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In this tier list of the top nutrition certifications, I’ve ranked them from S Tier to D Tier based on my personal experience with each. Here’s what each tier represents:
- S Tier (Super): The highest and best in quality.
- A Tier: Excellent and reliable.
- B Tier: Good but not outstanding.
- C Tier: Average in quality.
- D Tier: The least recommended.
This setup will help you easily determine which certification is right for you.
After the tier ranking table below, I’ll explain the criteria I used for these rankings to give you a clear understanding of what went into each evaluation. I’ll also do a deep dive into the pros, cons, and share my personal experience with each certification.
Before we get started, make sure to take the quiz to determine which certification is right for you, just as I would recommend to any of my clients or students.
| Certification | Best For |
|---|---|
| S Tier | |
| ISSA Nutritionist | Best overall – See current packages |
| IPTA Certified Nutrition Specialist | Best value – See current packages |
| A Tier | |
| NASM CNC | Most highly regarded – See current packages |
| NCSF SNS | Best sports nutrition – See current packages |
| B Tier | |
| Precision Nutrition Level One | Best online coaching network – See current packages |
| ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist | Best quick course |
| C Tier | |
| Fitness Mentors VNC Certification | Best virtual option |
| D Tier | |
| NESTA Fitness Nutrition Coach | |
| AFPA Nutrition and Wellness Certification | |
Why I’m Qualified to Rank These Certifications
Hi, I’m Tyler Read. Drawing on 15+ years as a personal trainer and nutrition coach—both in person and online—and a B.S. in Kinesiology, I put this guide together to help you compare the top nutrition certifications.
I’ve personally completed each certification and exam from the organizations featured here, so you’ll see which credentials truly stand out and why.
This article was thoroughly reviewed, edited, and fact-checked by Amanda Capritto, one of our lead personal trainers.
Our focus here is strictly on the premier nutrition certifications—not personal training. Note that several top organizations offer bundles that combine personal training with nutrition and other specializations, which can boost your earning potential early in your career.
If you’re exploring options, consider the ISSA Elite Trainer (three certifications in one) or NASM’s BOGO. If you’re looking for a strong value on a standalone PT certification, check out IPTA. In a competitive fitness market, stacking credible certifications is a smart step toward long‑term success.
S Tier Certifications
International Personal Trainer Academy Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Best Value
- Extremely comprehensive curriculum
- Evidence-based content
- Practical coaching skills
- Self-paced flexibility
- High value
- Science-heavy
- Self-study format
The Nutrition Academy CNS is a newer but fast-growing nutrition certification program offered through the International Personal Trainer Academy (IPTA).
It was designed to give fitness professionals, health coaches, and aspiring nutritionists a science-driven yet highly practical credential without the steep cost of some of the “big name” programs.
While it doesn’t have the same level of long-established brand recognition as NASM or Precision Nutrition, it makes up for it with affordability, flexibility, and a curriculum that emphasizes both nutrition science and real-world coaching applications.
The Trainer Academy CNS certification goes beyond facts—it builds real-world coaching skills to help clients succeed. Sometimes the IPTA runs a buy one get one BOGO deal which includes the IPTA CPT at no extra cost, giving you a certification in training and nutrition at an amazing cost. At the very least, try their free trial to explore the study materials risk-free.
Let’s look at the curriculum and other specifics now.
Curriculum and What You Learn
The CNS is anchored by a 700+ page textbook that organizes material into five structured domains. This ensures that students move from foundational concepts to applied coaching skills in a logical, progressive manner.
Each chapter includes diagrams, case studies, and end-of-chapter quizzes that reinforce knowledge while also preparing learners for the exam. The structure allows both those with a science background and newcomers to grasp the material at a steady pace.
The five domains of study are:
- Nutritional Science Foundations – digestion, metabolism, and energy balance
- Micronutrients & Hydration – vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, fluid balance, deficiencies and toxicities
- Dietary Assessment & Goal Setting – food logs, recall methods, SMART goals, motivational interviewing
- Applied Nutrition & Special Diets – plant-based diets, ketogenic, intermittent fasting, performance nutrition, customizing diets to individuals
- Professional Practice & Coaching Skills – ethics, client communication, coaching psychology, and scope of practice
Beyond the textbook, the program is strengthened by a set of modern digital resources designed to make studying more efficient and engaging.
Premium study materials include:
- SurePass AI readiness assessments that guide study focus
- Over 800 practice questions modeled on the exam
- A fully interactive study guide with note-taking and highlighting features
- More than 500 flashcards using spaced-repetition for memory retention
- Weak-Point Training and performance reporting to target areas needing improvement
This combination of a traditional textbook foundation and interactive tools ensures that students are not just memorizing content, but actively engaging with it in a way that prepares them for real-world coaching.
Exam and Recertification
The final exam is delivered entirely online and consists of multiple-choice questions that pull from all five domains.
It requires a passing score of at least 70%, but one of the strongest advantages of the CNS is that students receive three attempts included at no additional cost, making it less financially risky than many competing certifications.
The exam is open-book, but it is not without challenge—sections on metabolism and micronutrients are consistently reported as the most demanding.
After successful completion, graduates receive both a digital badge and a physical certificate.
Recertification is required every three years, in line with other leading certifications, and continuing education credits (CECs) must be submitted to remain active.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
The CNS is designed as a self-paced course that most students complete in three to six months, depending on prior knowledge and weekly study hours.
The overall difficulty level is rated as moderate, around a 5 out of 10, with heavier emphasis on the scientific domains for those who may not have a background in biology or chemistry.
The inclusion of quizzes, case studies, and adaptive study tools helps smooth out the learning curve, making it approachable even for career changers or those without prior nutrition training.
Pricing and Value
Affordability is one of the CNS’s biggest strengths. The entry-level package starts around $399, while more comprehensive packages with additional study materials and tools range up to $799.
Trainer Academy often runs discounts and bundle deals, such as pairing the CNS with the IPTA CPT certification, which enhances the overall value.
When compared with more expensive programs, the CNS provides a very cost-effective pathway into serious nutrition education without sacrificing depth.Pros and Cons
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Nutritionist Certification
Best Overall
- Research-based science paired with practical coaching tools
- Includes business and marketing guidance for trainers
- Open-book exam is flexible and less stressful
- Excellent bundling opportunities with ISSA CPT and other certs
- Globally recognized brand with strong employer credibility
- Not as academically rigorous as some higher-priced certs
- Less emphasis on deep psychology of behavior change compared to PN
- Cost may be higher than entry-level programs if not bundled
The ISSA was founded in 1988 and has since become one of the largest fitness education providers across the globe. The ISSA personal trainer certification is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
This conveys the highest standard of vetting from experts before the curriculum goes live. Similarly, the ISSA standards for the nutritionist certification are rigorous as well. To put it plainly, if you want any ISSA certification, you will have to know your stuff.
This certification gives students the skills they need to guide clients toward making healthier food choices and avoiding unhealthy ingredients or products such as snacks with high sugar. The certification tries to “bridge the gap” between nutrition and exercise. ISSA Nutrition certification requirements allow anyone to take this coursework.
ISSA training courses include excellent study materials, so you will have access to various resources.
ISSA is also notable for the deals they offer when you bundle multiple certifications. In fact, you can get a free ISSA nutritionist certification when you sign up for the ISSA personal trainer certification with ISSA’s buy-on-get-on-free certification package.
A personal trainer who can provide qualified nutritional guidance will deliver much better results to clients, and they are a much stronger applicant when applying for employment with businesses.
Curriculum and What You Learn
The ISSA Nutrition certificate program coursework covers the following topics:
- Macronutrients and Micronutrients
- Lifestyle Changes and Strategies
- Client Assessments and Goal Setting
- Product Labels and Claims
- Dietary Guidelines and Applications
- Trending Diets and Myths
- Supplementation
- Business of Nutrition Coaching
The International Sports Science Association (ISSA) nutrition certification has a heavy emphasis on scientific nutritional principles.
However, it also covers the various behavior change coaching skill sets you need to elicit behavior change in your clients.
This nutrition certification looks at nutrition’s vast impact on our lives. This includes reducing the risk of diabetes in adults, reducing blood pressure, and even helping with anxiety symptoms.
In fact, dietary changes are a common part of high blood pressure treatment program. However, you would require a Registered Dietician credential to discuss dietary treatments for high blood pressure, diabetes, or any other illness.
Topics such as medication are reserved for physicians.
Nevertheless, having knowledge of these fundamentals opens you up to new clientele and also allows you to be more empathetic with your clients. It also helps expand your expertise.
Ultimately, this leads to better results and happier nutrition clients.
Exam and Recertification
The exam for ISSA Nutritionist is open-book, which reduces pressure and encourages applied learning.
Rather than testing rote memorization, the format allows students to engage with course materials and demonstrate their ability to apply knowledge in practical ways.
For recertification, ISSA nutrition counts toward continuing education for ISSA CPT renewal.
Unlike some standalone nutrition programs, the Nutritionist credential itself does not require separate recertification, making it easier to maintain if you’re already ISSA-certified.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
Most students complete the ISSA Nutritionist in about 8–10 weeks when studying part-time. Learners new to nutrition may take longer, while those with some background in biology or health sciences can move more quickly.
Overall, the course is moderate in difficulty. While you’ll cover topics like micronutrient biochemistry and metabolism, the explanations are simplified compared to a university nutrition course, making it approachable for fitness coaches.
The business and lifestyle sections are straightforward and very practical.
Pricing and Value
The ISSA Nutritionist course costs $639.20 with the option for 12 month interest-free financing coming in at $53.27 per month.
They also have a fantastic deal called the Elite Trainer Program.
The Elite Trainer Program includes their nutritionist certification, their personal training certification, and a third specialist certification of your choice. The price ends up much cheaper than each certification costs alone. If ISSA is currently running this deal, it is worth considering.
ISSA also has a fantastic nutritionist and training certification deal that they run often.
For the Elite Trainer program, I usually recommend my nutrition students choose the ISSA transformation specialist certification as their specialization. However, you have the option to choose from any of the ISSA specializations.
You need not become an ISSA personal trainer to earn the nutrition certification.
However, it rarely makes sense to go for just the ISSA nutritionist since the Elite Trainer is such a great deal, and becoming a personal trainer with a nutrition certification opens up many career doors.
A Tier Certifications
NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC)
Most Highly Regarded
- Most reputable certifying organization
- Densely-packed textbook and handouts
- Excellent digital portal
- Fairly expensive
- Must retake exam to recertify
The NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) is one of the most recognized nutrition certifications in the fitness industry, created by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
NASM is known worldwide for its gold-standard Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) program, and the CNC was built to complement it by giving professionals a modern, behaviorally focused nutrition credential.
NASM’s credibility as one of the largest certifying bodies makes this credential especially appealing for those seeking recognition with employers, gyms, or corporate wellness programs.
Curriculum and What You Learn
Some of the things that you will learn from the NASM-CNC include the following:
- Cutting-edge nutrition information related to wellness, building muscle, and losing fat.
- Psychology of mental plateaus with diet and nutrition and how to get past them.
- Skills on how to combine behavioral change with nutritional science
Exclusive PTP CPT Offers |
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|---|---|---|
Best Overall Cert | Best Online Cert | Best Study Materials |
Gold Standard Cert | A Good Option | Best CPT for you?  |
Exam and Recertification
The 100-question multiple-choice exam is done online and you have three full attempts to take it before purchasing a retest fee. You need to earn a 70% score or higher to pass. From the date that you purchase the CNC, you will have one full year to take and pass the exam.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
Average completion time is 6-12 weeks, but you can complete the NASM-CNC in as little as 4 weeks.
NASM’s curriculum is among the most dense on this list after IPTA. The final exam is not extremely difficult, but it is one of the hardest exams on this list, with 100 multiple-choice questions you must complete in 90 minutes. You do get three attempts to get the requisite 70% passing score, which makes the process less daunting.
Pricing and Value
The price is $539, which you can pay for in 12 payments of $49 (with $49 down).
NASM also offers a BOGO deal, which includes nutrition and personal training certifications. This costs $88/month (for 12 months) and gives you the skills to train clients as well as coach nutrition.
This adds to your value proposition as a fitness professional, meaning you can coach more people and be a one-stop-shop for your clients.
NCSF SNS
Best Sports Nutrition
The National Council on Strength and Fitness (NCSF) Sports Nutrition Specialist Certification is a sports nutrition program credential focused on improving health and performance through a sensible, science-backed approach.
The NCSF SNS certification is great for personal trainers and performance coaches who want to offer a complete fitness-nutrition package to their clients.
Curriculum and What You Learn
The NCSF SNS focuses heavily on the interaction between nutrition and athletic performance. However, the skills also apply to general fitness clients who want to lose weight, increase muscle mass, or pursue other healthy outcomes via hiring a nutrition coach.
It is made up of four units which break down as follows:
- Unit 1: Macronutrients
- Unit 2: Micronutrients
- Unit 3: Dietary Supplements and Ergogenic Aids
- Unit 4: Nutritional Analysis and Weight Management
I appreciate the focus on athletic performance and nutrition for general fitness goals. However, the NCSF could do better on the behavioral coaching side of it. After all, most clients are resistant to change even after they hire you to help them. With that said, you need good behavioral change skills if you plan to work with this type of client.
Exam and Recertification
The exam is a 150-question multiple-choice test that runs for 3 hours. You can take the exam online or in-person.
You’ll need to score at least 70% to pass and get certified. If you fail, you must wait 30 days and pay $99 for a retake.
The NCSF program gives NCSF-certified personal trainers 8 CEUs towards NCSF CPT recertification. If you do not have your CPT through NCSF, you need to check with your certification provider to make sure they do accept NCSF.
There is no additional CEU requirement to maintain the Sports Nutrition Specialist certification itself.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
The NCSF is one of the more difficult nutrition certification exams. While you can technically do it open-book if you take it from home, you still have the three-hour time limit, so you cannot go into it blind if you are serious about passing.
The NCSF recommends 2-4 months of prep time before attempting the exam. I studied for 3 months before the NCSF SNS test and found that to be enough time.
Pricing and Value
The NCSF Sports Nutrition cert is available in four packages. The first two include the NCSF SNS certification only. The second two options include two certifications for the price of one. You can choose the NCSF Certified Personal Trainer certification or NCSF Certified Strength Coach.
Pricing for these packages is as follows:
- Exam only
- Home Study – Starts at $349.00
- Home Study Plus – Starts at $399.00
- Bundled SNS and CPT certifications – $649.00
- Bundled SNS and CSC certifications – $649.00
All packages include access to the eLearning platform, over 200 practice questions, digital flashcards, and instructional videos.
The NCSF nutrition packages are a great deal price-wise, but even better is the fact that they periodically have discounts and promo deals which slash the prices even further.
Your best bet to catch a deal is to check the NCSF website directly and capitalize on further discounts.
Overall, I found the videos and practice programs in the Home Study extremely helpful for my studying. I personally found it easiest to learn each module one at a time and ensure I could ace that section’s practice exam before moving to the next module.
I recommend the Home Study basic package. The only difference between NCSM home study and Home Study Plus is that the Plus includes the physical textbook.
The digital textbook was enough for me. Unless you really need the hardcover textbook, I would save yourself $50 and stick with the basic package.
- Focus on sports & performance nutrition
- Inexpensive price and packages
- NCCA-accredited organization
- Physical textbook not included in all packages
- Not as applicable for general populations
- Less known organization
B Tier Certifications
Precision Nutrition Level One
Best Online Coaching Network
The Precision Nutrition Certification is perhaps the fitness industry’s best-known nutrition certification. The certification has 2 different levels, and every student must complete level 1 before trying level 2.
Precision Nutrition is highly focused on the business side of building a nutrition coaching practice as well as the science of nutrition. Precision Nutrition offers some of the best nutritionist certifications.
If you are planning to be a self-employed nutrition coach, then you will likely find Precision Nutrition incredibly useful.
Curriculum and What You Learn
The PN Level 1 Nutrition Coaching course breaks down into the following units.
- Unit 1 – The Precision Nutrition Approach
- Introduction
- Your learning plan
- What is a great coach?
- Helping people change
- What is good nutrition?
- Unit 2 – The Science of Nutrition
- Intro to nutritional science
- Systems and cells
- Through the GI tract
- Energy transformation and metabolism
- Energy balance
- Macronutrients
- Micronutrients and whole foods
- Water and fluid balance
- Stress, recovery, and sleep
- Unit 1 – Working through the PN Coaching Process
- Coaching in practice
- Working with Level 1 clients
- Working with Level 2 clients
- Working with Level 3 clients
- Special scenarios
- Business 101
Here are some of the overall details you will learn in the Precision Nutrition Coaching Level 1 course:
- You will teach your clients to diet and eat better without feeling totally deprived.
- You will be able to teach your clients how to avoid fad diets and ditch food rules that are misguided.
- You’ll be able to teach your clients how to integrate fitness into their lives without completely dominating their lives.
- Teach clients how to set achievable goals and maintain a healthy lifestyle even when life tends to get out of control.
Overall, I really like what is presented in the Precision Nutrition certification. The information that they provide is definitely top-notch.
Exam and Recertification
At the end of completing all of the study materials provided, you will need to pass the 18 chapter exams, each of which contains 10 questions. So essentially, the final exam is 180 questions.
You need to score a minimum of 75% across all topics.
As such, the Precision Nutrition exam is essentially a 180 multiple-choice, true or false exam.
I found the exam fairly easy. Remember that you can take it from home and the exam is open book, so overall it’s not too bad.
After earning your Precision Nutrition certification, you have the option to take the PN Level 2 coaching course. I generally recommend as much education as possible. You can use Precision Nutrition courses to recertify your CPT, however you do not need to do continuing education for Precision Nutrition itself.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
The Precision Nutrition Level One is one of the longer certifications to complete: 4-6 months. The reason behind this is the depth of the coursework to complete.
I found you could complete the material in less time if you followed a strict daily study schedule.
There is no final exam, you just need to pass each chapter exam, which makes this one of the easier certifications.
Pricing and Value
The cost of Precision Nutrition is based on two different purchasing times. The regular non-presale list is listed at $999. If you join the presale list, you can get a 20% discount and get it for only $799. Shipping for the materials costs $11, regardless of whether you’re on the presale list or regular sale list.
Overall, the PN L-1 is definitely one of the more expensive certifications, and despite being at the cutting edge of nutritional coaching, the cost is a major deterrent and limits the value proposition.
You can avoid this entirely by purchasing Precision Nutrition through ISSA, which offers a great bundle deal with their personal trainer certification.
This will cost you $1,200 for both the Precision Nutrition and the ISSA Certified Personal Trainer certificate. This deal ends up costing barely more than the PN program on its own.
Purchasing the program through ISSA also allows you to enjoy access to the student support resources ISSA typically provides in addition to all the standard benefits of Precision Nutrition’s support resources.
With the purchase of the Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certificate, you will receive:
- The three-unit textbook
- Twenty animated video lectures
- A workbook and study guide
- Additional assessment forms and questionnaires for your clients
- Online access to the study forum
- More than 40 premium coaching tools
Overall, the curriculum for the Precision Nutrition certification is quite good. In particular, I like how you get a physical textbook as opposed to an Ebook.
- Practical, coaching-oriented focus
- Strong reputation & brand recognition
- Good coaching network and software
- High cost
- Limited enrollment
- Not externally accredited
ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist
Best Quick Course
The ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist is a nutrition coaching certification aimed at changing behavior towards better nutrition in general fitness clients.
The American Council on Exercise is a non-profit fitness certification advisor. Its flagship offering is the ACE CPT certification, but it offers dozens of CEUs and related courses on a variety of fitness topics.
ACE offerings are solid in terms of science. However, ACE certifications have a reputation for being easy, which can sometimes diminish their credibility among employers. You can gain all the knowledge you need from ACE, but sometimes employers want to see you earn a harder CPT certification.
Curriculum and What You Learn
In the ACE Fitness Nutrition Certification, you will learn all of the essentials of nutritional science. You also get an amazing section on behavioral change, which is a major skill you need for success as a nutrition coach.
The ACE nutrition certification focuses half of its efforts on changing your client’s behaviors as they do on the nutrition aspect.
This is an excellent approach to nutrition overall. You can teach your clients all day long about food, but if they don’t put it into practice when they are alone, it’s useless.
The ACE FNS also has a strong emphasis on business practices and how you can make more money with the addition of this nutrition service. This is very beneficial, especially for those of you who are strongly business-minded.
In addition to that, fitness integration into this nutrition program makes it an excellent choice for individuals that have little knowledge about personal training.
Exam and Recertification
The ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification does not have a final exam. You just have to pass a quiz at the end of each chapter to complete the program. Compared to in-person final exams, the ACE FNS chapter quizzes are a walk in the park.
The ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist provides CEU/CEC credits for 7 organizations, including NASM, ACSM, AFAA, and of course ACE, among others.
You do not need to complete additional CEUs to maintain the FNS certification itself.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
The ACE FNS is designed to be manageable for people with busy schedules. The course is estimated to consist of about 25 hours of educational content, which many students complete in 1 to 2 months. Because there’s no enforced deadline, learners can pace themselves.
Each module includes a quiz (multiple choice) that must be passed before moving on. The quizzes are open-book, and you’re allowed to retake them immediately if necessary.
I passed all of the quizzes on the first try, especially when verifying answers against the text. Because of the open-book format and freedom to retry quizzes, this isn’t a difficult course to complete.
Pricing and Value
If you choose the eBook-only option, the price is $419.40. If you want a hard-copy textbook included, it goes up to $479.40.
Some features that bolster its value:
- You earn continuing education credits (CECs) that are accepted by multiple credentialing bodies, which can help maintain or upgrade other certifications.
- Behavior change coaching, business tips, and practical modules (e.g. grocery store instructions, recipe applications) are seen as strengths.
- Though it doesn’t cover deeply technical or clinical nutrition topics, it’s sufficient for the scope of practice expected of fitness professionals (i.e. giving general guidance within limits).
However, without pairing the ACE FNS with a proper personal training certification (from an NCCA-accredited body), you can’t legally claim the “Fitness Nutrition Specialist” title. This means you really need to be a certified trainer to get the full value from this certification.
- Great price
- Good behavioral coaching
- Excellent CEU opportunity
- Lacking nutritional science depth
- Not fully worth it without a separate CPT certification
C Tier Certifications
Fitness Mentors Virtual Nutrition Certification
Best Virtual Option
The Fitness Mentors Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification is an affordable nutrition coaching certification option meant for personal trainers and nutritionists working with general fitness clients.
Fitness Mentors is a newer certification provider on the scene. Fitness Mentors takes strides to provide a comprehensive, accessible, and affordable option for trainers who want to bolster their repertoire with the necessary array of coaching skills.
In their mission to provide top-quality resources, Fitness Mentors has compiled and created their own in-house certifications aimed at equipping trainers, coaches, and instructors with a cutting-edge toolkit of results-driven, evidence-based knowledge to cater to the market.
Curriculum and What You Learn
The course curriculum of the FM Certified Nutrition Specialist consists of 10 chapters. These chapters are as follows:
- Scope of Practice
- The Digestive System
- Metabolism
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Protein
- Micronutrients and Water
- Nutrition Assessment
- Nutrition Coaching
- Exercise and Sports Nutrition
Overall, this encompasses most of the skills I have used as a nutrition coach over the years, so I do think Fitness Mentors is up-to-snuff when it comes to providing the best possible information. It is also a little bit sparse on sports nutrition knowledge and behavior change coaching, which are vital topics.
Exam and Recertification
The FM FNS exam consists of 60 questions. You need to score 70% or higher on the exam to pass.
The exam can be taken at home with an open, and you’ll have two attempts to pass.
Fitness Mentors FNS certification provides CEUs for various fitness certification providers. You do not need to recertify your actual FNS certification.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
I had no problem passing the online exam. However, this means that your actual application of the knowledge in the real world far outweighs the fact that you have the certification.
Fitness Mentors advertises that the course can be completed in 3-4 months with one hour of coursework per day. I was able to complete in 2 months.
Some people may find the business of online coaching to be technically challenging, but Fitness Mentors does a good job of breaking down the concepts so anyone can learn how to coach someone online.
Pricing and Value
The Fitness Mentors study package includes the following:
- Digital Textbook & Study Assets
- Access to Instructor & Personal Fitness Mentor
- Business Growing Study Group
- Premade Templates from Experienced Nutrition Coaches
The standard cost for the Fitness Mentors Nutrition Specialist certification is $499.
This low price and great array of digital materials make this certification a great bang-for-your-buck option.
- Only “online” coaching nutrition certification
- Business focused
- Lifetime support tools
- Lower recognition
- Less structured than other certifications
- Less emphasis on advanced coaching techniques
D Tier Certifications
NESTA Fitness Nutrition Coach
The National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA) offers two nutrition programs. The first is their fitness nutrition coach certification, which is meant for the general public or general clients of personal training.
The second is their sports nutrition specialist certification, which aims more at athletes and those looking to improve athletic performance.
Overall, these are some of the more basic fitness/sports nutrition certification options out there. They will teach you some of the essentials for making your clients healthier and fitter.
NESTA is a much newer certification provider and does not have the same recognition as other companies. NESTA covers the basics of fitness nutrition for personal trainers. Additionally, all of the NESTA certifications place an extra focus on coaching clients in the digital era. This includes discussing online nutrition coaching methods as part of the curriculum.
Curriculum and What You Learn
NESTA has a decent section on doing nutritional assessments for clients and lending practical advice for performance enhancement for athletes.
Both of these NESTA certifications also have a strong emphasis on building your personal training business and increasing your earning potential by offering nutrition advice in addition to your regular training.
The outline of the NESTA-certified fitness nutrition coach is as follows:
- Nutrition Concepts: Foundational nutritional concepts including a review of the anatomy of the digestive system (oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, etc.), and the physiology leading to nutrient metabolism.
- Understanding Components of Nutrition: The various roles of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and water) and their importance to human performance.
- Nutrition Requirements: Vitamins from foods consumed and mineral intake requirements
- Assessing Nutritional Needs: Body Composition, BMI and approaching change in biometrics
- Understanding Alternative Approaches: Supplement usage and ergogenic aids
- Performance Nutrition: Easy-to-learn math formulas for Fitness Nutrition Coaches and practical suggestions for optimizing performance
Exam and Recertification
The NESTA nutrition tests consist of 100 multiple-choice questions.
All 100 questions to be answered within 2 hours.
You are required to score a minimum of 70% or higher and have three attempts to pass.
You do not need to recertify your actual NESTA FNC certification. However, the certification does provide 2.0 credits towards recertifying your NESTA CPT, as well as some other programs.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
This is the easiest course on this list. I was able to complete the course in a few weeks, but it may take a few months for anyone taking a nutrition course for the first time.
Pricing and Value
The NESTA FNS curriculum is entirely online and includes the following:
- 100% online training & online exam
- Immediate access to training & exam
- Flexible self-study
- Receive a digital certificate upon passing the exam
- Paper certificate with official seal mailed within North America 2-3 weeks upon verification
- Lifetime certificate
- Lifetime access to online training
The cost of the NESTA fitness nutrition coach certification is $447.
The cost for the NESTA sports nutrition specialist certification is $487.
NESTA’s FNC certification pricing makes it among the more reasonably priced nutrition certifications.
Overall, the study materials did not blow my mind. They do, however, have everything available to you online and are very easy to access and study.
AFPA nutrition and Wellness Certification
The AFPA Nutrition and Wellness consultant certification teaches you how to apply nutrition information for weight management, fitness performance, and overall health enhancement of your clients.
AFPA also offers nutrition consultants certifications like Holistic Nutritionist Certification and Senior Nutritionist Specialist. These nutrition programs gives you more in-depth knowledge about nutrition and healthy living. If you want to be a holistic nutrition coach, then any of the certified nutritional coach options from the AFPA.
You will learn how to be motivational and be able to change the lifestyle habits of your clients.
This involves communicating effectively with your client’s nutritional concepts and teaching them the importance of habit-building.
The (American Fitness Professionals and Associates) AFPA) was established in 1994 by Dr. Mark J. Occhipinti and Amy Campbell, M.S. Their goal for the organization was to establish a community of health and fitness professionals with exceptional skills to promote better living for millions via innovative nutritional and exercise concepts.
Overall, the AFPA has less credibility than mainstream certifications. This is not due to a lack of quality, and you will learn some great skills in the course. However, if you are hoping to get hired by an employer, be sure to check which nutrition certifications they accept.
Curriculum and What You Learn
Primarily, the AFPA sports nutrition certification equips you with the comprehensive nutritional understanding required to cater to each distinct client and their individual goals. This includes those who have perfected their training routine but want to optimize their nutrition, athletes seeking guidance on supplementation, or simply those intending to lose weight through dietary modifications.
However, the learning doesn’t stop there. You’ll also gain insights on how meal timing can impact performance, the influence of nutrition on the immune system, and the management of eating disorders along with their implications on performance and nutrition.
With this certification as a sports nutritionist, you’re empowered to provide your clients with the tools they need to maintain their fitness and health.
Exam and Recertification
The final is open-book. If you don’t pass the first time, you can retake for a fee.
There is no continuing education requirement for the AFPA Sports Nutrition Certification.
Time Commitment and Difficulty
The AFPA Sports Nutrition exam is straightforward compared to other exams. It took me 3 months of studying to pass on the first try.
Pricing and Value
The current cost for the AFPA nutrition and wellness consultant certification is $599.
This is a more expensive price for an online nutrition certificate.
There are two separate ways you can receive study materials for this program. The first is 100% digital access. This gives you access to interactive e-books, full textbooks, student practice activities, assessments, and nutrition assignments.
The textbook-only version allows you to have a physical copy of the book and physical assignments, but without the online learning platform.
Both digital access and textbooks are available as well.
My Scoring Criteria (Detailed)
Price
When you compare the price of these nutrition certifications, a a few patterns emerge. First, there’s a cluster of mid-range certifications around $400 to $600, such as the likes of IPTA and NCSF. These tend to strike a balance between affordability and credibility, appealing to many aspiring coaches or fitness pros who want a solid credential without overpaying.
On the low end in your list, ACE (at $357) is the cheapest, which may make it particularly attractive for budget-conscious candidates, albeit possibly with fewer bells and whistles. IPTA (Nutrition Academy) $399 offers one of the more affordable entries, making it an appealing option for newcomers.
Fitness Mentors is the most expensive option on this list with AFPA and Precision Nutrition also priced higher than the others.
| Certification | Base Price |
|---|---|
| ISSA | $629 |
| NASM | $674 |
| IPTA (NA) | $399 |
| Precision Nutrition | $599 |
| NCSF | $419 |
| ACE | $357 |
| NESTA | $487 |
| AFPA | $599 |
| Fitness Mentors CPT | $799 |
If you can’t outright afford to purchase one of these certifications, some of these certifications allow you to pay over time, which is a huge lifesaver.
| Certification | Number of Interest-Free Payments | No Credit Check Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| ISSA | 12 payments | ✅ |
| NASM | 11 payments | ✅ |
| IPTA (NA) | 12 payments | ✅ |
| Precision Nutrition | 12 payments | ✅ |
| NCSF | 3 Payments | ❌ |
| ACE | 8-12 payments | ❌ |
| NESTA | 8-12 payments | ❌ |
| AFPA | 8-12 payments | ❌ |
| Fitness Mentors CPT | N/A | ✅ |
Study Aids
Customer service and study support are incredibly essential to your certification experience.
When comparing customer support across these certifications, a few clear tiers emerge. ISSA and IPTA stand out for offering 24/7 live chat, email, and phone support, which provides unmatched accessibility for students in different time zones or with nontraditional schedules. NASM, Precision Nutrition, NCSF, and ACE all provide strong support through live chat, email, and phone, but their availability is limited to weekday business hours, with NASM extending slightly into weekends—showing a balance between responsiveness and structured service.
NESTA and AFPA lag slightly behind in this area; both lack live chat options, relying solely on email and phone support, with AFPA not publishing specific phone hours.
Overall, ISSA and IPTA offer the most comprehensive around-the-clock access, while most others provide reliable but more limited weekday service, and NESTA/AFPA rank lowest in real-time support options.
| Certification | Live Chat | Phone | Phone Support Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISSA | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 24/7 |
| NASM | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Monday - Friday: 6 am - 6 pm (PST) Saturday to Sunday: 8 am - 5pm (PST) |
| IPTA | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 24/7 |
| Precision Nutrition | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (EST) |
| NCSF | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (EST) |
| ACE | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | Monday-Friday 6:30am-4pm (PST) |
| NESTA | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (PST) |
| AFPA | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | N/A |
| Fitness Mentors | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | N/A |
Textbook Content
When comparing the textbooks from each organization, I rated the content on a scale of 1-10.
IPTA and NASM stand out, with the most depth to their course materials, while NESTA scores lowest.
| Certification | Rating |
|---|---|
| ISSA | 8/10 |
| NASM | 9/10 |
| IPTA | 10/10 |
| Precision Nutrition | 7/10 |
| NCSF | 8/10 |
| ACE | 6/10 |
| NESTA | 5/10 |
| AFPA | 5/10 |
| Fitness Mentors | 7/10 |
Professional Resources
When comparing the extra professional resources included with each certification, the value-added perks vary widely. ISSA offers one of the strongest bonuses with a free personal training website, helping new trainers establish an online presence right away.
IPTA stands out even more, bundling a free textbook, free recertification, and a complimentary CPT certification through its BOGO offer, making it one of the most cost-effective and resource-rich programs on the list.
Precision Nutrition provides a free specialist program, which adds meaningful continuing education and depth for nutrition-focused professionals. NCSF includes a one-year membership that grants access to exclusive resources, discounts, and professional development tools.
In contrast, NASM, ACE, NESTA, and AFPA do not list additional included resources, making their offerings more basic in comparison.
Overall, IPTA and ISSA deliver the most tangible long-term benefits, while Precision Nutrition and Fitness Mentors emphasize professional growth and networking opportunities.
| Certification | Professional Resources |
|---|---|
| ISSA | Free website |
| NASM | N/A |
| IPTA | Free textbook, free recertification, free CPT (with BOGO) |
| Precision Nutrition | Free specialist program |
| NSCA | NCSF one-year membership |
| ACE | N/A |
| NESTA | N/A |
| AFPA | N/A |
| Fitness Mentors | Online Trainer Business Support Group |
Study Time
A quicker study time means you can get to the business of nutrition coaching faster. However, sometimes the shorter programs offer less information to learn. You want the best of both worlds: quick, but detailed. That being said, here are the stats regarding study time. Remember, if you spend more hours per day going over the material, you can usually complete these certifications in a much shorter time frame.
| Certification | Study Times |
|---|---|
| ISSA | 10 weeks |
| NASM | 4 weeks |
| IPTA | 9 weeks |
| Precision Nutrition | 16 weeks |
| NCSF | 8-16 weeks |
| ACE | 4 weeks |
| NESTA | N/A |
| AFPA | 8 weeks |
| Fitness Mentors | 4-12 weeks |
Renewal Process
When comparing renewal processes, the requirements and costs differ significantly among certifications. ISSA requires 20 CEUs every 2 years at a $99 renewal fee, aligning with industry norms for continuing education.
NASM is notably easier to maintain, requiring no CEUs and charging only a $49 renewal fee every two years—making it one of the most convenient options.
IPTA offers exceptional long-term value with 24 CEUs required but free recertification, eliminating financial barriers while still encouraging ongoing professional development.
Precision Nutrition is similarly generous, requiring no CEUs and no fee, making it effectively a lifetime credential.
NCSF sits in the middle, requiring 10 CEUs and an $85 fee every two years, balancing affordability with education requirements.
| Certification | # of CEUs | Cost | Length of time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISSA | 20 CEUs | $99 | Every 2 years |
| NASM | 0 | $49 | Every 2 years |
| IPTA | 24 CEUs | Free | Every 2 years |
| Precision Nutrition | 0 | Free | Every 2 years |
| NCSF | 10 CEUs | $85 | Every 2 years |
| ACE | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| NESTA | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| AFPA | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fitness Mentors | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Nutrition Certifications Conclusion
When evaluating all features—curriculum depth, support, resources, renewal policies, and overall value—the IPTA Nutrition Academy (CNS) and the ISSA Nutritionist emerges as the strongest all-around options for most aspiring nutrition professionals. IPTA provides a comprehensive curriculum rooted in evidence-based science, combines strong business and coaching applications, and offers unmatched long-term value through its free recertification and included CPT via the BOGO offer.
ISSA provides excellent 24/7 support and a free website for business setup and is more well known than IPTA. NCSF is also an excellent budget option if you’re interested in sports nutrition.
Other certifications have notable strengths—Precision Nutrition excels in applied behavior-change and offers lifetime certification with no renewal cost.
NASM also gives you the clout of a well known organization with a very extensive textbook.
Each of these certifications has its own advantages based on your own needs. Choose wisely!
Nutrition Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who’s allowed to give nutrition advice?
Anyone can legally give generalized nutrition advice. However, only a Registered Dietician (RD) can prescribe specific diets for specific health issues or foods.
How do I become a certified nutritionist?
To become a certified nutrition coach, you need to take an accredited nutrition coaching course from a reputable agency and pass the exam, as well as maintain any required continuing education credits.
Is a nutritionist also a dietitian?
A certified nutritionist is not the same as a registered dietician, although you may see the credential “registered dietitian nutritionist.” To become an RD or RDN, you must complete a postgraduate degree and clinical hours.
What is nutrition and wellness?
Nutrition and wellness is the act of using nutritious food and vitamins to maintain healthy body weight, decrease the chances of chronic diseases, and promote overall health.
Can I become a nutritionist without a degree?
Technically, it depends on the country and state in which you live. In general, certified nutritionists or certified clinical nutritionists need a bachelor’s degree in a nutrition-related field or postgraduate education if the bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated field. Certified nutrition coaches, however, do not. You can become a nutrition coach by completing a nutrition coach certification program.
Can I be a personal trainer and nutritionist?
Yes, you can be a personal trainer and study further to be a nutritionist. In fact, this is a plus to you.
What does a certified nutrition coach do?
A certified nutrition coach works with clients that have a sedentary life, those who are overweight, or people with general have health issues to change their lifestyle through healthy eating habit.
Can I do a free online nutrition course?
Yes, you can do an online free nutrition course, but you might not be able to use this certification to work with clients that are conscious of certification recognition.
It is always better to be a certified nutritionist with an accredited health and fitness organization.
What is the salary of a nutrition coach?
Drawing from the United States Bureau of statistics, a nutrition coach earns an average of $60, 370 annually depending on the state where you work.
What are the prerequisites for becoming a nutrition coach?
There are different requirements from different nutrition program but the most basic is that:
You are 18 years or older
Have a professional certification in wellness, health education, and other related fields from an accredited health and fitness organization.
How long does it take to become a nutrition coach?
To become a nutrition coach, it will take a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months counting from the date of registration to writing the exams.
What is a holistic nutritionist certification?
A holistic nutritionist certification course will teach you to integrate nutrition into a client’s life as one aspect of an overall healthy life. Holistic certifications generally take into account many other factors that affect nutrition and health, including mental health, fitness, stress, sleep, and more.
Which is the best online nutritionist certification?
In my opinion, three nutrition coach programs offer an excellent curriculum in the industry. These are the ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist, NASM-CNC, and ISSA Nutrition Certification.
References
- Become an ISSA Nutritionist | ISSA. https://www.issaonline.com/certification/nutritionist
- Certified Health Coach | ISSA. https://www.issaonline.com/certification/certified-health-coach
- Become an Elite Trainer | Certification Program | ISSA. https://www.issaonline.com/certification/elite-trainer-certification
- “Become a Certified Nutrition Coach – NASM Nutrition Certification.” NASM, https://www.nasm.org/continuing-education/certified-nutrition-coach
- “Get Your Sports Nutrition Certification – NASM-CSNC.” NASM, https://www.nasm.org/continuing-education/sports-nutrition-certification
- ZipRecruiter. NASM nutrition coach salary. ZipRecruiter. 2023. Available from: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/NASM-Nutrition-Coach-Salary
- Nutrition Certification. https://www.issaonline.com/certification/nutrition-certification
- Nutrition & Fitness Coach Certification. https://www.issaonline.com/certification/precision-nutrition-bundle
- “Precision Nutrition Salary.” ZipRecruiter, 13 Apr. 2023, https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Precision-Nutrition-Salary
- Certified Online Virtual Nutrition Coach Certification Course – 100% Online. 11 Apr. 2023, https://www.fitnessmentors.com/virtual-nutrition-coach-certification/
- Sport Nutrition. https://www.ncsf.org/sport-nutrition
- Fitness Nutrition Specialist. https://www.acefitness.org/continuing-education/specialist-programs/fitness-nutrition/
- “Nutrition Certification | Fitness Nutritionist Course | Consultant Education.” Personal Trainer Certification, Nutrition Courses, Fitness Education, https://www.nestacertified.com/nutritionist/
- “Sports Nutrition Certification.” AFPA Fitness, https://store.afpafitness.com/sports-nutrition-certification/
Tyler Read
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