Fitness Training and Sports Nutrition Pathways

Fitness Training and Sports Nutrition Professional Pathways

Fitness Training and Sports Nutrition

ACHS offers programs perfect for anyone at any step of their education and career journey.

Want to learn more about professional pathways? Contact the ACHS Director of Alumni and Career Services Felicia Royce or email us at [email protected].

International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN)

The ISSN offers two professional exams:

ISSN – SNS: Sports Nutrition Specialist (SNS) exam
CISSN: Certified Sports Nutritionist exam

What is the main difference between the CISSN and ISSN-SNS Certifications?

This information is provided for reference only and was retrieved from http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/ in January 2023. Please contact ISSN for the latest information.

“The CISSN is more advanced; it is the preferred certification for those who wish to provide more detailed sports nutrition information to their clients. The SNS focuses more on the applied aspects of sports nutrition and is meant for those who do not have a 4-year degree or do not have a formal educational background in exercise science and/or sports nutrition. Individuals who wish to attain the SNS are likely to be personal trainers who work in the fitness industry; however, the certification is open to all individuals. The SNS provides working knowledge for personal trainers and fitness advocates to offer information on sports nutrition and supplement strategies. This certification will not provide the expertise or education necessary to work with patients who require medical nutrition therapy.”

Sports Nutrition Specialist (SNS) exam

Who should take the ISSN-SNS exam?

Personal Trainers or Other Fitness Professionals who do not hold a 4-year University/College degree.

Qualifying ACHS courses and programs as of January 2024, include:

NUT 304 Sports Nutrition (Undergraduate course) – Visit http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/CISSN.html for information.
NUT 504 Advanced Sports Nutrition (Graduate course)
Other graduate programs where students also complete the NUT 304 or NUT 504 courses.
Certificate in Integrative Health & Fitness Training
Other programs where students also complete the NUT 304 or NUT 504 courses.

Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN)

Who should take CISSN?

Exercise Physiologists
Fitness Professionals
Nurse Practitioners
Nutritionists
Personal Trainers
Sport Dietitians
Sports Nutritionists
Strength and Conditioning Professionals

Qualifying ACHS courses and programs as of January 2024, include:

NUT 304 Sports Nutrition (undergraduate course) – For students who already hold a Bachelors degree only. Visit http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/CISSN.html for information about exemptions.
NUT 504 Advanced Sports Nutrition (graduate course)
Other graduate programs where students also complete the NUT 304 or NUT 504 courses.

Personal Trainer Certification Pathway (NCSF)

Students who complete our PFT 101 Personal Fitness Training undergraduate course may choose to pursue professional certification as a personal trainer. One commonly selected option is the National Council on Strength & Fitness (NCSF) Personal Trainer Certification Exam, as our curriculum aligns with their training guidelines.

Eligibility Requirements to Sit for the NCSF Personal Trainer Certification Exam

To be eligible to take the NCSF Personal Trainer Certification Exam, candidates must meet the following requirements at the time of exam registration:

Be at least 18 years of age
Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Hold a current CPR/AED certification from a recognized provider
(such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other approved organizations)

Certification eligibility requirements are established by the certifying organization and may change over time. Students are responsible for confirming the current requirements directly with NCSF before registering for the exam.

Learn more about exam eligibility, pricing, and policies on the official NCSF website.