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- 5 Step plan to becoming certified
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About the International Sports Science Association (ISSA)
The ISSA is the world leader in fitness education and delivers comprehensive, cognitive and practical distance education for fitness professionals, grounded in industry research, using both traditional and innovative modalities. Founded in 1988 by Dr. Sal Arria and Dr. Frederick Hatfield, the ISSA now offers 12 fitness certifications and has certified over 300,000 trainers in 143 countries.
Mission
Our Mission
Bring healthy living to everybody in the world through education and community.
Our Vision
Connect 100M people to the power of healthy living by 2030.
Core Values
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Prioritize Personal Connection
- We Serve Others
- We Provide Exceptional Service
- We Build Solid Relationships
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Share Wellness
- We Promote Healthy Living
- We Have a Reciprocal Relationship with Wellness
- We Actively Pursue Balanced Lifestyles
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Live Grit + Resilience
- We are Scrappy and Tenacious
- We Tackle Obstacles Head On
- We "Get It Done"
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Enjoy the Drive
- We are Results Oriented
- We Embrace the Sometimes Wild Ride
- We Have Fun
Accreditations and Affiliations
The IHRSA is a trade association serving the global health club and fitness industry. The mission of IHRSA is to grow, protect and promote the health and fitness industry, and to provide its members with benefits that will help them be more successful. The IHRSA is dedicated to making the world healthier through regular exercise and activity promotion.
The European Register of Exercise Professionals (EREPS) is an independent register of instructors, trainers and teachers working in the European health, fitness and physical activity sector.
EREPS recognises the qualifications and skills of exercise professionals and is an important assurance for the public and employers that their instructor or employee holds the appropriate qualifications to perform their role safely and effectively.
The National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure to the public that qualified fitness professionals who have successfully passed the National Board examination have achieved an approved level of competency in the health and fitness industry. The NBFE promotes the services of qualified fitness professionals as a viable means of improving public health.
Since 1985 the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools has worked with the State's Governors, Legislature, elected officials and the numerous regulatory agencies to promote high quality education.
The New York Chiropractic College assists future doctors of chiropractic achieve their career goals, New York Chiropractic College offers a unique educational program that gives students access to many career possibilities. The mission of New York Chiropractic College is to provide leadership and academic excellence in all our degree granting programs through a commitment to quality education and patient care, research excellence, professional service, and the fostering of lifelong learning for all members of our community. ISSA is approved for continuing education credits for chiropractors through the New York Chiropractic College.
The Better Business Bureau's mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education, and service excellence. ISSA maintains a A+ rating with the BBB--the highest possible rating.
ISSA Timeline
1987
At the age of 45, ISSA Co-Founder, Dr. Fred Hatfield, establishes a world record in the squat at 1014 pounds with a 255-pound body weight, making the achievement the most anyone had ever lifted in the history of powerlifting competition.
1988 — The International Sports Sciences Association
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is formed by a team of renowned fitness experts under the leadership of Sal A. Arria, DC, MSS, and Frederick C. Hatfield, Ph.D., MSS, to stem the tide of physical decline. ISSA is founded with the mission of increasing the fitness of the people on our planet by helping more fitness professionals enjoy a successful career in fitness.
1990
ISSA launches Weekend Educational Workshops
1991
Dr. Fred Hatfield is awarded the prestigious Alumni Citation Award from Southern Connecticut State University "In recognition of [his] extraordinary achievements and distinguished career."
1992
The ISSA becomes the first fitness certification organization to mandate continuing education.
1994
The ISSA sees the educational and information sharing potential and power of the Internet and launches its first online site at ISSA-USA
Summer 1995
ISSA launches ProTrainer Online Magazine
Fall 1995
Specialist in Performance Nutrition Course is launched
1996
Strength & Conditioning Course is launched
1997
Youth Fitness Trainer Course is launched
1998
ISSA celebrates its 10-year anniversary
1998
Specialist in Senior Fitness Course is launched
June 2000
Dr. Fred Hatfield is inducted into the Powerlifting Hall of Fame in York, PA
2002
Certified Fitness Trainer final examination is offered online
Summer 2005
ISSA becomes a Provisional Affiliate of National Board of Fitness Examiners (NBFE)
2005
8th edition of ISSA Certified Fitness Trainer is launched
Summer 2006
ISSA earns an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
2006
New Study Guides added to all major certification courses
March 2008
3D Exercise Lab is launched
2008
ISSA celebrates its 20-year anniversary
2008
Public, Educational, and Provisional divisions are launched
January 2009
ISSA earns DETC accreditation
February 2009
ISSA gets listed with DANTES
April 2009
ISSA is the first fitness certification organization to receive approval from Marine, Navy, Air Force, National Guard and Coast Guard for Tuition Assistance for military active and reserve duty troops.
May 2009
ISSA earns official charter for Honor Society Delta Epsilon Tau
June 2009
ISSA launches new Specialist Fitness Nutrition course authored by John Berardi
August 2009
ISSA receives GiJobs Military Friendly School honor
August 2010
ISSA receives GiJobs Military Friendly School honor for the second year in a row
November 2010
ISSA launches 10 week Guided Study On Track lecture and audio series
2010
ISSA launches LIRN library for College of Exercise Science
April 2011
ISSA begins offering Members Free Professional Website for business purposes
June 2011
ISSA Launches Public Division For the Health of It monthly newsletter
July 2011
ISSA becomes official SOCs member
August 2011
ISSA receives its third consecutive GiJobs Military Friendly School honor
September 2011
ISSA earns VA approval
October 2011
ISSA earns licensing from CA BPPE
November 2011
ISSA earns full Affiliate status with the NBFE
2012
ISSA launches Thank a Vet — Hire a Vet national campaign
2013
Champions Youth Fitness teams up with KidShape 2.0 and ISSA to boost youth fitness
2014
ISSA achieves National Accreditation through DEAC
2015
ISSA busts the myth that one-size-fits-all diets work
2016
Huffington Post names ISSA one of the top Personal Training Certifications in America
2017
ISSA recognized as DEAC Outstanding Distance Education Program
2018
Andrew Wyant, former National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) president, becomes President and CEO of ISSA. The global leader in fitness and nutrition education shapes ISSA's new headquarters in Arizona
2019
ISSA launches first certification for DNA-Based fitness training programs
2019
ISSA Certified Trainer Shannon Decker receives 2019 DEAC Famous Alumni Award
2019
Rich Brown joins ISSA from Digital Air Strike as the new CIO
2019
ISSA releases Fitness Certification Program tailored to military veterans and their families looking to make fitness training a career
2019
Rachael Cordova joins ISSA from Manifest as the new CFO
2019
ISSA launches partnership with leading online fitness and allied healthcare professionals organization, MedFit Network and MedFit Education Foundation
2019
DNA-Based Fitness Coach program is launched
2020
ISSA acquires NCCPT (National Counsel of Certified Personal Trainers), adding accredited
2020
Yoga Certification course is launched
2020
Weight Management Instructor course is launched
2020
Powerlifting Instructor course is launched
2020
Online Coaching Certification course is launched
2020
Lifespan Coach Certification course is launched
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Get a Free Evaluation KitHear how ISSA has helped students like you
I thank ISSA, their entire team for designing such a course and helping me to make my passion a Profession.
Kshitij Mishra
I was so overwhelmed at first but chatted with a master trainer on the website and they gave me some wonderful study tips that built my confidence back up. I actually finished a month early.
Evette Wrinkle
Hear how ISSA has helped students like you
The book is well illustrated and supported with diagrams and photos helping to clarify the information in each unit.
Eva Ebersole
ISSA has remained to be among the leaders of the fitness industry and is still an organization that is nationally recognized and has a good reputation.
Karin Singleton
I loved every single page of my book. They were so informative and every topic we're in-depth.
Arjun Shaw
I am so overly emotional and proud that throughout these last 12 weeks of insane studies and working all the time; I finished. I can't wait to see how ISSA helps me better myself and everyone around me.
Brittany Marsh
I have had and continue to have a great experience with the staff at ISSA headquarters. They have always been super friendly and helpful.
Jennifer Poepke
The course was demanding, and required a lot of work, study and effort but this is what separates ISSA from the rest. I would proudly recommend ISSA!
Rahel Desta
My ISSA certifications as a Fitness Trainer, Sports Nutrition Specialist and Strength and Conditioning Specialist has really propelled my career to where it is today.
Noy Alexander
I am really looking forward to helping people realize and reach their goals of becoming more healthy and physically fit, no matter their age.
Heidi Lyons
The ISSA certified personal trainer program is the best experience of my life.
Yudishteer Seewooruttun
I found ISSA, and let me tell you it changed everything. I'm now a product of my passion, I get to share my love with my clients on a daily basis.
Brendan O'Day
I have been training this 13-year-old girl and it's been more than 8 to 9 months. Her parents were extremely happy about her body language, and she has improved a lot in endurance/stamina.
Shoeb Iqbal
My experiences with ISSA have led me to be a very successful and respected Personal Trainer and I love Personal Training!
Maureen Langevin
