Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions we get from students about our diploma:
Eligible graduates will also be able to apply for graduate registration with the UK Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (see Pathways to SENr PDF download), as well as those that are eligible with the Association for Nutrition (AfN) for specialist registration as a sport and exercise nutritionist.
You cannot call yourself a registered nutritionist or registered sports dietician without being registered by the appropriate registration bodies, such as the British Dietetic Association’s Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register or the UK Voluntary Register of Nutritionists or equivalent in your country / location. The IOPN Diploma in Performance Nutrition is a highly recognised program, and can support an application for registration and/or registration for specialisation (sport and exercise) in eligible candidates / registrants with SENr and AfN.
Eligible UK based graduates are also strongly encouraged to apply for graduate registration with the UK Sport and exercise Nutrition Register (see Pathways to SENr registration PDF download) and/or the Association for Nutrition (AfN). Both SENr and AfN offer registrants practitioner insurance products.
*NOTE: obtaining insurance to practice as a performance nutritionist may be limited to certain countries worldwide, and local laws that may restrict the practice of sports nutrition to licensed professionals (i.e. some states in the US). In all cases you will be expected to adhere to a relevant scope of practice and remain evidence-based at all times.
You EITHER need to have a relevant university degree (i.e. sport science, strength & conditioning, nutrition, sports nutrition, dietetics etc);
OR accredited professional certifications (i.e. personal training, nutrition coaching etc) PLUS a minimum of 1 year of relevant experience (i.e. as a personal trainer, S&C coach, or nutritionist).
This is a postgraduate level course and this requires relevant underpinning knowledge such as exercise science and basic nutrition from evidence-based sources.
Still can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Email our Student Services Manager, Ramon Smit