ISSN Certification
Who Should enroll in the CISSN?
- Exercise Physiologists
- Fitness Professionals
- Health/Medical Professionals
- Nurse Practitioners
- Nutritionists
- Personal Trainers
- Sport Dietitians
- Sports Nutritionists
- Strength and Conditioning Professionals
Why should you earn the CISSN?
It is critical for all health/fitness/medical professionals who work with athletes or active individuals to have a fundamental understanding of the adaptive response to exercise and the role that nutrition plays in the acute and chronic response to exercise. Think of the ‘bicycle' analogy. The two wheels on a bicycle represent exercise training and nutrition. If one is faulty or inadequate, then you'll end up with a dysfunctional bicycle. Sports nutrition and exercise training are intimately related. You can't provide good information on one aspect without knowing the other.
Do you have to be an ISSN member to earn the CISSN?
No. It is open to all qualified individuals. See next two sections below for clarification.
What are the requirements to be eligible to take the CISSN examination?
If you meet either of the following criteria then you qualify to take the CISSN.
- You have a 4-year undergraduate degree in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, nutrition, biology, or related biological science.
or - You have earned the CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. (If you have a 4-year degree in exercise science, kinesiology, physical education, nutrition, biology, or related biological science, you do not need to have a CSCS).
What if you have a 4-year degree in an unrelated field?
You must meet one of the following criteria if you have a degree in an unrelated field.
- If you have a 4-year degree in an unrelated field (e.g. psychology, sociology, liberal arts, etc), then it is highly recommended that you take and pass with a ‘B' grade or higher a semester long college/university level course in sports nutrition or related class . (Note: if you take a sports nutrition course at your local college or university, each school may have pre-requisites that you may need to fulfill prior to taking the sports nutrition course).
- You can take the CISSN examination if you have earned the CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) awarded from the National Strength and Conditioning Association.
Can I still take the CISSN examination even if I don't meet the initial requirements?
Yes. You are allowed to take the CISSN examination. However, you will be awarded the CISSN only after you have received your Bachelors degree. Also, we will under special circumstances waive the requirements (as determined by the Board of Directors).
Is the CISSN accredited?
Accreditation is pending.