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The SNS - Sports Nutrition Specialist Certification

Although no formal post-secondary course work is required, candidates are expected to have a working knowledge of basic exercise training, general nutrition, sports supplements, and familiarity with the ISSN's current position papers. To qualify to register for the SNS exam, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SNS stand for?

Sports Nutrition Specialist from the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Who should take the SNS exam?

Personal Trainers or Other Fitness Professionals who do not hold a 4-year University/College degree.

Do I have to be a member of the ISSN to take the SNS Exam?

No. However, it is mandatory that you are an ISSN member in order to maintain your SNS credential.

Why should you earn the SNS?

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. Furthermore, for those who do not attain a 4-year college degree, the SNS provides an avenue in which he or she can maintain the knowledge base needed to provide sound information on sports nutrition and supplementation.

What are the requirements to be eligible to take the SNS examination?

Although no formal post-secondary course work is required, candidates are expected to have a working knowledge of basic exercise training, general nutrition, sports supplements, and are familiar with the ISSN's current position papers. To qualify to register for the SNS exam, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Are there any state-by-state regulations regarding Sports Nutrition?

There are no state-by-state regulations for becoming either a CISSN (Certified Sports Nutritionist) or SNS (Sports Nutrition Specialist). Legally, personal trainers can and do provide sports nutrition information or general education to clients for the purpose of enhancing physical performance as well as body composition. However, only registered dietitians are legally allowed to provide medical nutrition therapy.

Do you have to score 100% on the test to pass it?

If you pass the 100-question (multiple choice, true or false format) examination with a score of 70% or higher, you will be awarded the SNS.

How do you prepare for the SNS?

The focus of the SNS exam is on the practical aspects of sports nutrition. Reviewing the ISSN position stands and current supplement research will be beneficial, as well as specific aspects of the Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements textbook. Exercise physiology, metabolism and bioenergetics are minor components of the SNS exam and should not be the center focus of preparation.

For examples, study the following scientific papers published in JISSN (www.jissn.com).

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

What book and/or study guide will help you prepare for the SNS?

Essentials of Sports Nutrition and Supplements Antonio, J.; Kalman, D.; Stout, J.R.; Greenwood, M.; Willoughby, D.S.; Haff, G.G. (Eds.) 2008, Approx. 875 p. 123 illus. With CD-ROM., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-1-58829-611-5.

Where and when can I take the SNS examination?

Go to the Home page or Conferences page of the ISSN site: Home Page

Can I take the SNS 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 SNS 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?

70% or higher.

Will you receive a numerical score or a pass/fail grading?

You will receive a notification of passing or failing.

How do I maintain CEUs for the SNS?

ISSN will randomly select individuals with the SNS credential and request evidence that they have met the CEU requirements. Please keep any and all proof of registration and accomplishment as it applies to Continuing Education Units. Some ways to maintain CEUs are listed below. 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.

Below are ways you can maintain CEUs for the SNS.  The easiest way to accomplish this is via attending our national conference (attend 2 every 3 years) or by completing an online CEU quiz exam once per year.

• 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

* Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) refers to the assessment of the nutritional status of patients with an illness, diet-related condition, or injury, in order to benefit the patient's own health and reduce health-care costs. MNT includes setting goals for the patient's treatment and developing a specialized nutrition prescription that includes patient education and self-management training. MNT, which is also called therapeutic nutrition, has become an increasingly important component of integrated health-care systems.