If you're looking to become a fitness coach or advance your career in the fitness industry, you may have come across two popular certifications: ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) and NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association). Both are highly respected and recognized in the fitness world, but which one is right for you? In this article, we'll compare ISSA and NSCA to help you make an informed decision.
Before we dive into the comparison, let's first understand what ISSA and NSCA are.
ISSA is a globally recognized fitness certification organization that offers a variety of certifications, including personal online fitness training, nutrition, and strength and conditioning. Founded in 1988, ISSA has certified over 300,000 fitness professionals in more than 143 countries.
ISSA's mission is to provide quality education and certification to fitness professionals, empowering them to help others achieve their fitness goals. They offer both online workout and in-person courses, making it convenient for individuals to obtain their certification.
NSCA is a non-profit organization that has been around since 1978. They offer certifications in strength and conditioning, personal training, and tactical strength and conditioning. NSCA has certified over 45,000 fitness professionals in more than 90 countries.
NSCA's mission is to advance the strength and conditioning profession by providing evidence-based education and certification. They offer both online and in-person courses, as well as workshops and conferences for continuing education.
Both ISSA and NSCA offer a variety of certifications, but there are some key differences between the two.
ISSA offers the following certifications:
NSCA offers the following certifications:
Both ISSA and NSCA offer online exams, making it convenient for individuals to obtain their certification from anywhere in the world. However, there are some differences in the exam format.
ISSA exams are open-book and consist of multiple-choice questions. The exams can be taken online and are not timed, allowing individuals to take their time and refer to their study materials. ISSA also offers a free retest if an individual does not pass the exam on their first attempt.
NSCA exams are closed-book and consist of multiple-choice questions. The exams can be taken online or in person and are timed, with a maximum of 3 hours to complete. NSCA does not offer a free retest, and individuals must pay a fee to retake the exam.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a certification is its recognition and accreditation. This can affect your credibility as a fitness-certified coach and your job opportunities.
ISSA is recognized by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. They are also accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), which is the gold standard for fitness certifications.
ISSA is also recognized by major fitness organizations, including the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), the American Council on Exercise (ACE), and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
NSCA is accredited by the NCCA and is recognized by major fitness organizations, including the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), and the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA).
The cost of obtaining a certification is an important factor to consider, especially if you're on a budget.
ISSA offers a variety of packages for their certifications, ranging from $499 to $799. The packages include study materials, online exams, and a free retest if needed.
NSCA offers a variety of packages for their certifications, ranging from $435 to $595. The packages include study materials, online or in-person exams, and a free retest if needed.
Continuing education is essential for fitness professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest research and trends in the industry. Both ISSA and NSCA offer continuing education opportunities.
ISSA offers a variety of online courses and workshops for continuing education. They also offer a recertification program, which requires individuals to complete 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
NSCA offers a variety of online courses, workshops, and conferences for continuing education. They also offer a recertification program, which requires individuals to complete 60 hours of continuing education every three years.
Both ISSA and NSCA are highly respected and recognized in the fitness industry, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference and your career goals. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
Both ISSA and NSCA are highly respected and recognized in the fitness industry, and both offer a variety of certifications to help you advance your career. Consider your personal preferences, career goals, and budget when making your decision. Whichever certification you choose, remember that it's just the first step in your journey as a fitness professional, and continuing education is key to staying at the top of your game.
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