Introduction
The International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) is a leading provider of fitness education and certification programs. ISSA offers a variety of online courses, including personal trainer certification, nutritionist certification, strength and conditioning certification, and more. Their website, issaonline.com, is a one-stop-shop for fitness education, resources, and tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of courses, certifications, and specializations
- Fully online, self-paced learning
- Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
- Reasonable pricing and flexible payment options
- Free trial of select courses
- Access to career services and marketing resources
Cons:
- No in-person instruction or hands-on training
- Course materials can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate
- No live support available
User Experience
ISSA's website is user-friendly, with a clean and modern design. Navigation is straightforward, and the site is easy to browse on both desktop and mobile devices. Course materials are accessed through an online learning portal, which can be challenging to navigate at times. Overall, the user experience is positive, with minor improvements needed for the learning portal.
Pricing and Value for Money
ISSA offers competitive pricing for their courses and certifications. Personal trainer certification starts at $799, while nutritionist certification starts at $699. Payment plans are available, making it more accessible for individuals to obtain education and certification. ISSA also offers a free trial for select courses, giving users an opportunity to try before they buy. The value for money is good, with a wide range of courses and resources available.
Alternatives
Alternative online fitness education providers include ACE Fitness, NASM, and ACSM. Each provider has its own set of courses and certifications, with varying costs and benefits.
Customer Service
ISSA's customer service is limited to email and phone support, with no live chat option available. Response times are reasonable, with most inquiries answered within 24 hours. ISSA also provides career services and marketing resources to their members.
Product Quality and Selection
ISSA offers a wide range of courses and certifications, with high-quality course materials. The course materials include text, videos, and interactive elements to keep users engaged. The selection can be overwhelming, but the variety of courses and certifications ensures that there is something for everyone.
Website Usability
The website is easy to navigate and user-friendly, with a clean and modern design. The online learning portal can be challenging to navigate at times, but overall, the website is well-designed.
Returns and Exchanges
Returns and exchanges are not available for ISSA courses and certifications. However, ISSA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for select courses, providing users with peace of mind.
Promotions and Discounts
ISSA offers promotions and discounts throughout the year, including discounts on select courses and certifications. Users can also access discounts through the ISSA membership program.
Reputation
ISSA is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), ensuring that their courses meet high standards of quality and credibility. The organization has a good reputation in the industry, with many professionals holding ISSA certifications.
Payment Options
ISSA offers flexible payment options, including payment plans and financing through third-party providers. Payments can be made through credit card or PayPal.
Loyalty Programs
ISSA offers a membership program, providing users with access to exclusive discounts, career services, and marketing resources. Members also receive priority support and access to additional courses and certifications.
Customer Reviews
ISSA has a high overall rating on Trustpilot, with many positive reviews praising the quality of the courses and certifications. There are some negative reviews regarding customer service and course materials, but these are in the minority.
Community Involvement
ISSA supports various fitness and wellness initiatives, including partnerships with fitness industry organizations and sponsoring events and competitions. The organization is also involved in promoting fitness and wellness education in underserved communities.
Shipping and Costs
Shipping is not applicable to ISSA courses and certifications, as all materials are accessed online. There are no extra costs associated with obtaining certification, aside from the upfront course fee.
Overall, ISSAonline.com is a comprehensive and accessible resource for individuals looking to further their education in fitness and wellness. With high-quality courses and certifications, reasonable pricing, and a variety of resources and tools, ISSA is a top choice in the online fitness education industry.