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precision nutrition certification review - Tyler Read, certified nutrition coach holds the precision nutrition textbook essentials of exercise nutrition

Hello and welcome to my full review of the Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification. I write this after taking and passing the Precision Nutrition course. This review includes my experience as a trainer and nutritionist for over 10 years. 

This article covers the following topics:

  • Organization information: PN Level 1 pricing, packages, prerequisites
  • Quality of the program and PN textbook
  • Exam and recertification information 
  • Pros and Cons, is this the right program for you?
  • How the Precision Nutrition Level 1 compares to other nutrition certifications

Our team at PT Pioneer has many trainers and nutritionists certification through the various organizations. We have compiled our knowledge to give you the most complete review of the Precision Nutrition Level 1 course using our total experience.

If you want to figure out the best personal training certification for you, make sure to take the quiz and find out. 

What type of Certification are you looking to get?

Precision Nutrition Information

Precision Nutrition Information
  • Exam cost: $999
  • Study material cost: $99/month for 12 months
  • Prerequisites: High School Diploma, CPR/AED
  • Exam pass rate: 70%
  • Average completion time: 2-6 months

7.3out of 10

Nutritional Science7
Behavior Change Strategies6
Nutritional Coaching9
Pros
  • A lot of essential nutrition science that builds on PT cert foundations
  • Future classes like Level 2 cert add on and continue coaching careers well
  • Option to be purchased through ISSA with CPT
  • ProCoach software can be very beneficial starting out
Cons
  • The organization only offers nutrition certs
  • A limited sign-up window for programs, only starts two times per year
  • Pricey compared to competing nutrition certifications, other nutrition certs cost less and offer nearly the same experience.
  • Not accredited

What is the Precision Nutrition Level 1?

What is the Precision Nutrition Level 1 certification? Precision nutrition certification textbook on table

The Precision Nutritionist Level 1 course aims at giving fitness professionals the tools to be able to work as a nutritionist, helping clients achieve their dietary goals. Note that this is not a dietitian course. 

Precision Nutrition credibility and reputation

Precision Nutrition was started in 2005 with the idea of helping clients live a fit and healthy life. 

The company was founded by Dr. John Berardi and Phil Caravaggio. They have now expanded to have many renowned fitness experts, health professionals, and all-star athletes.

Precision Nutrition is the largest and most respected private nutrition organization in the world. They only offer classes in nutrition, not other realms of fitness. 

They currently offer level 1 and level 2 nutrition certifications. The first focuses on nutrition more so, and the second focuses more on coaching aspects.

The company is also well-known for its coaching software, ProCoach. This helps fitness professionals to deliver quality programs to their clients. They have a solid coaching network.

Is Precision Nutrition worth it?

Is precision nutrition worth it? Tyler Read decides if the Precision Nutrition Certification is worth it for his nutrition coaching career

Yes, the Precision Nutrition Level 1 course is worth it for fitness professionals looking to coach nutrition, because of the great practical knowledge you learn in the nutrition coaching sphere.

The Level 1 Nutrition Certification course is a proven system of coaching and nutrition with support from some big names in the fitness and wellness realm.

This program is a science-based approach to coaching and nutrition. The programโ€™s structure is great at giving the learner the essential nutrition concepts in a quick way.

One of the main benefits that Precision Nutrition pushes is the ability to coach as you learn. The information is presented in a way where you can begin effectively applying the concepts to your current coaching practice.

The materials aim to progress in that way to grow your coaching business as you integrate what you learn. You become a certified nutritionist after achieving this cert.

Precision Nutrition gets its research and methodology from Ph.D.-level resources and essentially gives a university-level program at a small fraction of that cost. 

This course can count as college credit, and takes the place of a 3-hour course at a university. This speaks to the quality of this certification. 

The Level 1 Certification is not accredited anywhere through an outside organization, which is one of the main negatives. This is mostly due to the exam process for this certificate. It is a bit easy compared to the rest of the industry. 

Normally, the most valued certifications are NCCA accredited, but in this case, Precision Nutritionโ€™s Level 1 is not accredited. Despite these reasons, it is still highly respected.

Precision Nutrition vs other top certifications

Many other organizations offer similar nutrition certification programs. The most popular come from ISSA, NASM, with options from ACE as well. 

All nutrition certifications have pros and cons so students might choose one or another depending on individual needs. 

The ISSA Nutritionist remains one of the best all around options and I like how they include business skills in the certification, giving you practical knowledge on how to actually create income as a fitness expert. Knowing how to scale your operation will give you a roadmap across your lifetime as a nutrition coach. 

The ACE Fitness Nutritionist Specialist (ACE FNS) provides excellent tips on how to build positive behavioral food strategies with clients, which I really like. Understanding meal portion control in regards to eating gives you a lot of tools to help clients. On the negative side, this is not a full certification but a specialization, so thatโ€™s something to consider.

NASMโ€™s Certified Nutrition Coach Certification (NASM CNC) is a good all around certification. This is my second recommendation after ISSA.   

Who is the Precision Nutrition certification meant for?

The Precision Nutritionist Level 1 course is meant for anyone looking to become a nutritionist. This means you can offer general guidance and support regarding all things nutrition in your role as a heath professional. 

However, being a nutritionist is not the same as a registered dietician, so you still have to work within your scope of practice. You cannot diagnose disease or prescribe supplements. Nutritionists cannot offer specific diet plans with recommendations for exact fat, protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and calories.

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You can, however, use the USDA MyPlate suggestions as a reference for general nutrition advice towards helping clients achieve their health/weight goals, so you can still help them produce good results.

So, for instance, you can mention that avoiding excess sugar is a good thing, but you can’t create personalized nutrition programs that state a client must eat “less than 20 grams of sugar” for weight loss.  

Nutritionists can educate clients on the health benefits of proper nutrition and the positive effects caused by clients taking control of their own diets. When healthy eating becomes a pleasure rather than an obligation, you can really change people’s lives. 

Precision Nutrition cost and packages

Precision Nutrition cost and packages - Precision Nutrition certification textbook on table with coins

The Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification costs $999, and it canโ€™t be found for any cheaper. $999 gives you $429 savings from the original cost of $1428. 

Even this discount price is a bit expensive compared to other nutrition coaching programs, so it could be a big barrier in the case of some people for whom money is tight. 

It’s also important to note, due to high demand, you can’t just sign up for the program immediately. Individuals join a waitlist for the opportunity of enrollment. Precision Nutrition has a limited number of spots to apply for. This situation differs from the ways other certification companies operate.

 

Precision Nutrition ProCoach

ProCoach software

The ProCoach client management software is a solid system to help coach clients while being integrated perfectly with the teachings of Precision Nutrition.

The app manages the clients with a user-friendly UI that makes tracking simple. It has automated features that make it even more convenient and efficient. 

Coaches using this application will boost their productivity and the number of clients they can care for. 

The software is costly after the trial, though. It is $99 a month for up to 20 clients and then changes after that number of clients. This is rather steep, but it is extremely effective at what it does.

Letโ€™s now look into the course content coverage.

Precision Nutrition Level 1 Content Coverage

Precision Nutrition content coverage - precision nutrition certification textbook laid out on table

The study materials included in the purchase of the PN Nutrition Certification are the three textbooks and the accompanying online portal for test-taking and other quizzes and nutrition knowledge checks. 

Currently, the text is in its 4th version, being recently revised from the ground up. In total, there are 20 chapters in the textbook. 

The text is broken up into three units, and each unit is a book. And then there is a study guide and workbook that comes with it.

Precision Nutrition also offers learners easy access to nearly all of the documents you might need as a nutrition coach. You can begin using these as soon as you find them in your program.

The assessment of your learning throughout your studies will come from three things: the workbook/study guide, the case studies, and the chapter exams. It is a pretty standard and efficient way to ensure the learner understands new information.

precision nutrition study materials

Letโ€™s break down the study materials curriculum and look at three main aspects of the coaching method: Nutritional Science, Behavior Change Strategies, and Nutrition coaching. These are the main ingredients of any nutrition program. 

Nutritional Science

Nutritional Science usually serves as the foundation and start of a nutrition program, and in this cert, it is in the second unit textbook in a different order. 

Within this section are chapters 6 โ€“ 14. Here are the titles for those:

  • Chapter 6: Introduction to Nutritional Science
  • Chapter 7: Systems and Cells
  • Chapter 8: Through the GI Tract
  • Chapter 9: Energy transformation and Metabolism
  • Chapter 10: Energy Balance
  • Chapter 11: Macronutrients
  • Chapter 12: Micronutrients and Whole Foods
  • Chapter 13: Water and Fluid Balance
  • Chapter 14: Stress, Recovery, and Sleep

This is the bulk of what people believe they will learn with a nutrition certification, but it is not the strongest aspect of this program. 

The PN Level 1 certification method starts differently from most. They introduce digestion and the bodily systems before the details on macronutrients and micronutrients.

Compared to other nutrition certifications, like ACE or NASM, the nutritional science aspects are lacking in detail. 

The fact is, it would be nice to see more focus put on specific nutrients. One chapter per macronutrient is not too much to ask for, as these are quite complicated concepts. Macros are fundamental to nutrition. 

They arenโ€™t covered to quite the same level of detail of competing organizations that charge less for their study programs. So, that aspect is a bit more of an upset.

The program does include links to outside articles for assistance in each of the chapters. These are mostly the free articles already available to the public via the Precision Nutrition website. 

So, it is an odd choice to have some of the taught info as some of the taught information is already available on the website, but it is a great for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of healthy eating available through their website for free. Especially when this content forms the foundation of nutrition science.

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Behavior Change Strategies

There is no dedicated section to behavior change strategies, but it is present throughout the certification study program. 

The only main chapter dedicated to behavior change coaching would be Chapter 4: Helping People Change.

The Precision Nutrition approach relies on our action creating change through a 5 step formula for goal setting. 

Goals are required to be strategic, segmental, sequential, simple, and supported. The ideas for realistic goals are set up as a partnership between the client and the coach with both on board. That makes the goals more relevant and personal to the client. 

The textbook also goes through many examples and deep-dives into realistic scenarios between clients and their coaches. 

This definitely gives some solid examples for a fitness professional to reference in situations when they are training clients. 

These concepts are reinforced throughout the third unit textbook, where PN brings everything together to talk about the actual job of nutrition coaching. 

I would say that the actual behavior-change coaching concepts are the weakest of the three aspects of this certification. 

It would be nice to include a deeper dive into concepts of psychology and ideas on why people act the way they do. I feel Precision Nutrition should take a page out of ACE or NASM’s programs, which hit the nail on the head when they go into behaviors and how to analyze them. Still, you should have some confidence in this topic after taking the Precision Nutrition Level 1. 

Nutritional Coaching

The Nutritional Coaching sections come in the third unit of the textbooks. These concepts are represented throughout these chapters:

  • Chapter 15: Coaching in Practice
  • Chapter 16: Working With Level 1 Clients
  • Chapter 17: Working With Level 2 Clients
  • Chapter 18: Working With Level 3 Clients
  • Chapter 19: Special Scenarios
  • Chapter 20: Business 101

The Coaching In Practice chapter starts the section off running with videos and applications for everything learned prior. 

This certification does an excellent job of introducing clientsโ€™ ideas at varying types of levels, which means they need individualization in their programs. 

This is so beneficial for clientele, as this can be a major problem with fitness and wellness coaching. Frequently, coaches get lazy or simply think that programs are universally beneficial for everyone. 

The basic concepts of the precision nutrition coaching process are: Assess, Guess, Try, Measure, and Repeat.

I find that these concepts teach excellent nutritional coaching skills, but understanding these will make anyone a better coach in whatever field they may be in. 

The textbook has clients placed in the categories of 1 โ€“ 3, with 1 being the majority of people and 3 being the highly restrictive and more advanced people.

It is helpful to have this idea of applying different techniques depending on the level of restriction for dietary choices versus when someone is already in great general health. 

And then, the section ends with special scenarios and business tips for the coaches. Iโ€™d say without a doubt that coaching in this textbook is the strongest part. 

This certification is bound to give even the best trainers some kind of advice to further their coaching abilities. 

It is also good to note that the Precision Nutrition Level 2 certification from Precision Nutrition actually focuses on being a coaching specialization. It doesnโ€™t focus on nutrition foundations, as here in Level 1.

That wraps up the major concepts that the book teaches for nutrition coaches; now letโ€™s look at the PN certification exam.

Precision Nutrition (PN1) Review: Is It Legit? 3
Precision Nutrition (PN1) Review: Is It Legit? 4

Precision Nutrition exam prep and study materials

precision nutrition exam and study materials - precision nutrition certification textbook with notes laid out on table for studying

When you sign up for Precision Nutrition Level 1 you get three textbooks with a workbook to use.

In addition, you are able to join a private Facebook study group for others taking the PN course.

The online study portal contains videos, tests, and downloads.

Each module takes you through the 20 total chapter tests you take to finish off the course. The whole process is incredibly streamlined and easy to navigate at your own pace. 

Precision Nutrition certification requirements 

While the website does not list prerequisites, most exercise certifications require you to be over 18, have a high school diploma/GED, and have a current CPR/AED certification. 

I would certainly recommend any fitness professional to learn CPR and First Aid, as it is essential if you are working with clients in person for general safety. 

Precision Nutritionist salary

According to ZipRecruiter data, the average PN Certified Nutritionist living in the US makes $50,584.

This number just gives you an idea of what you could make when starting your nutrition coaching business, not what you will make, as other things determine your career income, such as experience, hard work, talent, and luck. 

Of course, you can increase your earning potential if you are certified as a personal trainer as well or have other credentials like being a strength and conditioning coach or health coach. Any extra expertise always makes you stand out and could be the difference between you getting hired or not by a gym or client.

Peers of mine have stated they earned similar figures, not in the first year, but after a few seasons a nutrition coach.

Taking the final Precision Nutrition Level 1 exam

precision nutrition certification exam - Tyler Read takes his precision nutrition test to earn his precision nutrition level 1 certification

Each section of the PN Level 1 course takes you step-by-step through the content with a quiz to test knowledge comprehension.

With this format, you should have no problems passing each exam provided you are paying attention, and I would certainly recommend taking notes as you learn.

The Precision Nutrition Certification printed on paper - Tyler Read earns his PN level 1 certification

You must get 75 percent or more on each exam to pass. You can also retake exams if you don’t know the answers the first time so you have a high chance of passing and there’s minimal pressure to have a perfect result on each one.  

Precision Nutrition continuing education and recertification

Once you become a Precision Nutrition Certified coach, you must renew your certification every two years. 

Other Precision Nutrition offerings

Here’s a list of other Precision Nutrition courses you may want to look at:

  • PN Level 1 Sleep, Stress Management, and Recovery Coaching Certification
  • PN Master Health Coaching Certification
  • PN Level 2 Coach

These courses also give you education credits toward your recertification. Getting CEUs (or CECs) with this method speeds up the process and helps add more authority to your coaching.

Precision Nutrition Level 1 overall rating

Precision Nutrition certification overall rating with textbook and letters displayed on table

[rank_math_rich_snippet id=”s-16d72daa-1622-4f90-aee7-99d25f4fb1a7″]

The Precision Nutrition Certification is good but not the best nutrition coaching certification in the industry. 

It is a tad too high of a price for the materials and name attached to it. However, if you were to purchase the bundle with the ISSA certification, this would increase the value tenfold. 

I would rate this certification a 7.3 out of 10 in total.

This Level 1 Nutrition course is good, but I believe there are lots of better options out there for success as a future fitness and wellness coach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Precision Nutrition FAQs - PN certification frequently asked questions - Precision Nutrition level 1 certification textbooks set on table

How much is Precision Nutrition Level 1?

Precision Nutrition Level 1 starts at $999, and this is the price with discounts. It is generally the cheapest you find the certification for. It’s a lot compared to others.

What is included in the purchase of the PN Level 1 Cert?

3 unit textbooks, 20 animated video seminars, 1 study guide, 1 workbook, real-world scenarios, active learning tools, and 40+ premium coaching tools.

How long does the program take?

On average, I think it would take about 4 months to complete if you schedule a few hours a week. Graduates of this program report similar study times.ย 

Is Precision Nutrition Accredited?

No government organization accredits Precision Nutrition certifications, but they are still of good quality.

Can this Level 1 certification count for college credits?

Yes, this can count for 3 session hours in degree credits at colleges and universities within the US after completion of the program.ย 

Precision Nutrition Certification Review (YouTube)

Here is an older video that I did a few years back. Check this out if you prefer to digest your information with a video.

Make sure to check this page for the most up-to-date information.

Precision Nutrition Certification (PN1) Review - Is it worth it in 2023? ๐Ÿ‘Ž๐Ÿ‘

Precision Nutrition Certification Review (Podcast)

Here is the same audio from the video review, but check this out if you prefer to hear the audio.

Tyler Read - Certified Personal Trainer with PTPioneer

Tyler Read


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47 thoughts on “Precision Nutrition (PN1) Review: Is It Legit?”

  1. HI Tyler, I’m wondering between PN and ISSA , ISSA is the obvious choice in terms of package and price but PN has a great App Procoach. So does ISSA also have an app or I will be able to do fine without it and just get the ISSA cert. pls advice.Thanks.

    Reply
    • ISSA and Precision Nutrition have actually teamed up in a lot of ways. the issa nutritionist Is definitely a great deal if you are looking to bundle it with let’s a personal training certification or a group exercise certification. If you were just looking to get a nutrition certification though, Precision Nutrition is definitely one of the top choices. But you also can’t go wrong with a nutritionist certification

      Reply
  2. Hi Tyler, I’m a newbie and want to take up a certification as I’m a Diabetic but I have been without medicine for 5 yrs due to diet control and managed to normalize my sugar level based on my research on no processed plant based food. I have had great body transformation and i want to educate the rest on how to improve but I need a cert to credit myself.So which one should I go for and also comparing PN and ISSA I know ISSA is the value for the buck but I keep focusing on the PN Procoach which looks like a fantastic app which ISSA doesnt have to help me kick start. So what would you suggest me to do.Thank You.

    Reply
    • The application is definitely one of the most attractive things about Precision Nutrition. Although the nutritionist certification does not come with a application, it is also a good option. Also, if you were looking to bundle it together with maybe a personal training certification or a strength-and-conditioning certification, ISSA would be the way to go.

      Reply
  3. Hi Tyler,
    I’m a CPT with a background in college sports and competitive bodybuilding looking to better understand the science of nutrition as well as other types of diet approaches (i.e. plant based) so I can work with a wider variety of clients. I’ve thoroughly read your reviews on the different nutrition certs and I’ve narrowed it down to PN and ISSA. While price isn’t an issue, the testing/requirements for recertifiction are sticking points. ISSA’s test is much longer but doesn’t require a retest after two years, just 2 CEU’s and a small fee. PN on the other hand, requires a retest. Since the material seems to be very similar, I’m just looking for the more time efficient one as well as avoiding what will become more of a hassle to maintain down the road (like having to refresh on all the course material for a retest every two years). I’d also be lying if adding some letters to my name didn’t seem more appealing haha.
    Thanks for all the info you put out, it’s been a huge help!

    Reply
    • Thanks for the in depth comment. Both nutrition certifications are excellent choices. If you want to pair the nutrition certification with something else like a personal training certification, strength and conditioning certification excetera, I would definitely go with the ISSA as you can basically get three certifications for the same price as Precision Nutrition. Besides that, both are are fantastic starting points for nutrition. Good luck with your nutrition career.

      Reply
  4. Hi Tyler,

    Thank you for all the valuable information! I am still in dilemma though, what I am looking for is something more deep in the nutritional side, I have a BSc in Biological Sciences, A lot of the scientific information may be basic for someone like me which is okay but I am more interested in developing the business (coaching) aspect. I am attracted to the PN because of the platform and exposure however when it comes to price difference, is it really worth going for PN only to get access to the platform?
    My second question is about the international recognition of the certifications, which one has more weight internationally? I am from Oman and I need to be certified by an international recognized organization in order to register as a certified nutrition coach.
    My third question, I have come across ISSA certification in nutrition only for $799, (Master the science and psychology of nutrition coaching), Is this a deeper into nutrition course or does it cover same material covered in the Elite Trainer certification (the sports nutrition part)?

    Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Both certifications cover the same level of nutrition knowledge. I definitely agree, Precision Nutrition is expensive. That’s why I typically suggest people go with the international sports Sciences Association because you can get multiple certifications for around the same price. I hope this helps.

      Reply
  5. I am an ACE CPT and Health Coach. I have been doing Personal Training for many years now but have also gone through many moves that have forced me to train and gain clients and new facilities every few years.
    I am looking in PN knowing I love their content but also I want to know that the investment will be worth it.
    Do you believe that PN is a good choice if I am looking to do online coaching/branch into more online content? Is it possible that there would be nutrition coaching jobs along with training jobs in a facility? I have yet to see many gyms/clubs really offer utilize mich in the area of nutritional coaching.
    I just want to invest in something that will help my in my career going forward.

    Reply
    • I think that Precision Nutrition is definitely a good option especially if you are trying to get into the online space. They do have special tools to help work with people online and I think that their software is very legitimate. Not say that you can’t do it with other nutrition certifications, you definitely can.

      Reply
  6. Hi Tyler,
    I am currently a fitness coach with certified licenses with Tacfit with coaching experience for more than 5 years.

    1. My major wish is that I can assimilate my fitness experience and nutritional part together to benefit the trainee under me.
    2. Weight loss will be one of the major consideration.
    3. I also look forward to the masterclasses if available unlike PN only offered part 1.
    4. The cost can be below 1000 will be ideal
    5. Community coach is not my concern
    6. Online teaching at my own pace is very important as I am a working professional during the daytime.

    Question is whether PN, ISSA and NASM offer a better outlook?

    Thank and warmest regards

    Peter

    Reply
    • Hey Peter, if your goal is around $1,000 I would check out Precision Nutrition because you are also planning to work online that seems. They have a great software program that is weaved into their system which helps work with people online.

      Reply
  7. Hi Tyler. Thank you for all the information. I am still confused though between NASM and ISSA. I am a RN and a Lifestyle Coach by the National Diabetes Prevention Program CDC. I am looking to Coach and help people on the Nutrition portion and include some Physical Training so that it is nutrition and exercise resulting in weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

    Reply
    • Both of them have fantastic nutrition certification programs. It sounds like you already have a good amount of information about that though. Either nutrition coach program will work just fine. Also, the Precision Nutrition coach certification is also fantastic.

      Reply
  8. Hi Tyler,
    hope you are well !
    Loved your response on each and every query ๐Ÿ™‚

    After reading all the comments I do see an inclination from you towards NASM over PN. Any specific reason for the inclination, apart from the fact that PN opens enrollments just twice a year?

    My main agenda is to gain good knowledge about nutrition science and come out as a more confident nutritionist along with a good online coaching business.

    The content of both PN 1 and NASM is almost the same right? I’d be happy if you threw some light on this.
    And does PN 2 have any competitors?

    My inclination has been towards PN for the following reasons –
    -they have a PN2 cert for more scope in the nutrition industry
    -software that they provide for management
    -platform to grow business
    -a strong nit community of professionals
    – and I’ve assumed that all of these certificates more or less provide for the same content.

    Please guide me through this since id be starting with the course immediately after your response.

    Thank you !

    Reply
    • Absolutely, those are fantastic points you made on Precision Nutrition. It’s a fantastic certification I cannot argue that. I usually base my recommendations on a price per value type of idea. The Precision Nutrition is $1,000 whereas the National Academy of sports medicine can be purchased often around the 600 to $700 range. But I do agree, you get a lot of information on growing your business from Precision Nutrition that you don’t get from NASM. I think both are fantastic and if you have the money you can definitely go with Precision Nutrition and you will not be disappointed.

      Reply
  9. Hi Tyler,
    First of all thanks a lot for all your reviews which helped me narrowing my research on the nutrition certification I was looking for.
    My background is that I have 2 uni Master’s degree in Physical therapy and in Motor Sciences (Phys. Ed.) and I’ve been working for more than 10 years now as a physical therapist in a professional soccer club in Europe as well as a physical therapist and personal trainer in my own practice.
    To help me with this practice, I would like to develop my business with the nutrition certification and get new clients. I would be between NASM and PN. From what I read from your posts, NASM would focus more on the theoretical aspect of nutrition and goes deeper than PN but on the other side, it doesn’t help you much with the business part and it would probably be quite hard to develop that part on my own. On the other hand, PN is a bit more basic knowledge (at least for the level 1) but focuses more on the business aspect of the client relation which would make it easier for me in the beginning but I’m scared to be stuck in the PN system.
    Could you tell me your thoughts about this dilemma and give me a direction which for you would make more sense?
    Thanks for all your answers,
    Jerome

    Reply
    • Hey there,
      both certifications or excellent if you are looking for a very well-recognized nutrition certification. Honestly, they have a lot of information that is the same so I would not worry about going for one over the other. Both in terms of getting hired as well as the pure informational value that you received from either one. If you want to take your nutrition game to the next level, Precision Nutrition has more than one level. But he National Academy of sports medicine has the cheaper overall certification in if you are only looking to get the first base level of nutrition which is sufficient for most people in health and wellness, this is the option I would go. Good luck with your nutrition coaching career.

      Reply
  10. Dear Tyler,

    I find your reviews very helpful. However, I still have a dilemma.
    I would like to switch my career in health, wellness nutrition and fitness way too (no experience/background on this -BCs psychology, masters HR management)

    I would appreciate your help in a sense of giving me your opinion about some courses out there that can be completed (I have no formal nutrition education?

    I am considering

    NASM (NASM CMC)
    or
    Precision Nutrition

    and any thoughts you have about this when taking in consideration my goals (below).

    Maybe this will help if I write my goal with it because those distinction between being a personal trainer (in the gym) and a health coach are not clear to me.

    Goal: To be able to write meal plans, advice regarding nutrition and physical activity, well being and to be able to provide exercise plans too. (but NOT particularly to be a personal trainer like those in the gyms, more like to work on my own, like a consultant on healthy lifestyle, nutrition and to be able to give some fitness advice).

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Hello, new land I will definitely help you out with this decision. Overall I think that the NASM nutrition certification is the one to go with right now because it is the most current and new certification in the industry. Also, the Precision Nutrition certification is only offering enrollment twice a year which can be difficult. In regards to the difference between personal training and health coaching, personal training just deals with the physical aspect of exercising whereas Health coaching takes on a more broad approach. Includes exercise, nutrition as well as habit formation advise.

      Reply
  11. Hello thanks for the post
    I am just new to the fitness industry I started gym just for building muscle and weight loss I go this ad from PN and I applied for it to gain basic knowledge after reading your article I am having doubts about the program please advise me for a program which is good for me as a beginner. Also can coach others in future.

    Reply
    • The certification from Precision Nutrition is definitely a legitimate nutrition certification. The only reason I say to go or let’s say ISSA instead of Precision Nutrition is because the price difference is pretty significant and the study materials and information you gain from it or relatively the same.

      Reply
  12. I already completed Health Coaching Certification through IINโ€”
    Iโ€™m interested in furthering my nutrition knowledge and coaching skills. PN comes up a lot in the discussion forums Iโ€™m in. Curious about your thoughts on which direction to go in.

    Reply
    • Hey Rachael,
      Precision nutrition is definitely a great certification. I only have two gripes about it overall. The first one is that the only open enrollment twice a year and the price. That’s why I typically recommend the nutrition certification from the international sports sciences Association because they use the same textbook that was written by the owner of precision nutrition. A lot of the curriculum is the same. You can also pick it up for about half the price in some occasions.

      Reply
  13. Hi Tyler,
    You mentioned you get an actual “Cetification” through ISSA, are you considered accreditied if you complete the PN program. I read something, it may have even been on your review of PT programs which was very helpful that mentioned you needed to be a Registered Dietitian to provide nutrition advice and that laws may vary by state.

    Appreciate all the great info!

    Reply
    • Hello Rodney,
      yes to answer your first question, you do get a certification through ISSA. Precision nutrition and the international sports sciences Association to have a connection with one another.I believe that if you get ISSA certified, you only need to pay a small fee in order to have access to take the exam in be certified by PN as well. On to your next question. You cannot diagnose and prescribe a diet to people that medical conditions with any of these certifications. But in terms of giving nutrition advice for general health benefits such as losing weight, gaining muscle etc. that is what these certifications are meant for and is completely within the law.

      Reply
  14. I’m also looking into a nutrition certificate and wondering if anyone can give me a comparison between the PN1 and AFPA Holistic Nutrition cert. Thanks

    Reply
    • Hey Tyler, I m from India and my question is which one is should go for? NASM CNC Or Ace nutrition specialist. I m INFS certified nutrition expert but want to explore more and knee to expand my knowledge in this field. Also my question is how holistic nutrition certifications are different from NASM & ACE nutrition programs. Could you please help me to decide? I know ace nutrition requires one of the certs which are accredited which I don’t have and nasm doesn’t require this. Also nasm cost in India is 2times more than the cost in UK. So please help me with a good suggestion.
      Thanks!

      Reply
      • This is a great question and is very specific depending on which country you are in. I will definitely contact the National Academy of sports medicine and the American Council on exercise to ask this specific question. I’m sorry I could not be of more help. Good luck with your nutrition coaching career.

        Reply
  15. HI Tyler,

    I have certs of personal trainer and basic human nutrition. Although my clients are mainly asian, yet, I would like expend my business online and be an online coach, is PN will a good choice or you prefer NASM/ISSA? I have basic knowledge of Nutrition and experience of being a personal trainer, but I don’t have any online coaching experience and I would like to know more about sport nutrition. Which one you suggest I should go for?

    Thank you so much for answering my questions!

    Reply
  16. I’m actually looking to do training in nutrition so I can write and edit on these topics and be more knowledgeable in the subject matter โ€“ I’m not necessarily looking to be coach. Thoughts on what will give me a sound foundation?

    Reply
    • Hey Hilary,
      The precision new certification is a fantastic certification just to gain general knowledge. And in the future if you want to start coaching as well you can totally get into that also. To be honest though, the information you get from the international sports sciences Association nutritionist certification is the same as you will get from here. Also they have it available year round and for a cheaper price. Just my two cents.

      Reply
      • Hello Tyler! I’m in the same mindset as Hilary here, I am looking to further my knowledge but not quite commit to a bachelor’s degree. I thrive on learning more about a plant-based diet but am keen to learn about all things food – of course. The reasoning is to benefit my own health, my family’s health, and to share on my blog to help my followers with actual real science backed knowledge.
        Would your answer remain the same as above with Hilary in your recommendation?

        Reply
  17. What is the salary for a PN nutrition coach? Is it based off the amount of clients you have? Do they help you get clients? Could you work with PN full time or would the hours vary? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Hey Lauren,
      Although precision nutrition has advice on how to obtain new clients and how to be successful on the business side of things, it is really up to the nutrition coach to go out there and get their own clients in the end. I hope this helps answer your question.

      Reply
  18. NASM CNC does come now in monthly increments of pay system.

    ISSA is the same course as PN Level 1 so would it make more sense to take ISSA and be accredited or go with PN? The teaching style/learning style is the only deciding factor for me as PN has John Berardi directly and he is very good at what he does, while ISSA is accredited but only has the textbook and not necessarily the same videos.

    I’m trying to decide between ISSA, NASM, PN, AFPA and possinly NESTA, but nesta seems like it’s too lightweight.

    For continuing education add-ons…NASM also has the Weight Loss Management Specialist…would that be a good add-on for CNC or would something else from ISSA or AFPA be more worthwhile after CNC. The gyms in my area are a joke so I plan to specialize in nutrition/Coaching mostly.

    Reply
    • I am in the process of making the same decision. I am deciding between ISSA and NASM. Which one did you pick and why?
      Thanks

      Reply
      • Hello, I have done both personally. If you think that the precision level one is right for you, but you don’t want to wait for an opening, I would definitely choose ISSA. You also get a free personal training certification as well for the same price as the NASM CNC alone. That being said, the CNC is also a fantastic certification and you will definitely learn a lot from this one as well. I hope this helped.

        Reply
        • Hey Tyler, Thanks for the informative info. But when I click the ISSA link, it shows that the combo for nutrition and training is now $999? Can you confirm the 799 price still includes the personal training certification? I can’t seem to find that info.

          Reply
          • Hey Kimberly,
            Currently they do have the nutritionist certification as well as their personal training certification for $799 on the top drop-down bar on their website. That thus the deal that’s going on the second but you can also find their elite trainer certification as well that cost currently $996. These deals change week to week so it’s hard to make my site static enough and up-to-date with the deals but I try my best. Here is the link to the ISSA Elite certification page. https://www.ptpioneer.com/recommends/issa-elite-trainer/

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