Spencer Institute Accreditation, Approvals & Professional Recognition
The Spencer Institute is the coaching division of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). Since 1992, we have trained health, wellness and life coaches online. The AADP Certification and Accreditation Board accredits our programs. In addition, the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) approves every Spencer Institute certification for continuing education credit.
Accreditation and recognition
American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP)
The Certification and Accreditation Board of the AADP accredits the Spencer Institute. This professional accrediting association recognizes traditional and non-traditional health education programs in the United States and internationally.
CEU approval
International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)
Every Spencer Institute certification course earns 20 hours of ISSA continuing education credit (Provider #08-5544).
Parent organization
A division of NESTA
As the coaching division of NESTA, we share its membership in the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE, formerly the National Organization for Competency Assurance).
Membership
IDEA Health & Fitness Association
We also belong to IDEA, the association of fitness and wellness professionals.
Continuing education (CEU) approvals
The organizations below approve Spencer Institute certifications for continuing education credit. However, hours vary by program, so check each certification program page for details.
| Organization | What's approved |
|---|---|
| ISSA – International Sports Sciences Association | All Spencer Institute certifications, 20 CEU hours each (Provider #08-5544) |
| NESTA – National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association | Spencer Institute programs count toward NESTA recertification |
| ITCA – International Triathlon Coaching Association | Approved Spencer Institute programs |
| MMACA – Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Association | Approved Spencer Institute programs |
Already certified with Spencer Institute or NESTA? See the full list of approved continuing education courses. If you completed a course somewhere else, submit a CEU petition first, before you count it toward renewal.
Our certification standards
- Exam-based credential: to earn any certification, you must pass an online exam with a score of 70% or higher.
- Executive Certification Board oversight: our Executive Certification Board requires Sleep Science Coach, Wellness Coach, Master Wellness Coach, Corporate Wellness Coach, Holistic Life Coach and Longevity Coach graduates to renew every two years with 2.0 CEUs (20 hours).
- One renewal covers all: for example, if you hold three of these certifications, one set of 2.0 CEUs renews all three. See the renewal process.
- Lifetime certifications: in contrast, all of our other certifications last for life, with no renewal fees.
- Verified certificate: after you pass, you receive a digital certificate. We also mail a printed certificate with an official seal, free within North America. International students are welcome; additional shipping fees apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Spencer Institute accredited?
Yes. The Certification and Accreditation Board of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP) accredits the Spencer Institute. In addition, ISSA approves every Spencer Institute certification for 20 hours of continuing education credit.
Do I need a license to work as a health, wellness or life coach?
No. In the United States, coaching is not a state-licensed profession like counseling, social work or psychotherapy, and no government agency regulates it. Even so, coaches should never diagnose or treat medical or mental health conditions. A recognized certification therefore shows clients and employers that you have completed professional training.
Do Spencer Institute certifications expire?
Most of our certifications are lifetime credentials. However, the Sleep Science Coach, Wellness Coach, Master Wellness Coach, Corporate Wellness Coach, Holistic Life Coach and Longevity Coach certifications renew every two years with 2.0 CEUs.
Can I use a Spencer Institute course to renew another certification?
Yes. ISSA approves every Spencer Institute certification for 20 CEU hours, and approved programs also count toward NESTA, ITCA and MMACA renewal. Before you enroll, check your certifying organization's requirements.
Who is the Spencer Institute affiliated with?
We are the coaching division of the National Exercise & Sports Trainers Association (NESTA). NESTA and the Spencer Institute both launched in 1992, and together they have more than 65,000 members and graduates in over 65 countries.
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