The Best Nutrition Certification Programs of 2024

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There could be numerous reasons why you’d want to enroll in a nutrition certification program. Perhaps you’re passionate about nutrition science and are eager to build a career as a weight management consultant or nutrition specialist. Or, you might be a personal trainer who wants to offer clients a wider range of services that include both nutrition and fitness coaching.

Whatever your reason may be, getting a nutritionist certification can jumpstart your career or open more paths to expand your career if you’re already established. That’s why enrolling in the right nutrition certification program can help make sure you receive advanced education with evidence-based nutrition courses, healthy eating fundamentals and behavior change strategies.

With so many programs that vary in prerequisite requirements, coursework and cost, it can be tough to figure out which is ultimately right for you. Our best nutrition certification program guide will highlight the top programs and what you need to know before enrolling. We’ll also share tips for how to choose a program and the top career paths you can pursue with a nutrition certificate in 2024.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for the Best Nutrition Certification Programs of 2024:

• Best Affordable Online Nutrition Program: ISSA
• Best Sport Nutrition Certification Program: NCSF
• Best for Health Coaching: Integrative Nutrition
• Best Self-Paced: NASM
• Best for Basics: Precision Nutrition
• Best for General Fitness Nutrition: ACE

Best Affordable Online Nutrition Program: ISSA

Key features & specs

• Cost: $799
• Pace: Self-paced
• Course length: About two to six months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma and CPR/AED certification
• Enrollment period: Open
• Exam passing score: 75 percent or greater
• Best for: Learning about nutrition science

Chances are you’ve heard of ISSA if you’re familiar with fitness and nutrition education. The International Sports Sciences Association is a leading global education provider that provides curriculum vetted and accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies, or NCCA. This means ISSA nutritionist certification education is upheld to very high standards. One thing to keep in mind is that while ISSA refers to their certificate as a “nutritionist” program, the word is often used interchangeably and your certification will be similar to that of a nutrition coach.

ISSA’s online nutrition program costs $799 (split into monthly payments), but you can almost always find coursework on sale. You can also bundle several certificates with ISSA’s ongoing buy-one-get-one certificate deals. Nutrition certificate coursework will include goal setting, macronutrients and micronutrients, dietary guidelines and applications, trending diets and myths, and the business of nutrition coaching, which is a helpful topic for those who want to start their own consulting or coaching business. ISSA also puts a major focus on nutrition science and teaches students how nutrition impacts health and wellness long-term.

Compared to other online nutrition programs, ISSA has very relaxed prerequisites. This can be both good and bad: the good news is that almost anyone can enroll in a certificate program. The bad news is exactly the same, as ISSA students aren’t held to the more rigorous requirements seen in competing programs. Still, the ISSA nutritionist program is hailed as straightforward and easy to understand. You can also study at your own pace and will be provided with all the tools you need to be successful, such as a dedicated success coach and an online student forum. Your purchase will also come with a free nutritionist education boot camp–another program perk.

Check out our in-depth ISSA Nutritionist review for more information on this affordable nutrition certification. 

What we like:

• Free nutrition boot camp included with purchase
• Offers buy-one-get-one certificate deals
• Curriculum is vetted by the NCCA
• Major focus on nutritional science

What to consider:

• Relaxed prerequisite requirements
• “Nutritionist” label isn’t very clear

Best Sport Nutrition Certification Program: NCSF

Key features & specs

• Cost: $699 to $1,299
• Pace: Self-paced
• Course length: About two to four months
• Prerequisites: Must hold a current NCSF certification, a license and/or certification in an Allied Health Profession, a teacher-specific state-issued certification or license, or be enrolled in the CPT/SNS dual credentialing program or the Master Trainer program (for sport nutrition only)
• Enrollment period: Open
• Exam passing score: 70 percent or greater
• Best for: Personal trainers who want to offer nutrition coaching

If you’re passionate about nutrition science and want to know what fuels athletic performance, a sport nutrition certification program such as the one offered by NCSF can help you blend your love of fitness with wellness or vice-versa. NCSF, the National Council on Strength & Fitness, is a reputable name in sports education. Its sport nutrition online program lets you learn at your own pace, whether that’s full-time or just a few hours a week. You can opt for a sport nutrition program only, or a program that blends two certificates (such as sports nutrition specialist and certified personal trainer). Most students complete the program in two-to-four months.

Here’s what you can expect to learn in the NCSF sport nutrition program: advanced dietary assessment, goal-specific macronutrient and micronutrient distribution, relevant differences between protein, carbs and fat, facts behind popular diets, and the latest guidelines for health, performance and competition. This certification course will teach you how to evaluate nutrition and supplementation requirements for human performance and function, optimize body function, balance weight and activity, and calculate and manage nutrient requirements.

With its easy-to-follow program, ability to bundle certificates, and advanced skills and education, NCSF is our top pick for nutrition professionals eager to work in the sports or fitness industry. After this program, you can expect to walk away knowing how to teach others how to read and understand food labels, modify their behavior for weight loss and lean mass gain, and optimize nutrition for maximum output. As an added bonus, NCSF offers a payment plan and allows you to take a sample exam and review quizzes to prepare for the final exam (150 questions).

What we like:

• High-quality program at a low-cost
• Focuses on link between nutrition and performance
• Ability to bundle two certificates in one program
• All programs include instructor support

What to consider:

• Smaller focus on behavior modification strategies
• NCSF has a more difficult exam than other programs

Best for Health Coaching: Integrative Nutrition

Key features & specs

• Cost: $6,995
• Pace: Six-month accelerated track or 12-month track
• Course length: Six to 12 months
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• Enrollment period: Rolling (you typically start classes a few weeks after enrolling)
• Exam passing score: 70 percent or greater
• Best for: Holistic nutrition and plant-based nutrition

Nutrition enthusiasts seeking out an in-depth education that mimics the pace and learning style of a traditional college without a four-year commitment may want to consider the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Unlike previous programs on our list, this nutrition certification program follows a weekly template that you can complete on an accelerated six-month track or at a more relaxed 12-month track. You can also personalize your learning experience to focus on personal transformation or professional development (the latter of which includes business planning).

We love this program for health coaching because of its 41 different learning modules that teach plant-based eating, how to heal the gut, holistic nutrition and nutrition psychiatry. You’ll also get a deep dive into the mental health behind nutrition, covering topics like disordered eating and food for mood. Students pursuing health or wellness coaching will also gain advanced skills in group coaching, active listening and motivational interviewing–essential for working with clients.

Whether your goal is to become a holistic nutritionist or a more general health coach, Integrative Nutrition offers one of the most robust learning programs in nutrition education. The program contains more than 400 hours of content and offers no-interest payment plans if you’re not ready to pay the full price upfront. While Integrative Nutrition has a higher price point than other programs on our list, it’s also one of the most advanced and intensive options available.

What we like:

• Option to choose between personal transformation or professional development
• Focuses on mental and physical aspects of nutrition
• Accelerated or regular-pace programs available
• Curriculum advised by more than 95 experts

What to consider:

• Very expensive compared to other programs
• Requires weekly commitment (not self-paced)

Best Self-Paced: NASM

Key features & specs

• Cost: $899
• Pace: Self-paced
• Course length: About one to three months
• Prerequisites: None
• Enrollment period: Open
• Exam passing score: 70 percent or greater
• Best for: Working individuals or parents

NASM is one of the more popular nutrition certification programs because of its shorter course length and affordable price point (you can often find deals on the full price above). NASM, or the National Academy of Sports Medicine, is a respected personal training and nutrition certification program that focuses on behavior change and coaching clients to develop healthy nutrition and weight loss habits. Like most programs on our list, NASM is self-paced and you’ll have one year to complete the exam, although most students finish the program in one-to-three months.

Becoming a NASM-certified nutrition coach will teach you the latest literature on energy balance and metabolism, goal setting, dietary assessment and maintaining weight loss. You’ll also walk away an expert on hydration, nutrient timing, supplements and micronutrients. If you work a full-time job or you’re a busy parent, you can fit the NASM course around your schedule and complete the 24 in-depth chapters at your own pace, which is a major bonus for busy adults.

NASM also has a straightforward and user-friendly digital learning platform that you can access on any device, including your smartphone, tablet or computer. Another element we love is that the NASM final exam is open book, meaning you can go back and reference your coursework. You’ll also have three attempts to pass your exam with a score of 70 percent or higher. If you’re looking to expand your knowledge even further, you can bundle fitness and nutrition into one program.

What we like:

• Open book final exam
• Addresses real-world topics like portion sizes and reading food labels
• Teaches popular diet options such as gluten-free, paleo and keto
• Easy to fit around any schedule

What to consider:

• Lesser focus on business development
• No requirements to enroll (may be a bonus for some)

Best for Basics: Precision Nutrition

Key features & specs

• Cost: $799 to $1,428
• Pace: Self-paced
• Course length: Two to four months
• Prerequisites: None
• Enrollment period: Open (though sometimes there is a waitlist)
• Exam passing score: 75 percent or greater
• Best for: Nutrition basics

For a crash course in nutrition fundamentals, look no further than Precision Nutrition. Precision Nutrition is a popular, self-paced education program that offers two certifications: Precision Nutrition Level 1 and Precision Nutrition Level 2. You’ll need to complete level one before enrolling in level two, but those seeking out nutrition basics should find everything they need in level one. The Precision Nutrition program is also a great option for those looking to build or expand a nutrition business, thanks to its large focus on business planning and development.

Throughout this three-unit program, which is broken down further into numerous sub-units, you can expect to study peer-reviewed research on nutrition, which goes as far as examining the relationship between nutrition, stress and sleep. You’ll also learn a great deal about the human body, energy transformation and metabolism, and water and fluid balance. Still, your first and primary lesson will be about what makes a great coach and how to help people change–the building blocks of any successful (and impactful) career in nutrition or life coaching.

Precision Nutrition can be completed on your own time, and many students finish the program in two-to-four months. While the exam passing score is slightly higher at 75 percent, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Precision Nutrition guarantees you’re truly ready to be certified with more rigorous standards. Plus, students of all backgrounds can benefit from the program, which sees people with zero experience to established experts with up to 20 years of experience.

What we like:

• Recognized by American Council on Education for college credits
• Great networking opportunities with robust student and expert community
• 100 percent money-back guarantee within 45 days
• Program developed by leading nutrition experts

What to consider:

• You may encounter a waitlist to enroll depending on demand

Best for General Fitness Nutrition: ACE

Key features & specs

• Cost: $379 to $479
• Pace: Self-paced
• Course length: About one month
• Prerequisites: None
• Enrollment period: Open
• Exam passing score: 500 out of 800
• Best for: Working with athletes or at a gym

More than 73,000 individuals have been certified by ACE, or the American Council on Exercise, since its inception in 1985–and for good reason. In a little over one month of studying, you can receive a fitness nutrition specialist certification and start or expand your nutrition career. Best for those who work or want to work with athletes or at a gym, having a fitness nutrition specialist certification can help you become a better (and more knowledgeable) coach for your clients.

As our fastest program, ACE’s fitness nutrition certification runs just 25 hours and still manages to cram plenty of science-backed information into its lessons. You’ll learn how to help clients shop at grocery stores, manage relapse, and cook healthy and nutritious meals. You’ll also take coursework in business development and how to effectively consult clients. The program comes with an eBook, podcast, recorded video and online quiz, but you can purchase a program with a hardcover book for a slightly higher price point.

It’s important to keep in mind that anyone can enroll in the ACE fitness nutrition specialist program, but in order to be officially designated as an ACE specialist, you’ll need to hold a current NCCA-accredited certification or equivalent professional credential.

What we like:

• Very affordable price point
• Quick curriculum of just 25 hours
• Covers behavior change and business development

What to consider:

• Easier exam than competing programs (may be a pro for some)
• Not as big of a focus on nutrition science

Is An Online Nutrition Certification Worth It?

Getting an online nutrition certificate can absolutely be worth it if you’re trying to build or expand a career in nutrition science and wellness. A nutrition coach certification can help you increase your healthcare and nutrition knowledge, earn more money, grow your client pool and network within the industry. Let’s say you train athletes or fitness professionals: becoming a certified nutrition coach will allow you to work with clients on creating a healthy lifestyle and eating habits, in addition to their fitness (which can expand your services and potentially your pay).

The best nutrition certification programs arm you with the right tools and knowledge to be successful in this field. You also don’t have to be new to the industry to reap the benefits of getting a nutrition certification. Many registered dietitians or nutritionists choose to take nutrition certificate online courses to learn more about behavior change and mental health. It also nets you more credibility with clients, regardless of your career level. Plus, most online degree programs count towards CEUs, or continuing education credits required to renew a certification.

Still, an online nutrition certificate isn’t worth it for everyone. Depending on your career goals and interests, there may be drawbacks to pursuing a program. For example, some states in the U.S. don’t permit all nutrition professionals to offer meal planning. Instead, you’ll need to be a registered dietitian, which is a four-year program at an accredited university. If meal planning is a service you want to offer clients, you may want to consider pursuing a bachelor’s degree. You also won’t be able to give nutrition advice with the goal of treating disease, since this requires being certified in medical nutrition therapy (MNT). Lastly, since these classes are online, people who learn best with in-person programming may not find that they benefit from online courses. 

Is Nutrition a Good Career Path?

As more and more people develop an interest in wellness and living healthy lifestyles, the demand for nutrition professionals continues to grow. Recent data shows that 70 percent of surveyed Americans report being health-conscious following the COVID-19 pandemic, which means more people may be inspired to seek out nutrition coaches. It’s also a growing field: job outlooks estimate dietitians and nutritionists will grow in number by 7 percent between 2021 and 2031. Within this same timeframe, an estimated 5,100 individuals are expected to join the field.

There are also numerous career paths you can pursue by becoming a certified nutritionist. Potential jobs include working as a nutrition or sports nutrition coach, weight loss coach, weight management consultant, wellness educator, or nutrition education or program manager. Having a nutrition certificate also gives you the proper credentials to launch your own nutrition coaching business, which may give you more flexibility to work from home or on part-time hours.

How to Choose the Best Nutrition Certification Program for You

There are many excellent nutrition certification programs, but each is different from the rest. Here’s how to choose the best nutrition certification program for your needs and career goals.

Cost

Most nutrition certification programs will cost you a few hundred dollars, but longer and more robust programs can easily get into the thousands-of-dollars range. While you can almost always find deals at the full prices we have listed above, be sure to carefully budget for your course and consider any additional expenses, such as certificate renewal costs and shipping.

Curriculum

Nutrition may be at the core of each curriculum, but some put greater emphasis on business development over coaching skills or vice-versa. Depending on your career goals and what you ultimately want to get out of your certificate, you may want to choose a curriculum that puts more focus on what will be most important to you and your job search (or business growth). Some programs also allow you to specialize in niche areas such as sleep and nutrition.

Course length

The majority of nutrition certification programs take a few months to complete while studying part-time, but there are a handful that will require a year of commitment. Be sure to evaluate your schedule and how much time you’re realistically able to commit to a program, especially if you work full-time and/or have a family to take care of. Some programs also offer longer periods to complete the exam, so you can study and take the exam at different time frames if needed.

Pace

Almost all nutrition certification programs are self-paced, but a few require taking weekly courses as part of an ongoing program. Consider your learning style and schedule to determine what type of pace will work best with your lifestyle.

Prerequisites

Nutrition certification programs can greatly vary in their prerequisite requirements. Some require a high school diploma or GED, while others require a CPR/AED certification. Others have no requirements at all and are open to anyone. Be sure to check the prerequisite requirements for any program you’re considering before taking the time (and money) to apply.

Enrollment period

If you’re enrolling in a self-paced nutrition certification program, chances are it has open enrollment, meaning you can enroll and start the program at any time. However, depending on demand, you may encounter a waitlist. Other programs have monthly enrollment periods, especially if they follow a more structured timeframe. Consider how quickly you want to begin your coursework before applying to a nutrition certification program.

Career goals

More likely than not, you want to enroll in a nutrition certification program for career reasons. Perhaps you’re a dietitian interested in brushing up on the latest knowledge, or you’re a fitness coach with clients interested in nutritional guidance. You might also be a high school graduate or someone interested in switching careers, and taking this coursework can help prepare you for a new career in nutrition. Be sure to find a program that aligns with your goals and gives you the right depth of education, whether that’s just the basics or more advanced lessons on nutrition.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Nutrition Certification Program

We looked at numerous factors to determine the best nutrition certification programs. This included cost, curriculum and material, brand reputation, course length and pace, prerequisites, flexibility with enrollment period and overall exam passing rate. These factors combined helped us identify which certification programs offered the best results and education for students.

Nutrition Certification Programs FAQs

Here’s everything else you should know about nutrition certification programs.

How fast can you complete NASM?

Since NASM is a self-guided program, the time it takes to complete it can vary. You can finish the course in about 10 weeks by studying eight-to-10 hours a week. A handful of students even report finishing the course in as little as four weeks, while others take up to 15 weeks to finish.

What happens if you fail the NASM?

If you fail the NASM, don’t fret. Candidates who don’t pass the certification exam on the first try can retake the exam after a one-week waiting period. If you don’t pass the second time, you’ll need to wait at least 30 days before taking the NASM exam again, but can still try again.

What is the difference between a nutritionist and nutrition coach?

A registered dietitian nutritionist (often simply known as a nutritionist) or registered dietitian has a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in nutrition, while a nutrition coach doesn’t require those credentials. Although they have somewhat similar functions, your reasons for seeing one over the other can vary (a dietitian, for example, can prescribe you a special diet for a food allergy).

Is NASM nationally accredited?

Yes, NASM is nationally accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). It’s also one of the most respected names in nutrition and fitness education.

Is ISSA good for nutrition?

Getting a nutrition certificate from ISSA is a great choice since ISSA focuses on the science of food intake in addition to behavior change. It’s also more affordable than many other programs.

Takeaway: Is a Nutrition Certification Program Worth It?

Getting a nutrition certificate can be an excellent way to start or grow a career in wellness. It can open the door to new career opportunities, give you more credibility with clients, arm you with advanced nutrition knowledge and even inspire you to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Most nutrition certification programs take just a few weeks or months to complete and are more cost-effective than four-year degree programs. If you’re considering pursuing a nutrition certificate, our best nutrition certification program guide can help you figure out how and where to get started.

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