SNS-ISSN

ISSN's Sports Nutrition Specialist Certification - ISSN-SNS

Scope of Practice

Individuals who wish to attain the ISSN-SNS are likely to be personal trainers who work in the fitness industry; however, the certification is open to all individuals. The ISSN-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*.

Prerequisites

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 ISSN-SNS exam, you must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ISSN-SNS stand for?

Sports Nutrition Specialist from the International Society of Sports Nutrition.

Who should take the ISSN-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 ISSN-SNS Exam?

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

Why should you earn the ISSN-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 ISSN-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 ISSN-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 ISSN-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 ISSN-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 ISSN-SNS.

How do you prepare for the ISSN-SNS?

The focus of the ISSN-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 ISSN-SNS exam and should not be the center focus of preparation.

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

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

Can I take the ISSN-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 ISSN-SNS at a pre-determined time (as agreed to by the ISSN and the test-taker) for a fee of $499. 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 ISSN-SNS?

ISSN will randomly select individuals with the ISSN-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.

If I can not attend any of the events below for CEUs, is there an alternative way to attain CEUs?

Yes. You can submit a one-page document outlining the event, webinar, seminar, etc that you attended with proof of registration. This will count to 0.5 CEUs. Mail that and a $60 processing fee (check) to the ISSN, 600 Pembrook Drive, Woodland Park, CO 80863

What are CEUs?

• You need to earn 1 CEU per year to maintain the ISSN-SNS or 5 CEU every five years. It is mandatory that you are a member of the ISSN to maintain your certification.
• 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 - 1.3 CEU
• 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.