About ISSA · Since 1988

Where Fitness and Wellness Pros Are Made

Turn passion into opportunity.

ISSA is where pros are made. We give people the certification, the skills, and the confidence to build a life doing something they love.

Mission & Vision

Vision

Connect 100 million people to the power of healthy living by 2030.

Mission

Bring healthy living to everybody in the world through education and community.

Core Values

The values that guide our team and inspire our students.


We Are Humble

We listen first, learn always, and check our ego at the door.


We Challenge Limiting Beliefs

We question assumptions and push past "how it's always been done."


We Live the Mission

We show up for our students because healthy living changes lives.

By the Numbers

1988
Year founded
1M+
Students globally
176
Countries
23k+
Global partner locations
25+
Specializations
17k+
Trustpilot reviews
95%
Exam pass rate
100%
Job guarantee*

* Subject to eligibility requirements. See full Job Guarantee terms →

Brand Promise

For Students
  • A certification that opens real doors
  • Business skills that build real income
  • Connections that lead to real opportunity, whatever your path
  • Self-paced, open-book, 24/7 access. Learn on your terms
  • Available in English and Spanish across 176 countries
For Fitness & Gym Partners
  • Work-ready professionals, certified in weeks, business-ready from day one
  • Searchable directly through Career Connect
  • Access to the world's largest network of ISSA-certified professionals
  • 25+ specializations aligned with fastest-growing fitness consumer needs
  • Better-trained professionals drive stronger client retention and growth

ISSA Differentiators

The Purpose-Driven Training Model

ISSA's proprietary framework for client assessment, program design, and behavior change developed over 35+ years. The model that turns knowledge into outcomes, from first session to long-term client success.

Two Exam Paths, One Enrollment

ISSA is the only major certification provider giving every CPT student both an open-book applied exam and an NCCA-accredited proctored exam option (through NCCPT) included at no additional cost.

Career Connect — The Ecosystem Advantage

ISSA built the platform others are still trying to copy. Career Connect links certified graduates directly with 23,000+ hiring partner locations. No middleman. The shortest path between certification and employment.

Job Guarantee

ISSA backs every eligible CPT and Yoga 200 enrollment with a 100% money-back job guarantee. If you complete the program and don't find employment within 6 months, you get your money back. No other major certification offers this.

See eligibility requirements →

Join 1 million fitness professionals who chose ISSA

Turn passion into opportunity · Job guarantee · 100% online

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The ISSA Ecosystem — Bigger Than Certification

At the center of everything ISSA does is one idea: when professionals succeed, operators succeed. Every new pro who joins brings more value to every employer. Every new employer creates more opportunities for every pro. Through education, Career Connect, community, and industry partnerships, ISSA is building the largest and most connected fitness and wellness ecosystem in the world. That's what no one else can replicate.

Certifications Overview

Personal Training

From your first cert to ISSA's highest credential tier.

Nutrition and Wellness

Food science to whole-person lifestyle coaching.

Yoga and Pilates

From foundational practice to Yoga Alliance-eligible teacher training.

Also Available 25+ specializations · Continuing education · CPR/AED · Available in English & Spanish · 176 countries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ISSA? +
ISSA (International Sports Sciences Association) is a global fitness and wellness education provider founded in 1988. More than 1 million students across 176 countries have trusted ISSA for certification, skills, and connections that turn passion into opportunity.
Does ISSA offer a job guarantee? +
Yes. ISSA backs every eligible CPT and Yoga 200 enrollment with a 100% money-back job guarantee. If you complete the program and don't find employment within 6 months, you get your money back, subject to eligibility requirements.
Where can I use an ISSA certification? +
ISSA certifications are recognized across 23,000+ partner locations worldwide. Certified graduates can be found directly by hiring partners through Career Connect.

Turn your passion into opportunity, starting today

ISSA · Job guarantee · 1M+ students globally

▶ Enroll now