How Much Does NASM Nutrition Coach Cost? A 2025 Pricing Guide

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

The standard full price for the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) program is \$899, but NASM frequently offers promotional discounts that can significantly reduce this cost. Understanding not only the initial sticker price but also additional fees and savings opportunities is key to determining your true NASM nutrition coach cost.

Quick Summary

NASM's CNC program has a full cost of \$899, though it is often available at a promotional rate. The total investment can vary based on bundles, payment plans, and recertification requirements, with no prerequisite needed to enroll.

Key Points

Standard Price: The full cost of the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) program is \$899, but discounts are frequently offered.
Bundle Deals: Significant savings are often available by purchasing the CNC in a bundle with other NASM certifications, such as the Certified Personal Trainer (CPT).
Recertification Fees: Be prepared for a recurring recertification fee, which is required every two years to maintain your credential.
Flexible Payment Options: NASM provides 0% interest payment plans, making the certification more affordable over time.
Digital Format: The program is entirely digital, including the textbook, videos, and quizzes, which is covered by the standard price.
No Prerequisites: Unlike some other programs, there are no eligibility prerequisites to enroll in the NASM-CNC certification.

NASM Nutrition Coach Certification: Standard Pricing and Discounts

The most straightforward answer to how much does NASM nutrition coach cost starts with its official list price. NASM sets the standard, one-time payment price for the Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) program at \$899. However, promotional deals and sales are common, with past discounts lowering the price to as little as \$539 to \$674. Prospective students should check the official NASM website and third-party review sites for the most current offers. It is important to note that this is an online, unaccredited specialization, meaning the exam is taken remotely rather than at a testing facility.

What's Included in the Standard Package?

The \$899 price covers a comprehensive set of digital resources to help you study and pass the exam. You will not receive a physical textbook, as the material is 100% digital. Key inclusions are:

An innovative and immersive 24-chapter digital book.
High-quality lecture videos and chapter quizzes.
Over 200 downloadable handouts and infographics.
Access to NASM's user-friendly digital learning portal.
The final certification exam, which includes three attempts to pass.
1.9 NASM Continuing Education Units (CEUs) upon completion.

Financing Your NASM CNC Certification

For those who prefer not to pay the full amount upfront, NASM offers flexible financing options. Students can choose from 0% interest monthly payment plans, typically over four or 12 months, which can be arranged online or over the phone. This makes the certification more accessible by spreading the cost over a manageable period. Be aware that bundles may have different payment structures or availability, so check the details carefully.

Potential Additional and Long-Term Costs

While the initial certification fee is the main expense, there are other costs to consider for a complete financial picture.

Retake Fees: If you fail all three attempts provided with your initial purchase, you may need to buy additional exam attempts. The cost for additional attempts can range from \$49 to \$99.
Recertification: To maintain your Certified Nutrition Coach credential, you must renew it every two years. The renewal process involves a recertification exam and a fee of \$49.
Recertify for Life: NASM offers a “Recertify for Life” option as an add-on, which waives future recertification fees for the CNC and other credentials if you purchase it. The cost for this program requires contacting NASM directly for current pricing and eligibility.

How the NASM Cost Compares to Alternatives

NASM is a reputable name in the fitness industry, but it's important to compare its pricing and value against other top nutrition certifications before deciding. This comparison can help you determine which program best fits your budget and career goals.


Certification	Typical Cost (Approx.)	Key Differentiator	Accreditation Status	Typical Audience
NASM CNC	\$899 (often on sale)	Emphasis on sports performance and coaching techniques	Non-accredited	Fitness professionals, general population clients
ISSA Nutritionist	\$799 (often bundled)	All-in-one approach, often combined with CPT	Non-accredited	Trainers seeking broad nutrition education
Precision Nutrition (PN1)	\$999 (time-limited enrollment)	Strong focus on behavior change and habit formation	Not listed	Coaches wanting deep psychological understanding

Is the Investment Worth It?

The \$899 price point, or even a discounted one, is a significant investment for many. The value of the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach certification depends on your professional goals. For personal trainers, adding the CNC credential can increase earning potential and provide a more holistic service offering to clients. For aspiring nutrition coaches, it provides a structured, science-based foundation for advising clients within the legal scope of practice. Experienced fitness pros with a deep knowledge of nutrition may find the curriculum a review, though it still serves as a valuable credential. Ultimately, the investment is most worthwhile for those who plan to actively use the certification to grow their fitness or nutrition coaching business. For more details on the program, you can visit the official NASM Certified Nutrition Coach page.

Conclusion: Making a Smart Financial Decision

The total NASM nutrition coach cost involves more than just the initial price tag. While the program lists for \$899, frequent sales and payment plans make it more financially accessible. Prospective students should budget for potential exam retake fees and the bi-annual recertification fee. However, by taking advantage of bundles and checking for current discounts, the overall investment can be managed effectively. Consider your specific career goals and compare the NASM program against other providers to ensure your investment yields the highest return for your professional aspirations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard, full price for the NASM Certified Nutrition Coach (CNC) program is \$899. This is the one-time payment price before any potential discounts or promotional offers are applied.

Yes, NASM frequently runs promotional sales and offers discounts on the CNC program. It is common to find it at a reduced price, with some past sales dropping the cost to around \$539 to \$674.

Yes, NASM offers flexible, 0% interest payment plans for the certification. These plans, typically available over four or 12 months, can be set up when purchasing online or over the phone.

The program cost includes access to the 24-chapter digital textbook, lecture videos, downloadable handouts, chapter quizzes, and three attempts at the final certification exam.

To renew the CNC credential every two years, you must pay a renewal exam fee, which can range from \$49 to \$99. NASM also has a 'Recertify for Life' option to waive future renewal fees.

Beyond the initial enrollment, potential extra costs include retake fees if you fail all three exam attempts and the bi-annual recertification fees. The program materials are entirely digital, so there is no extra charge for a physical textbook.

Yes, bundling the CNC certification with other programs, like the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), is often a cost-effective way to get multiple credentials. Bundles frequently offer a combined price that is significantly lower than purchasing each certification separately.