• The information covered here is more basic than you’d have gotten if you already have a kinesiology degree. 

The material in the ISSA personal training certification is comprehensive, has a variety of learning methods, and provides plenty of additional study aids to help you pass your course. Plus, the free coaching website that it provides is a solid perk to help your business get started.

Read our full ISSA Personal Trainer Certification Review.

Best Certification for Coaching Athletes

When it comes to working with athletes or clientele with a higher fitness IQ and ability, it’s important to know exactly which exercises these individuals should be doing to excel in their sport or field. This cert provides in-depth knowledge about overactive and underactive muscles, and it shows how to pinpoint muscle imbalances via static postural, dynamic, and strength assessments.

NASM Personal Trainer Certification 

The main philosophy of the National Academy of Sports Medicine certification is what the company refers to as the Optimum Performance Training Model (OPT). The model focuses on five specific phases of training: stabilization endurance, strength endurance, hypertrophy, maximal strength, and power — in that order. The first stage of the model includes stabilization endurance, which focuses on balance and stabilization. Stage two is all about strength and encompasses the strength endurance, hypertrophy, and maximal strength stages. The third and final stage centers around power and includes the power phase of training. 

While the philosophy behind this certification is entirely based on science, making it reputable for training athletes, NASM works hard to keep the material fresh and exciting. You’ll learn how to perform different types of postural, strength, and cardiovascular assessments in order to determine compensations and muscle imbalances and the corrective strategies to fix them. When you purchase this certification, you’ll have the option of either a self-study program done on your own or a guided study program with support, plus a job guarantee at the end.. One thing to note is that a high school diploma or a GED is a prerequisite for this program, so if you don’t have one, you’ll need to get that first.

Pros

• Anyone looking to work with athletes or clientele with a higher fitness ability and IQ will like the science-backed model this certification is based on.
• The focus on adapting programming to accommodate progression is ideal for developing long-term clients. 
• This certification course teaches you about not only personal training and exercise but business fundamentals, as well. 

Cons

• Anyone without a high school diploma or GED won’t qualify for this certification.
• Individuals who aren’t interested in a model-based training certification might find this too complex.

The NASM Certified Personal Trainer certification is the most well-rounded one on the market. It will teach you training techniques and how to apply them, as well as how to perform a new client assessment and build a successful career with sales tips and tricks. It also provides some information on supplements and nutrition, too.

Read our full NASM Personal Trainer Certification Review.

Best Certification for the Money

If you’re new to personal training or switching professional fields, you may want to start with an affordable certification and widely recognized option like this one. 

ACE Personal Training Certification

The American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Training Certification is one of the most recognized certifications in the field. The program options are Basic, Plus, and Advantage, each increasing in price. However, they often offer promotions and sales, making the cert rather affordable (especially compared to others).  You’ll learn about human anatomy, modifications for clients with special considerations, as well as how to assess, program and make progressions as your clients grow and gain. The only category lacking is for training clients in special populations — this cert touches on the subject but does not go into much depth.

ACE Personal Trainer Certification

ACE Personal Trainer Certification

If you're looking to become a fitness professional, you can develop your skills in program writing, movement assessment, physiology, business development, and more with Ace's Personal Trainer Certification.

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There are three different personal training certification packages available for ACE. All packages include the core study program, the final exam, practice exams, a digital textbook, and a digital trainer study companion, with the most affordable package (labeled fittingly as “Basic”) costing just $675. Upgrade to “Plus” for just $70 more, and you’ll also get a hard copy of the textbook and trainer study companion, as well as live Q and A webinars.

The “Advantage” package costs $975 and includes everything from “Plus” with additional audiobook options and facilitated study groups. It’s not the least expensive certification that you’ll find, but it’s lower than many others, and the materials you get make it well worth the cost.

Pros

• The self-pacing learning style works for Individuals looking to learn online at their own speed.
• The lower cost of this cert will suit individuals who want a price-conscious option.
• Anyone who wants access to ongoing support and guidance will like the facilitated study group and live Q and A webinars.

Cons

• There is minimal information on training clients who have special needs.
• Anyone who prefers to do in-person learning and studying may not want this certification.

When you purchase the ACE Personal Training Certification, you’ll be able to complete the program online at your own speed. Most complete the program and exam in about three to six months, or the equivalent of about 80 to 100 hours. The ACE Personal Training Certification is NCCA Accredited, too.

Best Certification For National Recognition 

If you’re looking to get a training certification that you can use in different states or even different countries, it’s important to choose one with national recognition. Having an NCCA Accredited certification is the way to go. 

NCSF Personal Trainer Certification

The National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF) Personal Trainer Certification is an NCCA Accredited certification, so you’ll automatically earn that recognition, and the cert is globally recognized. The cert features the NCSF Easy Learning System, which is an advanced e-learning platform, so you can fully study and test online. However, if you need one-on-one support or group study forums, you may find this certification lacking. 

NCSF Personal Trainer Certification

NCSF Personal Trainer Certification

NCSF's Personal Trainer Certification will provide you with the knowledge and expertise needed to provide quality coaching to a wide range of athletes. 

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Topics covered include functional anatomy, exercise physiology, health and physical fitness, screening and evaluation, nutrition, weight management, exercise programming, training instruction, considerations for special populations, and professionalism and risk management.

You can choose from four different study bundles, and all allow for the exam to be taken online or in person at a testing center. This certification will qualify you to work both with individuals and small groups in-person or online. 

Pros

• Four different study bundles allow students to choose the method that suits them best.
• Individuals looking to study and take the exam online have the option to do it all at their own pace with this certification. 
• The NCCA accreditation makes this a globally-recognized certification.

Cons

• Anyone who prefers to do in-person learning and studying may not want this certification.
• Individuals who need more support when learning may find this certification falls short in online study forums and expert availability.

Not only is this certification recognized nationally, but NCSF also has strong partnerships with some of the top health and fitness clubs in the world. 

Best Certification for General Fitness Clients

If you’re looking to get a certification to work with your average gymgoer, it’s best to get a general fitness certification like this one from Fitness Mentors. By focusing on the fundamentals, you’ll be able to work with all levels of general fitness.

Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification

The first three chapters of the Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer curriculum starts with the fitness assessment, then moves on to anatomy, physiology, and the study of human movement, followed by exercise physiology and energy systems. This gives students a well-rounded knowledge base to train general fitness clients. 

Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification

Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification

Fitness Mentors provides a well-rounded knowledge base for training the general fitness population, is NCCA accredited, and offers a wide range of study material to suit different learning styles. 

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You’ll also learn about program design, flexibility, mobility, range of motion, and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as some bits on nutrition, emergency procedures, professionalism, fitness for special populations and online personal training. 

When you purchase this program, you’ll have access to video presentations, a digital textbook, audiobook lectures, assignments and learning activities, practice quizzes, bonus videos, and flashcards, as well as two practice exams to get you ready for the final examination.

Pros

• The well-rounded course coverage will benefit individuals looking to work with the general fitness population.
• Individuals newer to personal training will find this certification easily digestible, thanks to the variety of study materials available. 
• Two practice exams help ensure the successful completion of the course.

Cons

• Individuals looking to learn training and programming for specialized populations may not find this certification to be specific enough.
• Anyone who wants help finding a job post-final exam might not find the help they need within this cert’s community.

Fitness Mentors Personal Trainer Certification focuses on developing a well-rounded knowledge base for training the general fitness population. Plus, it is NCCA Accredited and has the highest exam pass rate (according to their website).

Best Certification for Specialized Populations

If you know your fitness career will involve working with specialized populations of individuals, it’s important to choose a certification that focuses on customizable programming.

ISSA Personal Trainer Certification

Being that the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Personal Trainer Certification is based on a purpose-driven training model, obtaining this cert will allow you to confidently create customized programs for a wide variety of clients. It also dives deeply into training clients with special needs, focusing on exercises that make sense for their specific requirements. You’ll also learn what to do and what not to do with your clientele in order to keep them injury-free. 

ISSA Personal Training Certification

ISSA Personal Training Certification

ISSA has certified over 475,000 students through their various personal trainer certifications since 1988. It has a 90 percent test rate, a free retest, and tons of resources to help you become the best personal trainer you can be.

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With this certification, you’ll have 10 different package options to choose from, all of which include student forums to help you study with other future trainers. Also, all of the online material will always be accessible if you need to refresh your skills. This will allow you to look back if you ever need to review a certain topic that pertains to a specific client you’re working with.

Pros

• Anyone looking to train clientele of special populations will like that this certification covers training material for clients outside the general population.
• Online student forums provide a community to learn and study with.
• All study materials will be available online after course completion for future reference.

Cons

• Individuals who want to work with athletes or train clients at a higher fitness level may not find this certification specific enough for that demographic.
• Anyone who prefers to do in-person learning and studying may not want this certification.

In addition to providing a wide range of knowledge for training the general fitness population, the ISSA personal training certification has in-depth information for training clients with special needs or requirements. Plus, all of the study material is available post-certification, so you can continue to brush up on your knowledge as needed. 

Best Certification for Jobs in Exercise Physiology

If you want to get a job in exercise physiology, you’ll need a certification that clues you in on biology, anatomy, kinesiology, and nutrition. The NASM Personal Trainer Certification will provide all of this — plus, its widespread recognition can help you attain work in the field. 

NASM Personal Trainer Certification 

By utilizing the Optimum Performance Training Model (OPT) that the National Academy for Sports Medicine Personal Trainer Certification is based on, you’ll be prepared to train more advanced clientele, including athletes. You’ll be equipped with the ability to explain how your training philosophy will progress through different phases in order to help your client reach their goals and continue to set new ones. Based on a client’s abilities and goals, the OPT model can be modified and adapted to progressively move through the stages of stabilization, strength, and power. 

NASM Personal Trainer Certification

NASM Personal Trainer Certification

If you want to move from an exercise enthusiast to a bonafide fitness professional, then you can develop your skills in client assessment, program writing, self-marketing, sales, physiology, psychology, and more with the Personal Trainer Certification from NASM.

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As one of the most widely recognized personal training certifications, its reputation will help set you up for a job in the exercise physiology field. NASM works hard to keep the material and information updated with the latest scientific studies and breakthroughs, so your knowledge will always be current. A high school diploma or GED is required for this course, so if you don’t have one, you’ll need to get that first or look at a different cert.

Pros

• Anyone looking to pursue a career in exercise physiology will feel confident that this certification is created based on a science-backed model.
• The focus on progressive programming will help trainers keep clients as they grow fitter over time.
• This certification’s copious information on training advanced clients is ideal for people who want to work with athletes. 

Cons

• If you don’t have a high school diploma or GED, you’ll need to get one to qualify for this course.
• There is a 180-day time limit on this certification, so people who want to learn at their own pace may want to look elsewhere.

Becoming a NASM Certified Personal Trainer will set you up for success in the exercise physiology field with a sturdy and expansive foundation of knowledge. You’ll learn training techniques, how to adapt and progress them, as well as basic information on nutrition and supplementation, too

How We Chose the Best Personal Training Certifications

When it comes to picking a personal training certification, it probably comes as no surprise that there are many to choose from. We realize that each individual will have their own wants and expectations when it comes to a certification, and therefore, the best product will vary from one individual to the next. For our purposes, we chose our list of best personal training certifications based on NCCA Accreditation and national recognition, curriculum content, study materials and programming, exam difficulty, and price point.

NCCA Accreditation and National Recognition

In partnership with the government, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) was created to develop the standards that voluntary certification programs in all professions and industries must adhere to. Said “standards” are referred to as the NCCA’s Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs and were the first standards developed by the credentialing industry for professional certification programs. The goal of the standards is to ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public. Having an NCAA Accreditation makes a certification that much more credible. Therefore, we included only certifications that have this accreditation. 

Curriculum Content

While most personal training certification programs will cover the basics of movement, anatomy, and nutrition for training the general fitness population, some certs will focus more heavily on specific fields. If you are interested in training high-level athletes or clients with special needs, you’ll want to find a certification that has deep coverage of those areas. We looked at the specific curriculums to see which ones focused on areas that future personal trainers would most likely be interested in.

Study Materials

While most programs have similar study materials, some offer study materials that will appeal to different types of learners. You’ll often find online written materials, but more visual or auditory learners may want to search out certification programs that offer video and audio content as well. Some also offer access to student forums for group study and one-on-one tutoring as well. We included a wide range of study aids to help students with a variety of learning styles. 

Exam Difficulty

The whole point of going through a personal training course is to learn enough to pass the exam that proves your ability to provide high-quality coaching to clients, so the exam should be somewhat difficult to pass. That said, it should still be accessible. The programs that we included here provide study aids, practice tests, and periods in which you can study up and retake exams if you don’t pass the first time. 

Price Point

Personal training certification programs can vary in price, depending on the materials they provide, the accreditation they have, and the time it takes to complete the course. There are also added costs, including physical textbooks and fees for retaking exams. In this list, we’ve included programs that range in price, from high-end certifications that are loaded with study aids and materials to more cost-effective ones that don’t come with as many bells and whistles.

The Benefits of Having a Personal Training Certification

A personal training certification is a necessity for anyone looking to be a trainer in a reputable fitness institution. Taking the time to earn a cert shows that you put in the effort to acquire the knowledge and skill that are required to help someone achieve their fitness goals. Along the way, you will develop a knowledge of anatomy and physiology, gain the ability to learn how to write programming for clients, and build credibility in the fitness industry.

Credibility

Training shouldn’t be taken lightly, and if clients are smart, they’ll want to know that the person creating programs for them isn’t only in good shape themselves but also understands the human anatomy and principles behind creating a cohesive and progressive training program. Having a certification can provide this credibility to your clients.

Knowledge of Anatomy

While technically anyone can train a client, a good trainer understands the human body and the way in which muscles, joints, and skeletal structure work. By getting a personal training certification, you’ll learn all about the human anatomy and skeleton, as well as be able to recognize compensations and muscle imbalances.

Ability to Write Progressive and Adaptive Programming and Modifications 

Again, the actual act of writing a fitness program can be done by nearly anyone who knows exercises. However, when it comes to programming, it’s important to know what level to start at, how to adapt training protocol to fit a client’s needs and goals, and at what speed to progress their programming. It’s also important to know how to modify or change a program if a client has comorbidities or any injuries. By studying and receiving a fitness certification, you’ll learn how to write individualized programming for clients, as well as the periodization of programming. 

Professionalism and Client Relationships

If you’re new to the fitness field, it’s not necessarily going to be the easiest field to break into, meaning you will probably have to work to get some clients at the beginning. Personal Training Certifications teach you skills to help build up your clientele, make sales, and have a successful fitness career.

How Much Do Training Certifications Cost?

Each certification has a different price, and even within one organization, they may offer different packages or bundles when it comes to getting a personal training certification (an online versus online and in-person option, etc.).

In general, most personal training certifications range anywhere from around $400 to $2,000, depending on what study materials are included, whether or not you add on specialized certifications, and what kind of student support is offered. Other add-ons can include physical textbooks, online tutoring, and fees for retaking exams. 

What to Consider Before Buying a Personal Training Certification

Selecting a personal training certification program is as individualized as selecting a personal trainer. While all of the best personal training certification programs will provide you with the knowledge you need to help clients achieve their goals, they can vary in several ways, including programming, study materials, and the support they offer. When you’re looking for a cert program, consider your ideal clientele, your learning style, and exactly where you want your career to go.

Program and Study Materials

When you’re considering a certification program, it pays to know who your ideal client is. If you want to focus on the general fitness population, all of the programs on this list will equip you. But if you’re looking to train a specific demographic like advanced athletes or special population clients, it pays to find a certification with an emphasis on these types of training. 

Also, be sure to read how the certification you’re considering delivers its course material. While you’ll find online written materials in all of these programs, some offer physical textbooks, as well as video and audio content for students. There are also online forums for group study and one-on-one tutoring available with some of these programs if you don’t want to work alone. If you have test anxiety, many of these programs also offer practice exams and quizzes to help you prepare for your final exam. Be sure to do a deep dive into the course materials of whatever program you’re considering to make sure it caters to your learning style. 

Support Throughout and After the Program

Some people prefer to study alone, while others work best with a personal instructor or in a group setting. If you work best with others or want some extra accountability, be sure you choose a certification that offers help through group or trainer forums or expert and/or peer guidance. These study aids can also be useful if you find yourself getting stuck in a certain section of your educational materials. 

You may want to look into the options and offerings when it comes to job placement post-completion of the certification. Some programs cover the business side of personal training, including marketing and client relations, and others offer perks like a free professional website after completing the program, both of which can be a huge help to someone just starting out in the field. 

Continuing Education

As you shop around for a certification program, make sure it has the resources you need to further your career and expertise. Almost all fitness certifications require recertification, so make sure you read and understand what’s required in order for you to recertify and how often you’ll need to. Certifications can last from a year to five years or more, so make sure that you’re willing and able to recertify as often as necessary to keep your certification active. 

Also, many of the certifications offer add-on certifications for becoming a nutritional and wellness coach or coaching for specific activities like running or yoga. If you want to develop more skills and broaden your client base, check to see what other offerings the organization you’re getting your personal training certification with offers. 

Final Word

It’s important that, as a personal trainer, you have the confidence and ability to write adaptable, progressive, efficient programming based on your individual client’s wants, needs, and goals. While there is some debate about whether or not you need to have a personal training certification to train individuals, there’s no denying that through studying and obtaining a certification, you’re forced to learn about the human anatomy, how muscles work together, ways to correct and fix muscle imbalances, as well as how to write and progress programming correctly. 

You’ll also learn a lot about the industry itself, as well as tips and tricks to hopefully have a successful and fulfilling career. While the certification you choose is up to you, rest assured that all of these NCCA Accredited personal training certifications will provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to confidently train individuals to help them achieve their fitness goals. 

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