Dear esteemed reader, welcome to our in-depth Precision Nutrition review.
After reading this article, you’ll know if the Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification aligns with your fitness career goals.
Here are the main thrusts of this discourse:
- Skills and knowledge covered in PN Level 1 curriculum
- Certification exam and recertification requirements
- Salary of certified nutritionists
- Analysis of study materials
Let’s get into the business of the day!
Introduction to Precision Nutrition
Dr. John Berardi and Phil Caravaggio established Precision Nutrition (PN) in 2005 to help people lead a fit and healthy life.
The founders have expanded the firm to bring in renowned health professionals, all-star athletes, and fitness experts.
Despite offering classes only in nutrition, Precision Nutrition has emerged as the most respected and largest private firm globally.
At present. The organization provides certifications for Precision Nutrition Level 1 as well as Precision Nutrition Level 2.
While Level 1 focuses on nutrition, Level 2 preoccupies itself with coaching.
PN’s coaching software, ProCoach, is popular among fitness professionals.
They use the software to offer exceptional programs to clients.
Also, PN has a strong and growing coaching network.
Thus, it’s needless to ask, “Is Precision Nutrition recognised in Australia?” or “Is Precision Nutrition recognised in the UK?”
Various Precision Nutrition reviews have shown that the organization takes a global dimension in impact and relevance quickly.
Now that you know about the company let’s discuss the Level 1 program to see what it entails.
Background to Precision Nutrition Level 1
At this point, we want to answer the question: “What is PN1?”
The PN Level 1 certification course is a results-oriented fitness coaching with the backing of influential stakeholders in the health and wellness industry.
The PN Level 1 is a science-backed system for coaching and nutrition.
The course content quickly opens learners to the crucial nutrition concepts.
One of the undeniable advantages of this program is that personal trainers can coach others while learning; the classy design of the program makes the assimilation and implementation process seamless.
It’s straightforward to integrate the program’s skills into your current coaching practice.
The essence of the materials is to gradually and procedurally build your coaching business through the masterful integration of what you learn.
Those who earn this cert become certified nutritionists.
However, PN Level 1 isn’t a certification in the conventional sense of it because the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) does not accredit it.
Nevertheless, the course content is rich, carefully selected, and well-arranged to ensure value-driven learning.
PN derives its framework and research from master’s and PhD-level materials but breaks the content down at a university level for learners.
It’s incontrovertible that the course is of the highest standard because it can count as a university credit and replace a 3-unit course when presented to a college.
The PN Level 1 is an online course with physical texts and a knowledgeable community to converse with.
It’s a growing community and an amazing collaboration platform.
This nutrition course is $999, without any cheaper option.
It’s a bit more expensive than similar nutrition certifications; hence, the cost could be a discouraging factor for many people.
Precision Nutrition ProCoach Client Management Software
This client management software is a bridge-builder that helps nutritionists integrate what they’re learning into their training practice.
You use a user-friendly UI to track your client’s progress.
More so, the app’s automated features make the process more seamless and efficient.
The ProCoach software increases your level of productivity by helping you care for more clients.
However, the Achilles’ heel of the Precision Nutrition ProCoach is its cost after trial.
The software costs $99 monthly for up to 20 clients, and the price changes when you cross the 20-client boundary.
The software is undoubtedly effective in serving its purpose but rather costly for many people.
Let’s analyze the course content to know its relevance to the health and fitness industry.
Skills and Knowledge in Precision Nutrition Certification
The Precision Nutrition Level 1 certification study package items include the textbook (divided into three) and an online portal to track tests, quizzes, and other relevant things.
The textbook was recently revised, and it’s presently in its 4th edition, with a total of 20 chapters.
The text is divided into three categories, and each category is regarded as a book.
A workbook and study guide comes with the textbook.
Also, the organization ensures you access virtually every resource you need to be a successful nutrition coach.
You can start using the resources immediately after subscribing to the nutrition program.
You’ll participate in multiple assessments during the program.
The assessments will come from the study guide or workbook, the chapter exams, and the case studies.
It’s a standard manner to ensure that you assimilate new pieces of information easily.
To make this discourse more practical, let’s dissect the study package and analyze the main concepts.
Specifically, we’ll discuss nutrition coaching, nutritional science, and strategies for behavioral change.
Nutritional Science
Nutritional Science is the basis of nutrition programs, but it differs in this certification.
Rather, it’s in the second unit text.
Therefore it is worth noting that the chapters spanning from 6 to 14 deal specifically with concepts related to Nutritional Science.
Here are their titles:
· Chapter 6—Introduction to Nutritional Science
· Chapter 7—Systems and Cells
· Chapter 8—Through the GI Tract
· Chapter 9—Energy Transformation and Metabolism
· Chapter 10—Energy Balance
· Chapter 11— Macronutrients
· Chapter 12—Micronutrients and Whole Foods
· Chapter 13—Water and Fluid Balance
· Chapter 14—Stress, Recovery, and Sleep
These are the main concepts people hope to learn in a nutrition program, but it’s not the strongest point of this certification.
The program begins differently from many nutrition certifications.
It discusses bodily systems and digestions before highlighting micronutrients and macronutrients.
Precision Nutrition Level 1 certification doesn’t discuss nutritional science extensively as other leading nutrition programs like the National Academy of Sports Medicine, or NASM CNC and ACE, do.
The company should revise its text to focus more on specific nutrients
For instance, it’s not out of place to dedicate a chapter to each macronutrient because the concept is a bit complicated.
Ironically, Precision Nutrition doesn’t discuss macronutrients extensively as competing firms that charge lesser amounts for their certifications.
Thus, this aspect leaves many unanswered questions in the minds of learners.
Even though the program contains links to relevant external articles, it doesn’t cover up for this obvious deficiency because most of the links are free articles readily accessible to everyone through the precision nutrition blog.
Hence, it’s not even to have part of the taught content already available through the company’s website for free, most especially when it pertains to the science of nutrition.
Behavioral Change Strategies
While behavior change strategies are present all over the program, it doesn’t have a dedicated section.
The only chapter that behavior change focused on in chapter 4 titled “Helping People Change.”
The Precision Nutrition approach depends on instituting change through a 5-step formula for goal setting.
The goals must be simple, strategic, sequential, supported, and segmental.
Nutritionists set realistic goals through their clients’ involvement; when you carry the client along while setting the goal, it’s straightforward to achieve.
The Precision Nutrition book also outlines numerous examples and case studies between nutritionists and their clients.
Thus, nutrition coaches have many reference points while training clients.
When you have well-explained guides, it’s rare for you to make mistakes.
The idea resurfaces several times in the third unit of the text, as the organizers gather everyone to explore the topic of authentic precision nutrition coaching.
Our verdict is that the real behavioral change topics are the weakest points of this program.
Thus, the authorities should consider discussing psychological concepts more extensively and further explain why people behave in a given way.
The NASM nutrition book explains this aspect more specifically and professionally.
Nutritional Coaching
Concepts on nutritional coaching are discussed in the third section of the textbooks.
The following chapters specifically shed light on this concept:
· Chapter 15: Coaching in Practice
· Chapter 16: Working with Level 1 Clients
· Chapter 17: Working with Level 2 Clients
· Chapter 18: Working with Level 3 Clients
· Chapter 19: Special Scenarios
· Chapter 20: Business 101
Chapter 15 opens the section with applications and videos about everything students have learned before.
This certification excellently introduces clients’ ideas in multi-dimensional formats, which means you must brand or personalize their programs to get desired outcomes.
This system is highly beneficial in keeping clients because it’s been a recurring issue in the industry over time.
Most times, coaches erroneously assume that specific programs are beneficial to everyone.
So, they try to impose it on all their clients.
There are several pivotal concerns associated with the nutrition coaching procedure. These encompass the steps of assessment, estimation, experimentation, evaluation, and repetition.
Hence, you’re reassured that this process will emphasize the need to constantly test and assess clients, a concept that may not be pronounced in practice.
We discover that these concepts highlight outstanding nutritional coaching strategies.
However, they’ll make any professional an exceptional coach in their chosen field.
The textbook places clients in categories 1 to 3.
Category 1 stands for most people, 2 represents the average, while 3 symbolizes more advanced and highly restrictive individuals.
It’s resourceful and more results-oriented to approach clients with different strategies based on their dietary patterns and their general health state.
Then, this charmingly arranged section drops the curtain with special case studies and business nuggets for nutrition coaches.
There’s no gainsaying that the coaching segment is the strongest part of this textbook.
And fortunately, this is meant to improve everyone; it wants to make every participant a better nutrition coach.
One obvious way this is helpful is because stakeholders often see this certification as a means for personal trainers to increase their capabilities.
The certification is designed to bolster even the careers of the best personal trainers.
We must also add that PN’s Precision Nutrition Level 2 certification focuses on coaching specialization.
It doesn’t dwell too much on nutrition because that’s the central focus of Precision Nutrition Level 1 certification.
Thus, these are the main nutrition coaching concepts this Precision Nutrition certification teaches.
Let’s take the discourse further by discussing other equally essential concepts.
PN Level 1 Certification Requirements
Unlike most other certification courses, this program has no stated qualifications.
Precision Nutrition certification is seen as a specialization certification; you must have acquired other relevant certificates before putting in for it.
Thus, the main qualifications for this program are your commitment, focus, and finances.
Earning Potentials of Precision Nutritionists
One of the issues people are always concerned about when putting in for a certification program is how much they can make.
You want to be certain of your financial future before committing yourself to any given program.
Before acquiring a nutritionist certification, find about their earning potentials to know if the certification can sustain you.
It’s not enough to know Precision Nutrition systems without knowing its salary.
According to different data sources, an average Precision Nutrition coach salary ranges from $2,300 to $6,000 per month.
Such coaches work 30 to 40 hours weekly.
Some coaches don’t earn up to this monthly average, while others shoot beyond it.
According to Precision Nutrition, highly successful coaches with this nutritionist certification charge clients between $100 and $200 per month, and some of them have 50-100 clients.
Do the math yourself to see if this certification is worth earning or not.
Of course, geographical location, offerings, and experience affect earnings.
For instance, a personal trainer will charge a higher rate than a group trainer.
A group trainer doesn’t have to think of personalized nutrition or individual dietary patterns.
Being a personal trainer is more demanding, so clients must pay them more.
You may also introduce flexible payment plans to attract more clients.
Also, commitment, passion, motivation, and results affect earnings.
For example, those with a deeper understanding of Precision Nutrition systems will get more clients than starters.
However, Precision Nutrition coach salary shouldn’t be the only attraction.
To have a sustainable and successful career, you must be truly passionate and committed to understanding and implementing dietary patterns.
Salary is only a means to an end!
Precision Nutrition Level 1 Certification Exam
Precision Nutrition has a different exam format from other certifying bodies.
Students take 20 short examinations with 10 questions each instead of the conventional final certification exam.
Invariably, students take a test after completing each chapter.
The questions are often in the true or false system and multiple-choice formats.
Since Precision Nutrition is a purely online nutrition certification, every exam is taken on its portal.
You must finish a chapter before you can unlock the next.
This system ensures that learners don’t skip any stage because all topics are systemically arranged to ensure seamless comprehension.
To become Precision Nutrition certified, you must score 150 out of 200.
In other words, you must record a 75% success rate.
If you fail to hit the benchmark, you’ll retake the entire 20 short tests in a final exam format, and you have the chance to retake it five times.
From the outset, those truly committed to the program will pass the exams on their first attempt.
And with the many retakes, it’s weird to keep failing consistently.
Continuing Education Requirements
Also, Precision Nutrition has relaxed requirements; once you’re Precision Nutrition certified, there’s no more need for recertification.
The company wants you to focus on giving clients nutritional advice and pursuing other things to aid your career growth.
You’re not trapped in the burden of meeting the educational process while struggling with the coaching process simultaneously.
Hence, after earning your Precision Nutrition coaching certification, you’re free to explore the world as you please!
Pros and Cons of Precision Nutrition
We want to be more direct now.
After outlining the main features of this certification program, we want to highlight its specific strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the best nutrition coaching certification for you.
We’ll be more detailed in this segment because we know that most readers are about to decide whether to purchase this program or not.
Pros of PN
It Has Scientifically-Proven Methodology
PN’s first point of attraction is its clear-cut evidence-driven scientific method.
Precision Nutrition systems were designed by leading nutritional experts globally.
The organizers used PhD-level materials to prepare this nutritionist certification.
Despite using high-level research as raw materials, the course content is simple, straightforward, and practical.
Many nutrition-based certifying agencies extract materials from the PN curriculum.
For instance, there’s a strong affiliation between this program and the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA).
Almost every nutritional certifying agency recognizes PN as a CEU provider.
PN has established itself in the nutritional science department across universities.
For instance, Eastern Michigan University teaches Precision Nutrition as part of their master’s program.
Hence, you’re sure that PN is legit, and if you can optimize its content, you’ll distinguish yourself in the field.
The dietary patterns and personalized nutrition you learn aren’t meant to fulfill all righteousness; you’ll become clients’ favorite if you can implement them.
You Need Certification Once
Once you become Precision Nutrition Level 1 certified, there’s no need for recertification again.
Similar certifications have expiry dates and renewal cycles.
However, PN doesn’t burden you with recertification every two or three years.
The company knows that you must concentrate on other things to grow your career rather than being forced to do things that aren’t productive as touted.
It Uses Friendly Learning Approach
PN also uses a flexible and professional approach to teaching.
It’s easy for you to learn at your pace due to the course design.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the said course is universally available, thereby signifying its availability and accessibility through online platforms.
This certification is highly regarded as one of the finest online options for aspiring nutrition professionals.
Hence, you can learn in your comfort, at your pleasure, and your desired speed.
PN’s study materials are shipped for free globally.
Thus, you have no reason to fail!
Learners Have Free Access to ProCoach Tool
Conventionally, this transformative software sells for $99 per month, but those who purchase PN Level 1 certifications have a lifetime of free access to it.
ProCoach performs similar wonders like Trainerize and PTDistinction, classy software used for exercise coaching.
ProCoach makes your partnership with a registered dietitian seamless and more profitable.
The software allows hassle-free management of client information such as food intake, goals, and progress reports.
Purchasing this certification also gives you access to a PN calculator that helps you calculate your client’s nutritional goals within a twinkle of an eye.
PN Has Flexible Refund Policy
PN is aware that its certification might not suit everyone, and that’s why they’ve made a provision for a refund.
The main reason you’re reading this piece is to know whether the course is ideal for you.
If you purchase the course and it doesn’t meet your expectations, you can ask for a refund within 45 days.
The organization is confident about its refund policy due to its excellent curriculum.
Simple, Straightforward, and Masterful Delivery
The PN textbooks are written in an engaging, conversational style; it doesn’t use academic tones that are often intimidating and bland.
The relatable style used in PN materials aids assimilation and motivates learners to study.
Perhaps, this is the secret behind PN’s towering success.
The textbook has numerous real-life scenarios, a ploy that keeps you glued to your reading table.
It Provides CEU Opportunity
PN Level 1 certification provides 1.9 continuing education units.
Most leading certifying companies like NASM, ACSM, NFPT, ACE, NSCA and ISSA require recertification after a given cycle.
Depending on the specific certification, it’s usually between two and three years.
There are certain requirements to fulfill to keep your certification status active, and the top among these requirements is having CEUs.
The continuing education credits prove that you participated in relevant academic activities, broadened your skills, and stayed updated about developments in the industry.
PN Level 1 provides almost the entire credits because most two-year certifications demand 2 CE credits for certification renewal.
With 1.9 CE credits already in the bag, you’re just a step away from the benchmark!
The Cons of PN
It is Costly
Precision Nutrition certification cost is the first negative point against it.
Precision Nutrition costs $119 monthly for 12 months and $999 for a one-time payment.
Similar certifications offering the same or better value don’t charge up to that.
We opine that the cost is beyond its value, and the organizers should consider a downward review of the price.
However, if you can afford it, we’re not dissuading you from going ahead with it.
There are No Answers in the Workbook
Although the workbook intends to propel learners to dive into retained knowledge, the absence of an answer guide to confirm one’s choice isn’t too pleasing.
Workbooks shouldn’t be designed in an exam format; they should prepare you for the real exam and not pose as exams themselves.
It’s very helpful when authors provide answer guides to questions.
Learners will know their weaknesses and how to improve.
However, you leave them in the dark when there are no answers.
The Certification is Non-Accredited
One of the undying criticisms against this certification is that it isn’t certified, and that’s why some people doubt its legitimacy.
Accreditation gives a certification its reputation; if a program isn’t certified, people don’t regard it as a certification.
Most leading certifications are certified by the NCCA, the gold standard for certifications in the US.
Well, Precision Nutrition doesn’t necessarily need to be certified.
PN is an established force in the industry, with its curriculum promoted by the most-renowned fitness brands.
PN curriculum is taught in universities and colleges.
It also provides CE credits for the leading certifying agencies.
Thus, from an academic and industry perspective, PN is a force to reckon with, the basis for accreditation.
However, PN should have gotten accredited to stop doubtful people from wrongful expressions about its legitimacy.
Since it doesn’t hurt, why not do it?
You Must Join the ‘Queue’
Weirdly, PN certification isn’t available for immediate purchase.
Candidates sign up for the presale list and hope to be considered when enrollment commences.
This long process is unnecessary and irritating because the course is online.
Hence, there’s nothing limiting students’ intake.
Perhaps the authorities have a better explanation they’re yet to let out, but they should revisit the decision whatever the case is.
However, you can dodge this long, needless process by buying the course via the ISSA website.
You’ll also have access to ISSA personal trainer study materials.
The combined knowledge of the two certifications will open unimaginable doors for you.
Open Book Test Policy
It’s also weird that PN doesn’t include answers in its workbook but encourages open-book tests.
Timing, proper questioning, and the need to test knowledge are the reasons for doing an exam.
Encouraging students to flip through the pages of their books before answering an untimed question is a huge joke, and that’s why the program hasn’t been certified.
The organization should review this policy because it doesn’t have any pronounced advantage.
Conclusion
While some stakeholders opine that PN isn’t the best nutrition coaching certification, it’s undeniable that it’s one of the most standard fitness nutrition certifications.
On a scale of 10, we’ll score this nutritional coaching certification 7.3.
However, the PN coaching materials are too pricey; the price seems to be over-bloated.
The Precision Nutrition certification cost is simply blown out of proportion.
But if you buy the bundle with the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) certification, it will increase the value by ten folds.
From our discourse, you can see that has two sides—the good and the bad.
It outlines systems for personalized nutrition, a diet guide, and a ketogenic diet, but it’s not accredited.
Thus, you must weigh these two whenever you want to purchase the program to know if it’s worth it.
Our verdict is that the PN coaching certification is valuable, but you may explore other options along with it.
If you’re struggling financially, this certification is a no-go area for you.
FAQs
Is Precision Nutrition NCCA accredited?
No, the company isn’t accredited by the NCCA or any other government organization.
However, this doesn’t diminish its quality.
In fact, Business Insider recently ranked Precision Nutrition as the top online nutrition certification.
The company isn’t accredited because of its controversial open-book exam format.
What does Precision Nutrition teach?
Precision Nutrition is an exercise and nutrition program that helps participants understand nutritional concepts through the portrayal of real-life scenarios.
The program teaches participants to formulate diet guides and nutrition plans that match client information.
Coaches will learn to formulate personalized nutrition and dietary patterns for healthy living.
How much do Precision Nutrition coaches make?
According to Precision Nutrition, its coaches make between $2,300 and $6,000 per month.
The quoted amount is for Precision Nutrition Level 1 certified coaches working for 30-40 hours weekly.
However, note that these numbers are averages because some make less while others make more.
Does Precision Nutrition have a final exam?
It doesn’t have a final exam; students take tests after completing each chapter.
Thus, they take 20 tests for the 20 chapters in the program, with each test containing 10 questions.
However, if you don’t score up 150 out of 200, you’ll retake the tests as a final exam.
How do I cancel Precision Nutrition?
If you feel like canceling your account, send a mail to info@precisionnutrition.com.
It’s pertinent to add that the company will not give you a refund or any form of compensation when you willingly terminate your account.
Precision Nutrition will help you in the cancellation process but won’t bear liabilities.
Does Precision Nutrition teach macros?
Yes, macros are an essential part of the PN curriculum.
The company teaches detailed macronutrients using science-based techniques.
It also has a calculator to determine the macronutrients in personalized nutrition.
However, PN doesn’t use macronutrient counting to regulate food intake.
How legit is Precision Nutrition?
Precision Nutrition is highly legitimate and recognized across the world.
It’s ranked by Business Insider as the best online nutrition certification globally.
There are over 150,000 Precision Nutrition certified professionals globally.
This answer also suffices those asking, “Is Precision Nutrition legit?”
How much did Precision Nutrition sell for?
Precision Nutrition costs $999 during the presale, and it’s the cheapest you can get PN Level 1 for.
PN is costlier than most other nutrition certification programs, but it’s worth the price for those who can afford it.
However, consider other equally good nutrition coaching certifications if you can’t afford them.
What qualifications do you need to be a sports nutritionist?
Ideally, any nutritionist certification relevant to sports will work, but people with a nutritional science degree tend to make waves in the field.
Whatever degree you’re taking, ensure it’s acknowledged by the Nutrition Coaching Institute (NCI).
Many athletes prefer working with bachelor’s holders or those with higher degrees.
How much does it cost to recertify Precision Nutrition?
Precision Nutrition doesn’t need recertification; there are no more requirements to renew your certificate after earning your certification.
In other words, your fitness and nutrition certification is evergreen.
You can channel the cost of recertification into other worthwhile career investments.
