ISSA OR NASM? Read This to Ease the Selection of Certificate
They say the most rewarding degrees are in either engineering, business, management, finance, biology, medical, chemistry, or physicist. But you know, how drastically everything has changed. A degree is worth it but not against your passion and interest. Be it The National Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) or the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), both are powerful and rewarding certifications to hold. Similar to other degrees where you wish someone to do my online class for me, here you will avoid missing any class.
Besides personal career advancement, becoming a personal trainer is a great opportunity to start your own business and make a living out of your passion for fitness. With so many certification choices available, deciding which program is ideal for your learning style and goals may be difficult. Not only that, but each school has its own pricing point and program options, which may or may not be tailored to the type of personal trainer you want to be.
Whether you’re looking into personal trainer certification as a side hustle or want to jump right in and make it a full-time job, the ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) and NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) programs are both worth looking into. Let us dive into what separates them;
ISSA
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a personal trainer certification recognized globally. In 1998, a team of fitness specialists and exercise scientists founded ISSA.
You are qualified to give fitness and personal training services after passing the ISSA test, which covers a wide range of fitness topics. Anatomy and Physiology, Kinesiology and Biomechanics, Health and Physical Fitness, Nutrition, and General Fitness are among the exam subjects.
NASM
The National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) is celebrating its 30th year of providing world-class personal trainers and scientifically rigorous credentials.
NASM’s training and knowledge program are on the basis of scientific and evidence-based research. The Athletics and Fitness Association of America and Premier Global in the United Kingdom are also partners with NASM.
Pricing Difference Between ISSA and NASM
ISSA Certificate Pricing
ISSA’s pricing is transparent and easy to understand. Typically, you have the option of paying the entire price upfront or opting for a 12-month payment plan. Within the ISSA curriculum, there are four levels of trainer certification.
- Certified Personal Trainer – $599 (plus $200 for the ISSA Nutrition Bundle).
- $999 for a personal trainer
- $1,995 for Elite Trainer
- $2,997 for Master Trainer
NASM Certificate Pricing
The NASM has four pricing options, ranging from $699 to $2,199.
By offering such a wide range of pricing points, the program actually meets each person where they are, allowing them to participate in a program that fits their budget. You have the option of paying for your registration in full or on a 12-month payment plan.
- $699 – Self Study package
- $1,099 – Premium Self Study package
- $1,499 – Guided Self Study package
- $2,199 – All-inclusive package
Which Certification Is Better? ISSA or NASM?
Personal training qualifications from ISSA and NASM are highly regarded, and they may help you create a solid foundation for program design and instruction. Furthermore, both ISSA and NASM are likely to aid you in boosting your job search abilities.
There is no objectively superior ISSA/NASM certification than the other; what counts is whatever certification is best for you. It is essential to enquire about the employers with whom you intend to work before making a selection.
Besides, because not all qualifications are accepted or recognized everywhere, validating the first one might be a rapid deciding factor in pursuing one of the ISSA/NASM certifications. While both credentials are nationally recognized, the NASM is accredited by NCCA, while the DETC is approved by DETC. These distinctions may also influence the candidate your future employer selects
However, before picking between ISSA and NASM, you must first choose what type of training you want to pursue. Want to train athletes? ISSA certification is great for you than NASM.
