Accreditation Levels
Level 3 (Cert III) Sports Nutrition Coaching Assistant
The Sports Nutrition Coaching Assistant functions in a support role, primarily assisting more experienced sports nutrition professionals and teams. Their main responsibilities revolve around reinforcing basic nutrition principles and promoting healthy habits within a sports context. They may assist with tasks such as:
- Basic Nutrition Education: Delivering educational materials or presentations on topics like the importance of carbohydrates, protein, hydration, and general healthy eating guidelines for athletes.
- Food Preparation and Distribution: Assisting with meal preparation or distribution at sporting events or training sessions.
- Data Collection: Gathering data on athletes’ dietary habits and physical activity levels to inform the work of senior nutrition professionals.
This role is ideal for those new to the field or individuals seeking to gain practical experience before pursuing higher-level qualifications.
Level 4 (Cert IV) Sports Nutrition Coach
The Sports Nutrition Coach is a more independent role, focused on providing non-prescriptive guidance and support to individuals or teams.
They possess a deeper understanding of sports nutrition principles and can apply them to create individualized coaching plans, though they do not develop personalized meal plans or recommend specific supplements.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Nutrition Coaching: Conducting one-on-one or group sessions to educate athletes on general nutrition principles, goal setting, and behavior change strategies.
- Performance Nutrition Support: Assisting athletes with optimizing their nutrition for training and competition, including strategies for fueling, hydration, and recovery.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: Tracking athletes’ progress and providing feedback on their nutrition practices.
- Collaboration: Working collaboratively with other health professionals, such as accredited sports nutritionists, to ensure comprehensive athlete care.
This qualification is suitable for individuals who have a solid foundation in sports nutrition and seek to work directly with athletes or teams in a coaching capacity. However, it’s important to note that it does not permit the provision of personalized dietary advice.
By clearly delineating the roles and responsibilities of each level, individuals can make informed decisions about their career path in sports nutrition and ensure they have the appropriate qualifications for their desired scope of practice.
Diploma and Advanced Diploma Programs in Sports Nutrition: Sports Nutrition Coaches (level 5 & 6)
While Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs in Sports Nutrition represent a step up from a Certificate IV, it’s important to understand that they still do not meet the minimum educational requirement to practice as a fully qualified Nutritionist in Australia.
As per the ANZSCO standards, a Bachelor’s degree or higher is necessary for this role. These programs, however, offer valuable knowledge and skills for those interested in pursuing a career in sports nutrition or related fields.
Diploma (Level 5)
- Primary Focus:
Expanding upon the foundational knowledge of a Certificate IV, focusing on more in-depth nutritional principles and their application to sports performance. - Scope of Practice:
Providing non-prescriptive nutrition coaching and guidance to individuals and teams, with a deeper understanding of dietary analysis and nutritional strategies. - Typical Activities:
Conducting more advanced coaching sessions, developing detailed nutrition plans (excluding personalized meal plans or supplement recommendations), and interpreting scientific literature related to sports nutrition. - Client Interaction:
Working more independently with athletes and teams, providing a wider range of non-personalized nutrition support. - Career Progression:
A stepping stone towards a Bachelor’s degree or further specialization in sports nutrition-related fields.
Advanced Diploma (Level 6)
- Primary Focus: Building a comprehensive understanding of nutritional science principles and their application to various populations, including athletes.
- Scope of Practice: Providing evidence-based nutrition education and guidance, including dietary analysis and interpretation of scientific research. Personalized dietary advice is still outside the scope of practice.
- Typical Activities: Delivering nutrition education programs, conducting research, and working in public health or community settings to promote healthy eating habits.
- Client Interaction: May involve working with individuals and groups to provide general nutrition education and support.
- Career Progression: This qualification can lead to further study at the Bachelor’s level or provide a strong foundation for roles in public health nutrition, food science, or the food industry.
Important Considerations:
- Accreditation: Neither a Diploma nor an Advanced Diploma in Sports Nutrition qualifies an individual to practice as a registered Nutritionist in Australia. Graduates of relevant programs are eligible to register as a Sports Nutrition Coach with SNA
- Scope of Practice: While these programs provide valuable knowledge and skills, they do not permit the provision of personalized dietary advice or recommendations, which falls within the scope of practice of a registered Nutritionist.
- Career Pathways: These qualifications can open doors to various careers in the health and fitness industry, such as sports nutrition coaching, community nutrition education, or roles within the food industry. However, for those aspiring to become registered Nutritionists, further study at the Bachelor’s level or higher is necessary.
Disclaimer: Please note that to be eligible for registration as a Sports Nutrition Coach with the SNA, a Diploma or Advanced Diploma program must include the core subjects equivalent to those covered in our Certificate IV in Sports Nutrition. If your program does not encompass these specific subjects, you will need to complete them to meet the requirements for registration. The SNA offers pathways for completing these core subjects, ensuring that you can achieve registration and practice as a Sports Nutrition Coach.
Grad Cert Accredited Sports Nutritionist (Provisional)
Provisional Sports Nutritionists, equipped with a Graduate Certificate in Applied Sports Nutrition, are qualified to work with low-risk clients regarding their nutritional needs and performance goals. They can also engage with moderate-risk clientele under the supervision of a registered Australian Health Practitioner or an SNA Open Accredited Member.
However, they must refrain from working with high-level amateur or professional athletes and from providing personalized nutrition services in specialized categories like weight cutting, bodybuilding, or physique contest preparation.
- Primary Focus: Providing personalized nutrition services to low-risk clients and supervised support for moderate-risk clients.
- Scope of Practice: Personalized nutrition plans, dietary analysis, and lifestyle counseling for individuals with basic nutrition needs.
- Typical Activities: Conducting consultations, developing nutrition plans, and monitoring client progress.
- Client Interaction: Direct interaction with clients, but with supervision for moderate-risk cases.
- Career Progression: Pathway to Open accreditation with further education and experience.
Disclaimer: Please note that while the Graduate Certificate in Applied Sports Nutrition provides a solid foundation in sports nutrition, the 6-month study period may not be sufficient to gain the practical experience and in-depth knowledge required for full accreditation. Typically, a minimum of 2.5 years of combined study and practical experience is needed to progress to Open accreditation.
Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists (Bachelor's Degree)
Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists, holding a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Applied Exercise or Nutrition Science field (Level 7), can engage directly with both moderate-risk clientele and high-level amateur and professional athletes.
However, they should avoid working with athletes subject to anti-doping testing unless they have completed further specialized education in this area.
- Primary Focus: Providing personalized nutrition services to a wide range of clients, including high-level athletes.
- Scope of Practice: Comprehensive nutrition assessments, personalized meal planning, supplement recommendations, and performance optimization strategies.
- Typical Activities: Working with individual athletes and teams, conducting in-depth assessments, and developing tailored nutrition programs.
- Client Interaction: Direct and independent interaction with clients of varying needs and goals.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for further specialization through a Graduate Diploma in Applied Sports Nutrition (Level 8) or other advanced studies, opening doors to leadership roles, research, and consulting within the sports nutrition field.
Disclaimer: Please note that to be eligible for Open Accreditation as a Sports Nutritionist with the SNA, a Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree must include the 13 core subjects outlined in our accreditation standards. If your degree does not encompass these specific subjects, you will need to complete them to meet the requirements for registration. The SNA offers pathways for completing these core subjects, ensuring that you can achieve full accreditation and practice as a Sports Nutritionist.
For a detailed list of the required core subjects, please refer to our accreditation guidelines or contact us for further assistance.
Level 8 (Grad Dip) Accredited Sports Nutritionist (Open)
Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists, holding a Graduate Diploma in Applied Sports Nutrition, can engage directly with both moderate-risk clientele and high-level amateur and professional athletes. However, they should avoid working with athletes subject to anti-doping testing unless they have completed further specialized education in this area.
- Primary Focus: Providing personalized nutrition services to a wide range of clients, including high-level athletes.
- Scope of Practice: Comprehensive nutrition assessments, personalized meal planning, supplement recommendations, and performance optimization strategies.
- Typical Activities: Working with individual athletes and teams, conducting in-depth assessments, and developing tailored nutrition programs.
- Client Interaction: Direct and independent interaction with clients of varying needs and goals.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for specialization in specific areas of sports nutrition.
Disclaimer: Please note that to be eligible for Open Accreditation as a Sports Nutritionist with the SNA, a Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree must include the 13 core subjects outlined in our accreditation standards. If your degree does not encompass these specific subjects, you will need to complete them to meet the requirements for registration. The SNA offers pathways for completing these core subjects, ensuring that you can achieve full accreditation and practice as a Sports Nutritionist.
For a detailed list of the required core subjects, please refer to our accreditation guidelines or contact us for further assistance.
Sports Nutrition Association Open Practitioner with Specialty
This designation signifies a practitioner who holds the Open Accredited Sports Nutritionist qualification and has also completed additional specialized education. They are qualified to provide all services within the provisional and open categories, as well as work with athletes in specific disciplines such as weight cutting, bodybuilding, or physique contest preparation.
By understanding the distinct roles and qualifications associated with each level, individuals can pursue the appropriate educational pathway and ensure they practice within their scope of expertise.
- Primary Focus: Providing specialized personalized nutrition services to athletes in specific disciplines.
- Scope of Practice: All services offered by Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists, plus expertise in specialized areas like weight cutting, bodybuilding, or physique contest preparation.
- Typical Activities: Working with athletes in specialized disciplines, tailoring nutrition plans to meet their unique needs and goals.
- Client Interaction: Direct and independent interaction with clients in specialized fields.
- Career Progression: Continued professional development and potential for leadership roles within the sports nutrition field.
Specialty Open Accreditation
This designation is reserved for Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists who have demonstrated advanced expertise and experience in a specific niche area of sports nutrition, such as weight cutting, bodybuilding, or physique contest preparation. These practitioners have undergone additional specialized education and training, equipping them to provide highly tailored nutrition services to athletes competing in these demanding disciplines.
- Primary Focus: Providing advanced personalized nutrition services to athletes in specialized fields.
- Scope of Practice: Includes all services offered by Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists, with additional expertise in a specific niche area, such as weight cutting or physique competition preparation.
- Typical Activities: Working with athletes in specialized disciplines, developing highly individualized nutrition plans, and providing expert guidance on performance optimization and competition preparation strategies.
- Client Interaction: Direct and independent interaction with clients requiring specialized sports nutrition expertise.
- Career Progression: Represents the pinnacle of professional achievement in sports nutrition, with potential for leadership roles, research, and consulting in specialized fields.
Understanding Your Accreditation Journey
When you complete our Graduate Certificate in Applied Sports Nutrition, you’ll become a “Provisionally Accredited” member. Think of this as your starting point, and you can maintain this level as long as you like.
However, if your career grows to a point where most of your income comes from providing sports nutrition services, or if you plan to exclusively rent spaces as a Sports Nutritionist, or want to work with a broader range of clients and services (as outlined on our [Scope of Practice), then progressing to “Open Accreditation” (requiring a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or a Graduate Diploma) will become necessary.
Who doesn’t need to upgrade right away? If you work part-time or casually in sports nutrition and it’s not your main source of income, or if you only work with the general public within the guidelines of our Provisional Scope of Practice, you don’t need to pursue further study to maintain your registration and insurance.
Important Note: Both Provisional and Open Accreditation are reviewed annually to ensure everyone is meeting our professional development and compliance standards. This approach aligns with national and international guidelines that recommend a higher level of qualification for full-time nutrition practitioners.
Q – So, do you have to get more qualifications after your Certificate to be registered and insured?
A – No
But in the future after a number of years down the track your career path goals and the nature of your work will determine if Open Accreditation becomes a requirement for you in the future.
Q – How long can i practice for in a full time or majority income capacity before looking into an open pathway?
A – Up to 3-years.
We want to be able to give you enough time to ensure that this is the path for you, we find that most aspiring full time professionals take approximately 12-18months to get fully established. The 3 year period provides you with 18-months to 2-years worth of time practicing in that capacity so you can be really sure about taking the next step.
Q – What if I’m not sure about what program i want to go into long term?
A – That’s ok, this is what we’re hear for! Book a careers advising call with us and we’ll help you along the way.
By the time you’re at the point we’ll help connect you with a number of different options of institutes and programs for you to look at with your next steps. The good news as well is that you’ll be able to pay for these studies as a full tax deduction as you’re already working in the field!
What is the 3-year provisional period?
A relevant* Bachelors in Applied Exercise, Sports or Nutrition Sciences / Physiology
A relevant* PGDip. In Applied Sports / Performance or Human / Clinical Nutrition
Level 8 (Grad Dip) Accredited Sports Nutritionist (Open)
Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists, holding a Graduate Diploma in Applied Sports Nutrition, can engage directly with both moderate-risk clientele and high-level amateur and professional athletes. However, they should avoid working with athletes subject to anti-doping testing unless they have completed further specialized education in this area.
Primary Focus
Providing personalized nutrition services to a wide range of clients, including high-level athletes.
Scope of Practice
Comprehensive nutrition assessments, personalized meal planning, supplement recommendations, and performance optimization strategies.
Typical Activities
Working with individual athletes and teams, conducting in-depth assessments, and developing tailored nutrition programs.
Client Interaction
Direct and independent interaction with clients of varying needs and goals.
Career Progression
Opportunities for specialization in specific areas of sports nutrition.
Please note that to be eligible for Open Accreditation as a Sports Nutritionist with the SNA, a Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree must include the 13 core subjects outlined in our accreditation standards. If your degree does not encompass these specific subjects, you will need to complete them to meet the requirements for registration. The SNA offers pathways for completing these core subjects, ensuring that you can achieve full accreditation and practice as a Sports Nutritionist.
For a detailed list of the required core subjects, please refer to our accreditation guidelines or contact us for further assistance.
Sports Nutrition Association Open Practitioner with Specialty
This designation signifies a practitioner who holds the Open Accredited Sports Nutritionist qualification and has also completed additional specialized education. They are qualified to provide all services within the provisional and open categories, as well as work with athletes in specific disciplines such as weight cutting, bodybuilding, or physique contest preparation.
By understanding the distinct roles and qualifications associated with each level, individuals can pursue the appropriate educational pathway and ensure they practice within their scope of expertise.
Primary Focus
Providing specialized personalized nutrition services to athletes in specific disciplines.
Scope of Practice
All services offered by Open Accredited Sports Nutritionists, plus expertise in specialized areas like weight cutting, bodybuilding, or physique contest preparation.
Typical Activities
Working with athletes in specialized disciplines, tailoring nutrition plans to meet their unique needs and goals.
Client Interaction
Direct and independent interaction with clients in specialized fields.
Career Progression
Continued professional development and potential for leadership roles within the sports nutrition field.