ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association)

ISSA: Online Fitness and Personal Training Certifications

ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) is an organization that provides online certifications and training for fitness professionals. Its offerings include Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Elite Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Health Coach, Yoga and Pilates programs, as well as specializations in functional aging, senior fitness, brain fitness, strength and conditioning, corrective exercise, bodybuilding, and personal training business. The company states it has trained over one million professionals and has a network of more than 23,000 gyms, studios, and health clubs that hire its graduates.

Certification Programs

ISSA's catalog is organized into several paths. The Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification is designed for those starting a fitness career without prior experience. The Elite Trainer bundle combines four certifications into one, with training in exercise, nutrition, and performance. Other notable programs include Certified Nutrition Coach, Health Coach (with NBHWC certification option), Strength and Conditioning Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, Senior Fitness Instructor, Brain Fitness Specialist, Yoga Instructor (200-hour training and yoga fundamentals), Pilates Instructor, Corrective Exercise, Bodybuilding, and Business of Personal Training. A CPR/AED certification and continuing education courses (CEUs) are also offered, such as understanding the hip complex and specific nutrition.

Resources and Support Services

In addition to courses, ISSA provides resources such as a blog, events, a fitness industry report, professional guides (how to become a certified personal trainer, personal trainer salary guide), and tools to compare certifications. The company offers student help, military support, and enrollment advisors. It has a Spanish version of its catalog, with courses such as Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Elite Trainer, Fitness Trainer, Nutrition Coach, Strength and Conditioning Trainer, Functional Aging Specialist, and Menopause Coach Certification.

Job Guarantee and Financing

ISSA backs its programs with a money-back guarantee: if a student does not receive a job offer within 90 days of passing the NCCPT exam, tuition is refunded. The company states that its certifications, including those accredited by NCCA, are among the most sought-after in the industry. It offers flexible financing and payment plans, with monthly prices at the time of analysis shown as: Certified Personal Trainer at $89/month, Elite Trainer at $125/month, and The Business of Personal Training at $53/month.

Presence and Recognition

The company claims a 95% exam pass rate and more than 23,000 hiring partners. On Trustpilot, its profile has 15,832 reviews with an "Excellent" rating. Student testimonials highlight the flexibility to study at one's own pace, the clarity of the material, and the support team's attention, including the military advisor. ISSA presents itself as a mission to impact more than 100 million lives through fitness and healthy living.