Although no formal post­secondary 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.

The SNS Certification, together with the Performance Nutrition Expert (PNE) is a mid-level sports nutrition certification. Depending on the level of a person's prior knowledge and experience, all will find the content extremely thorough and boost your knowledge.

For those at an early or moderate stage in your sports nutrition or coaching career, this is an ideal foundation course, to begin with, but will give you a mid to high-level firm foundation at the same time.

For those looking to take their career to the highest level, begin with the GPNi® SNS and work towards the CISSN over time to be recognized amongst your peers to be at the top of your game. Start at growing your career with the GPNi® and continue to ascend one step at a time!

See what others have said about studying with GPNi® on the GPNi® YouTube Page.

"One of my biggest frustrations in the industry in the past has been courses where the knowledge is already outdated based on the current science, but they're very slow to update the course content. That isn't a problem with the PNE Level-1 + SNS certification and the GPNi. It is the world's most up-to-date and cutting-edge science-backed sports nutrition certification." - Holly Priestland (UK), PNE Level-1 + SNS, Graduate Year, 2021

“I was looking for the perfect course that combined theoretical knowledge and practical experience in sports nutrition for many years. I was greatly impressed with what I learned and gained with the blend of on-demand content together and “live” online Zoom tutorials and class groups. For those in the fitness industry, I highly recommend getting the PNE Level-1 + SNS certified on the GPNi portal and upgrading your knowledge and career simultaneously.” - Lenka Suta (Slovakia), PNE Level-1 + SNS, Graduate Year, 2021.

"I graduated from University Kebangsaan Malaysia and possessed a bachelor's degree in nutrition with honors. Since I learned about nutrition, I have been interested in sports and performance nutrition. So that is why I chose to join this class." - Amir Shahimi (Malaysia), PNE Level-1 + SNS, Graduate Year, 2022.

“In the last few days, my clients have asked me for guidance and tips about nutrition and pairing their workouts with their meal plans. So I decided to attend this nutrition certification, and I have to say that I learned a lot, and finally, I can give the right answers to all my clients." - Emanuele Mediati (Italy), PNE Level-1 + SNS, Graduate Year, 2019.

With all GPNi courses and certifications, you will learn sports nutrition strategies backed by the most up-to-date and cutting-edge science and research. Global experts also create all courses and sports nutrition researchers.
Depending on which course and level certification you choose, you will learn the below areas + a great deal more.

• When you eat may be as important as what you eat for athletic performance.
• Nutrient timing incorporates methodical planning and eating whole foods, fortified foods, and dietary supplements.
• The timing of energy intake and the ratio of certain ingested macronutrients may enhance recovery and tissue repair, augment muscle protein synthesis (MPS), and improve mood states following high-volume or intense exercise.
• The right sports nutrition plan for the right athlete for performance and recovery.
• The GPNi branded “Traffic Light System®” on supplementation (products) has proven to work, backed by science according to the latest ISSN research and later literature.
• In-depth understanding of the ISSN Position Stands.
• Ethics and best standards of practice for global performance nutrition.

Upon completing the course and being certified as a Sports Nutritionist, you will be recognized globally as qualified. No other sports nutrition or nutrition certification can offer this level of authority. Though other certifications may have content, none of it is created by the experts that did the science & research on sports nutrition.

To maintain your PNE Level-1 + SNS or PNE Level-2 Masters + CISSN international certification and be considered "active" on the GPNi website, you need to accumulate 10 Continued Education Credits (CECs) Every Two Years. A complete list of all the CEC requirements and what specific activities you can do to achieve these credits are listed in the GPNi CEC Policy Section. 

For those who do not complete the required CEC points every two years, your account will remain open. However, your student Public Profile on the GPNi site will be displayed as "Inactive."

The CISSN, by the GPNi®, is far more advanced and is the preferred certification for those who wish to provide more detailed sports nutrition information to their clients and professional athletes. SNS is a critical foundation course for those at an earlier stage in their career, or who need a foundation to begin in performance nutrition.

The SNS focuses more on the applied aspects of sports nutrition and is meant for those who do not have a strong foundation in place and need to learn the fundamentals first.

Through the GPNi®, SNS is a prerequisite in being able to apply for CISSN Masters also. Only those that have completed the SNS Certification program, or have a relevant degree in nutrition can apply for the CISSN.

For those that wish to do the CISSN, that are not yet qualified, you can learn about the "Masters Pack," which includes both the SNS and CISSN together. The GPNi® Masters Pack helps fast-track you with your career and qualifications, also has some moderate discounts for the pack as well for both.