What if you have a 4-year degree in an unrelated field?
If you have a 4-year degree in an unrelated field (e.g. psychology, sociology, liberal arts, etc), you are still eligible to take the exam. However, it is highly recommended (but not mandatory) that you take and pass 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 may also take a sports nutrition course by distance learning through Huntington College of Health Sciences (www.hchs.edu).This institution is accredited through the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, the only accrediting agency for home study recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It should be noted that it is difficult to pass the CISSN if you do not have a background in the biological sciences.
Also, if you hold one of the following certificates and an unrelated degree, you are also eligible to take the CISSN.
http://www.simmons.edu/snhs/programs/nutrition/sports/index.php or http://www.ces.sdsu.edu/Pages/Engine.aspx?id=708 or http://www.tesc.edu/watson/nutrition/
Can I still take the CISSN examination even if I do not meet the initial requirements?
Alternatively, if you meet ALL of the requirements below (and do not have a 4-year degree), you can take the CISSN exam.
- The individual must be practicing in the field for at least five years and be a paid member of The ISSN.
- The individual must at least be certified as a trainer by the NSCA, ACE or ACSM (CPT or HFI respectively).
- The individual must also have one or more of the following certifications in nutrition: HFI, CHES, ACE-Lifestyle & Weight Management, DTR, AFPA-nutrition, ISSA-nutrition, Penn-Foster School-nutrition.
- Applicant MUST show proof of certification to the ISSN during the registration/application process. If no proof of certification is demonstrated, than the ISSN reserves the right to not allow the individual to take the certification, and we reserve the right to charge 25% of the certification fee as Administrative Costs.
- The individual must have attended (with proof) at least three ISSN National Conferences in the past 4 years.
Are there any state-by-state regulations regarding Sports Nutrition?
There are no state-by-state regulations for becoming a Certified Sports Nutritionist. The purpose of the CISSN is to demonstrate a threshold level of knowledge in the field of sports nutrition. There are currently individuals with the CISSN throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. Legally, personal trainers can and do provide sports nutrition information or education to clients for the purpose of enhancing physical performance as well as body composition. However, only dietitians are legally allowed to provide MNT or medical nutrition therapy. CISSN holders are not allowed nor are they trained in providing MNT.
What is the main difference between the CISSN and SNS Certifications?
The CISSN is more advanced; it is the preferred certification for those who wish to provide more detailed sports nutrition information to their clients. The SNS focuses more on the applied aspects of sports nutrition and is meant for those who do not have a 4-year degree or do not have a formal educational background in exercise science and/or sports nutrition. Individuals who wish to attain the SNS are likely to be personal trainers who work in the fitness industry; however, the certification is open to all individuals. The SNS provides working knowledge for personal trainers and fitness advocates to offer information on sports nutrition and supplement strategies. This certification will not provide the expertise or education necessary to work with patients who require medical nutrition therapy*.
Do you have to score 100% on the test to pass it?
If you pass the 200-question (multiple choice, true or false format) examination with a score of 70% or higher, you will be awarded the CISSN.
How do you prepare for the CISSN?
It is suggested you study at least one month for the CISSN Exam. Use the textbook (see below) as the primary study guide and read the following key papers published in JISSN.
1. ISSN exercise & sport nutrition review: research & recommendations
Kreider RB, Wilborn CD, Taylor L, Campbell B, Almada AL, Collins R, Cooke M, Earnest CP, Greenwood M, Kalman DS, Kerksick CM, Kleiner SM, Leutholtz B, Lopez H, Lowery LM, Mendel R, Smith A, Spano M, Wildman R, Willoughby DS, Ziegenfuss TN, Antonio J
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2010, 7:7 (2 February 2010); http://www.jissn.com/content/7/1/7
2. International society of sports nutrition position stand: caffeine and performance
Goldstein ER, Ziegenfuss T, Kalman D, Kreider R, Campbell B, Wilborn C, Taylor L, Willoughby D, Stout J, Graves BS, Wildman R, Ivy JL, Spano M, Smith AE, Antonio J
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2010, 7:5 (27 January 2010); http://www.jissn.com/content/7/1/5
3. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: Nutrient timing
Kerksick C, Harvey T, Stout J, Campbell B, Wilborn C, Kreider R, Kalman D, Ziegenfuss T, Lopez H, Landis J, Ivy JL, Antonio J
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2008, 5:17 (3 October 2008); http://www.jissn.com/content/5/1/17
4. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: protein and exercise
Campbell B, Kreider RB, Ziegenfuss T, La Bounty P, Roberts M, Burke D, Landis J, Lopez H, Antonio J
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2007, 4:8 (26 September 2007); http://www.jissn.com/content/4/1/8
5. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: creatine supplementation and exercise
Buford TW, Kreider RB, Stout JR, Greenwood M, Campbell B, Spano M, Ziegenfuss T, Lopez H, Landis J, Antonio J
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2007, 4:6 (30 August 2007); http://www.jissn.com/content/4/1/6
6. International Society of Sports Nutrition position stand: meal frequency. Paul M La Bounty, Bill I Campbell, Jacob Wilson, Elfego Galvan, John Berardi, Susan M Kleiner, Richard B Kreider, Jeffrey R Stout, Tim Ziegenfuss, Marie Spano, Abbie Smith, Jose Antonio Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 2011, 8:4 (16 March 2011); http://www.jissn.com/content/8/1/4
What book and/or study guide will help you prepare for the CISSN?
DOWNLOAD THE FREE STUDY GUIDE FOR THE CISSN OR SNS EXAMS.
Where and when can I take the CISSN examination?
Upcoming CISSN Exam dates are at the top of this page.
Can I take the CISSN online?
The online version of the CISSN consists of 200 randomized questions (i.e. no two exams are identical); You can take the test online in the comfort of your home, office, or work. It can be taken anytime as well. All you need to do is register.
Can I take the CISSN without having to go to an officially scheduled examination site?
Yes. If you can get a local university professor in an exercise science, biology, or nutrition department to proctor the 3-hour exam, you can take the CISSN at a pre-determined time (as agreed to by the ISSN and the test-taker). To do this, call 1-866-472-4650 and register via phone or register online.
What is a passing score for the CISSN?
If you correctly answer with a 70% or greater, you will earn the CISSN.
Will you receive a numerical score or a pass/fail grading?
You will receive a notification of passing or failing from Dr. Ron Mendel; however, those who take the ONLINE version of the exam will receive IMMEDIATE notification of passing/failing.
What is the cost of retaking the CISSN examination if I do not pass the first time?
The cost remains the same regardless of how often you take the exam. However, the one exception is that you can re-take the CISSN at a discounted rate of $99 at the national conference only.
How do I maintain CEUs for the CISSN?
ISSN will randomly select individuals with the CISSN certification and request evidence that they have met the CEU requirements. Please keep any and all proof of registration and accomplishment as it applies to CISSN Continuing Education Units. Below is listed some ways to maintain CEUs.
NOTE: Certificates for CEUs are handed out at the end of the ISSN Conference each year. If you do not pick it up at the conference, you will be charged a processing fee of $49 dollars if you contact the ISSN office at a later date. It is a total fee of $49 per event. Thus, if you need proof of attendance for 2 events, the total cost is $98.
Also, only certificates dating 2006 to present can be provided.
If I can not attend any of the events below for CEUs, is there an alternative way to attain CEUs?
The best way is to take the Online Quiz for CEUs. See below.
If I pass the CISSN and receive a certificate, can I get another certificate if mine gets lost or stolen?
Yes. But you need to pay a $15 dollar processing fee and mail it to the ISSN office in Colorado.
What are CEUs?
You need to earn 1 CEU per year to maintain the CISSN or 5 CEU every five years. It is mandatory that you are a member of the ISSN to maintain your CISSN certification. The EASIEST way to maintain CEUs for the CISSN is by attending the national conference (at least 2 every 3 years) or by completing the online quiz available at this link: http://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/Online-Tests.html
- Present at the national or regional ISSN Conference - 3 CEU
- Serve as President, VP, Secretary or Student Representative or ISSN Volunteer - 3 CEU
- Publish in the JISSN - 3 CEU
- Attend national or a regional ISSN conference - 1.5 CEU
- Complete an online CEU Quiz - 1.0 CEU - https://www.sportsnutritionsociety.org/TestingDetails.php?IDtest=5
- Attend the NSCA national conference (i.e. Sports Specific, Personal Trainers, or National Conference) - 0.5 CEU
- Other non-ISSN related events are up to 0.25 CEU
If you have further questions about the CISSN, SNS, or BCC Exams, please contact Douglas Kalman, PhD, RD, FISSN at dkalman@miamiresearch.com
