NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC)

What is the NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC)?

The NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC) is an advanced nutrition certification that prepares you to coach athletes and performance-minded clients through a comprehensive range of performance nutrition topics (including metabolism and energetics, to macronutrient and hydration strategies, nutrient timing, body composition, recovery, and supplementation) grounded in evidence-informed practice. It's fully online and self-paced.

Who is the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach course for?

The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach credential course is built for fitness and health professionals who train and support athletes at every stage, whether high school, collegiate, amateur, or professional. This includes Certified Personal Trainers, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and wellness coaches. It’s also ideal for athletes who want to learn about sports nutrition for their own development.

What does the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach credential allow me to do?

Successful completion of the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach exam qualifies candidates for entry into the Institute of Performance Nutrition (IOPN) 1-year advanced-level practitioner training program, the Diploma in Performance Nutrition.

Are there prerequisites for the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach?

There are no prerequisites for the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach. It's ideal alongside a personal training credential or for those working with athletes, but anyone can enroll and start right away. It's designed for fitness professionals, aspiring professionals, and athletes who want to learn about sports nutrition for their own development.

What’s the difference between the Certified Nutrition Coach and the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach?

The Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) works with general clients on body composition, health, and lifestyle. The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC) goes deeper into performance nutrition for athletes, including fueling, recovery, and competition. Many personal trainers and coaches hold both.

How long does the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach take, and can I do it while working?

The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach is 100% online and self-paced, allowing you to study on your schedule. Many learners complete it in 4 to 6 weeks.

How is the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach exam structured?

The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach exam is completely online and open-book. It has 100 multiple-choice questions, a 90-minute limit, and a 70% passing score, with up to three attempts. You have one year from purchase to complete the CSNC exam.

How many CEUs do you earn if you complete the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach program?

The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach is worth 1.9 NASM CEUs, which can be applied toward renewing an existing NASM certification such as the NASM-CPT.

What does the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach cover?

Across 20 chapters, the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach covers the sports nutrition profession and scope of practice, metabolism and energetics, protein, carbohydrates, fat, micronutrients and hydration, periodization and nutrient timing, body composition, recovery, supplementation, assessment, and coaching. The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach contributors bring hands-on experience consulting for professional sports organizations, Division I programs, and wearable technology companies, along with over 100 combined peer-reviewed publications spanning exercise physiology, biomechanics, and sport psychology to deliver a science-backed coaching framework equipping you to support athletes from high school to elite level, on and off the field.

How much do coaches with the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach credential earn?*

In NASM's 2026 State of the Personal Trainer Survey (N = 1,133, ±2.9%, 95% confidence), personal trainers who added the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach credential reported earning about 26% more than their peers. Actual earnings vary by setting and experience. NASM 2026 State of the Personal Trainer Survey full Report.

How do you recertify the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach?

The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach is renewed every two years by completing 1.9 NASM CEUs. Unlike NASM-CPT, CPR/AED certification is not required for CSNC renewal.  NASM One™ membership waives the recertification fee and includes select continuing education, business tools, and community access, so active members can maintain the credential without a separate renewal charge.

Is the Certified Sports Nutrition Coach exam accredited by a third-party?

The Certified Sports Nutrition Coach exam is not NCCA-accredited. The NASM Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC) was built by a team of sports scientists, exercise physiologists, and performance nutritionists translating peer-reviewed research into applied coaching strategies. The course prepares you to coach athletes and performance-minded clients through the full spectrum of performance nutrition (from metabolism and energetics to macronutrient and hydration strategies, nutrient timing, body composition, recovery, and supplementation) grounded in evidence-informed practice and does not require third-party accreditation or proctoring. It carries NASM's industry recognition through 35+ years of evidence-based training.