IPTA Certified Nutrition Specialist vs NASM Certified Nutrition Coach

After completing both NASM CNC and IPTA CNS certifications, I believe both are excellent options; however, the IPTA Certified Nutrition Coach edges out the NASM CNC as the better nutrition certification pick. The IPTA CNS offers more overall value at a lower cost than NASM, and the textbook incorporates the latest exercise science research. Read the full review below for more details.

A Quick Comparison: IPTA vs NASM

If you’re thinking about becoming a certified nutrition coach, you’ve probably come across two popular options — the Nutrition Academy Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) from IPTA and the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC). Both programs are designed to help you guide clients toward healthier eating habits, but they differ significantly in depth, scope, and educational approach.

The Nutrition Academy CNS takes a more comprehensive, science-based route, blending in-depth nutrition education with real-world coaching skills. The NASM CNC, on the other hand, offers a faster, more accessible path for fitness professionals who want to add nutrition coaching to their existing services.

In this comparison, we’ll break down how these two certifications stack up — including their curriculum, pricing, study materials, exam structure, recertification requirements, and career value.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which program is the better fit for your career goals — whether you’re looking for a deep dive into nutrition science or a streamlined coaching credential to complement your fitness background.

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Make sure to take the quiz to determine which nutrition certification is the right fit.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which certification fits your goals best.

What is the IPTA CNS Certification?

The Nutrition Academy Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) offered via IPTA/Nutrition Academy is designed for fitness and health coaches who want to step up their nutrition expertise beyond an entry-level certificate.

Key features:

• A large, comprehensive textbook (700+ pages) covering fundamental nutrition science and applied coaching.
• Self-paced online format with chapter quizzes, practice activities and final exam.
• Curriculum includes digestion & absorption, energy balance, macronutrients/micronutrients, hydration, special diets, program design, behavior change and coaching business topics.
• More than a “weekend certificate” and more accessible than graduate-level nutrition credentials.
• Ideal for personal trainers, health coaches, and aspiring nutrition professionals seeking legit credential that stands out.

Pros

• Strong depth of content for a non-degree credential.
• Designed to build real-world coaching skills, not just theory.
• Self-paced flexibility.

Cons

• Science-heavy; may require more study time and discipline.
• Because it is deeper, may not be as “plug-and-play” for someone who just wants a basic nutrition add-on.

What is the NASM CNC Certification?

The NASM CNC is a credential from one of the major fitness-certification bodies. It is geared toward fitness professionals wanting to meaningfully integrate nutrition coaching into their services.

Highlights:

• Online, self-paced; as little as 4 weeks for completion.
• Curriculum covers three key pillars: Nutrition Science, Behavior Change, Nutrition Coaching (application).
• Final exam: 100 multiple-choice questions, 90 minutes, passing 70%.
• Recognized name brand in fitness; adds credibility.
• Recertification: 1.9 CEUs required every 2 years.

Pros

• Reputable brand (NASM) enhances resume value in fitness industry.
• Faster completion time for those who want to add nutrition coaching relatively quickly.
• Good fit for general fitness clients (weight-loss, habit change, body composition).

Cons

• Less depth compared to specialist nutrition credentials. It may be more useful as a primer than for intensive nutrition coaching.
• Scope: As a “coach” credential, it doesn’t equate to dietitian-level prescribing or clinical practice; you must remain within coaching scope.

IPTA and NASM Pros and Cons

Cost and Value Comparison

CNS

The IPTA Certified Nutrition coach only costs $399 for the base package. This is less expensive than NASM, and it includes the study guide, the textbook, and the exam.

The higher tier packages, cost $599 and $799 respectively, and include most of IPTA’s helpful resources. You get a flashcard system, audio guide, unlimited exam retakes, SurePass AI, performance reporting, study streaks, gamification, weak point training, and magic mnemonics.

IPTA also sometimes offers a BOGO deal, which includes the IPTA CPT for free. This is a great deal, because you often end up paying $1000 for most CPTs by themselves. This gives you nutrition and training together, which allows you to coach more people and help your clients achieve their goals faster.

IPTA also allows you to try their study materials for free so make sure to check the risk-free trial at the very least.

CNC

The NASM Certified Nutrition Coach gains much of its value by being backed by the biggest names in the industry. NASM has one of the most popular CPTs around and their nutrition certification is equally popular. Being of that, you’ll end up paying more than IPTA. They only have one package and it costs $899. This is more than even the highest tier IPTA CNS (and more than double the lowest tier).

That being said, you do get access to NASM online portal, which contains some of the best instructional videos of any certification provider. The NASM CNC will also give you 1.9 CEU credits, so if you’re already certified as a trainer through NASM, you can use this course to help you renew your certification.

Study Materials & Learning Experience

CNS

IPTA originally started as an organization that helped people prepare for other certification exams. Because of that, IPTA has developed one of the best study systems around.

The textbook for this course is extensive: over 700 pages. Topics discussed include the history of food culture, macronutrients, micronutrients, how the body works, alcohol, hydration, how to read food labels, diet programming, how to navigate diet pitfalls, adjusting plans, building a business, and more.

Luckily, even though the book is detailed, it is not hard to read. However, it requires time and commitment, like any serious certification.

All of the online tools really do help you, including the modular aspect of the study program which tailors the number of lessons you need to complete by how long you have to get certified. So, if you want to complete the course in one month you can do that, or stretch it out to 6 months and the study plan adapts.

CNC

The NASM textbook is also quite extensive. Topics covered include helping clients navigate the real world, nutrition hot topics, goal setting, food preferences, and metabolism.

More streamlined and coaching-orientation; quicker completion; may suit those adding nutrition to an existing training business. Just like IPTA, you learn about energy balance, macro- and micronutrients and most of the essentials you’ll need to know to coach nutrition.

As mentioned earlier, the NASM online portal has access to some of the best online teaching videos, which help streamline the learning process.

Exam Structure and Difficulty

The exams for both are online and consist of 100 questions. You’ll need a 70% score to pass. This is straightforward for motivated students.

Neither exam is too difficult, however, IPTA does offer unlimited exam retakes, which certainly makes the process easier for nervous test takers.

Career Support & Guarantees

• CNS: Depth gives you differentiation; may help command premium coaching services or niche clientele.
• CNC: Brand (NASM) adds recognition; good fit for mainstream fitness settings.

Long-Term Career Growth & Specializations

• CNS: Great for those looking to specialize deeply in nutrition coaching; may open more advanced opportunities (though still not equivalent to dietitian).
• CNC: Works well as one credential among many; great for adding value quickly

Bottom Line and Recommendation

Both programs are strong, but their fit depends on what you want.

• Choose the Nutrition Academy CNS if you want a more robust nutrition-coach credential — deeper science, application, and you’re willing to invest more time and effort. Also, choose the IPT CNS if you have a limited budget.
• Choose the NASM CNC if you are already certified through NASM and want to add a recognized nutrition coaching credential efficiently to your services.

If your goal is maximum nutrition specialization and you plan to build a career heavily based on nutrition coaching (or work with niche clients) then the IPTA CNS offers more value. If you’re already certified through NASM and want a good CEU course to help you renew your CPT, choose the NASM CNC.