You’re scrolling through nutrition certifications for the third time this week. Precision Nutrition keeps popping up. It’s everywhere, recommended by everyone, with a massive community behind it. Then there’s Triage Method; less well-known, but the curriculum looks comprehensive and the practitioners behind it have serious credentials. So which one do you actually choose? Precision Nutrition vs Triage Method? Which is better for your goals?
Ultimately, this isn’t really about which certification is objectively “better.” It’s about which approach aligns with how you want to coach, the clients you want to serve, and frankly, how you prefer to learn.
So, the aim of this article is to give you an honest comparison based on current pricing, actual curriculum content, and what these certifications will realistically prepare you to do.
No hyperboles. No sugar-coating the limitations. Just the information you need to make an informed decision.
Precision Nutrition vs Triage Method: Which Certification is Better for Coaches?The 30-Second Overview
Before we dive deep, here’s what you need to know upfront:
Precision Nutrition Level 1 is the titan of nutrition certifications. Over 175,000 graduates. Founded by Dr. John Berardi, who has worked with professional sports teams and elite athletes. The certification costs $799 USD (roughly €740) and is built around their proprietary habit-based coaching methodology. Think simplified nutrition principles, behaviour change psychology, and a proven system that’s been tested with over 150,000 coaching clients.
Triage Method Nutrition Coaching Certification is the newer kid on the block, built by coaches who felt the gap between academic nutrition knowledge and actually coaching real humans was too wide. Priced at €1,000, it emphasises comprehensive nutritional science alongside practical coaching application. The curriculum was designed by practitioners with 10+ years of coaching experience who wanted to teach both the “what” and the “how” of nutrition coaching.
The fundamental philosophical difference is that Precision Nutrition gives you a specific, well-tested system to follow, whereas Triage Method gives you more comprehensive knowledge and multiple frameworks to develop your own coaching style.
Neither approach is wrong. They’re just different.
Let’s Talk Money: What Are You Actually Paying For?
Price matters, but price without context is meaningless. Let’s break down what you’re actually getting, and what you’re not.
Precision Nutrition Level 1: The Full Financial Picture
| Cost Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Price | $799 USD (~€740) or $79/month × 12 months |
| Early Enrollment Price | $599-699 USD (available twice yearly when enrollment opens) |
| What’s Included | Physical textbook + workbook, 20 chapters online content (video/text/audio), access to Facebook community, chapter-by-chapter exams, 90-day ProCoach trial, certificate |
| Recertification | Required every 2 years (exam is free but mandatory) |
| ProCoach Software | Free for 90 days, then €199/month if you want to continue |
| Advanced Learning | Level 2 Master Health Coaching: $4,788 USD regular price (often discounted to ~$2,700) |
What that means in practice is you’re getting a comprehensive course with physical materials, which is nice if you like highlighting textbooks. The Facebook community is genuinely active, and there are thousands of coaches asking questions, sharing client wins, and troubleshooting challenges. The 90-day ProCoach trial gives you a chance to test their coaching software with real clients before committing to the monthly fee.
But, and this is important, you need to recertify every two years. The exam itself is free, but it’s a requirement. And if you want to dive deeper into advanced coaching psychology or work with specific populations, you’re looking at additional certifications that aren’t cheap.
Triage Method: The Full Financial Picture
| Cost Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Standard Price | €1,000 (Klarna payment plans available) |
| What’s Included | Complete online course (written/audio/video/visual), 6 modules, tutor support, practice exams, final exam (3 attempts), 75 CPD hours, lifetime access with all future updates, 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Recertification | Not required, ever |
| Proprietary Software | None included (you use your own systems) |
| Advanced Learning | Sleep Coaching (€300), Stress Management (€300), Exercise Program Design (€1,000) |
| Available Discounts | Military, frontline healthcare workers, bulk company purchases |
The Triage approach is straightforward: you pay once, you own it forever, including all future course updates. The tutor support is phenomenal, and you can ask questions and get answers from experienced practitioners who’ve actually coached clients, not just studied nutrition. The trade-off is that you’re building your own systems rather than using proprietary software, and there’s no built-in community structure.
The Real Cost Over Time
Let’s be honest about what you’ll actually spend over, say, five years:
Precision Nutrition scenario:
- Initial certification: €740
- ProCoach software (if you use it): €199/month × 60 months = €11,940
- Level 2 certification (if you want it): €2,700
- Total: €15,380 (with ProCoach) or €3,440 (without ProCoach, with Level 2)
Triage Method scenario:
- Initial certification: €1,000
- Additional certifications: €1,600 (if you take all three additional courses)
- Total: €2,600
The maths changes depending on whether you use ProCoach. If you’re building an online business and ProCoach fits your model, the monthly fee might be worth it. If you’re supplementing an existing personal training business or prefer other client management systems, Triage becomes significantly more cost-effective long-term.
What You’ll Actually Learn: Curriculum Deep Dive
Both certifications will teach you nutrition and coaching, but the approach and depth vary considerably.
Precision Nutrition’s Curriculum Philosophy
PN’s entire methodology is built on a simple premise: most nutrition programs fail because they try to change too much, too fast. Their research shows that when people attempt to modify one behaviour at a time, success rates exceed 80%. Two behaviours simultaneously? Success drops to 35%. Three or more? Less than 5%.
This isn’t just marketing, they’ve actually published peer-reviewed research validating this approach with over 150,000 coaching clients.
So the PN curriculum is designed around this habit-based, incremental philosophy. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Unit 1: The Precision Nutrition Coaching Method (Chapters 1-5)
This is where PN establishes their worldview. You’ll learn their core philosophy: there is no single “right” way to eat. Vegan works for some people. Keto works for others. Intermittent fasting, paleo, Mediterranean, etc., all valid approaches depending on the individual.
The focus here is on coaching foundations:
- How to assess clients holistically (not just their diet)
- The concept of “deep health”; recognising that nutrition affects career, relationships, stress, sleep, and physical fitness
- Building sustainable habits rather than following meal plans
- Client-centred coaching vs. expert-centred advice-giving
- The psychology of behaviour change
Most graduates say this section sets PN apart from other certifications. Instead of jumping straight into macronutrients, you’re learning how to actually coach people and how to have conversations that lead to change rather than just dispensing information.
Unit 2: Nutrition Science (Chapters 6-14)
This is the most technical section, and where many students struggle. You’re diving into:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- Digestion, absorption, and metabolism
- Macronutrients (proteins, carbs, fats) in detail
- Micronutrients and their functions
- Energy balance and body composition
- Hydration and alcohol
- Supplements
Here’s what graduates consistently say: this section is dense. Really dense. It’s recommended to be in a quiet environment when studying these chapters, and many people read them twice. The content is comprehensive, but some find it overwhelming, as there is lots of biochemistry, metabolic pathways, and technical terminology.
The PN approach is to teach you the science, but then immediately contextualise it with their simplified coaching principles. You might learn about insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, but the practical takeaway for clients is often something like “eat protein and vegetables at each meal.”
Unit 3: Coaching Application (Chapters 15-20)
This is where everything comes together. You’re learning:
- Client assessment and intake processes
- How to design nutrition programs using PN’s framework
- The hand-portion system for estimating serving sizes
- Working with different client types (low, medium, high compliance)
- Building a nutrition coaching business
- Marketing and client acquisition
- Case studies showing real client scenarios
The case studies are particularly valuable. You see actual PN coaching sessions, read through client conversations, and practice decision-making. It’s not just theory, you’re seeing how the principles apply to real humans with real lives, jobs, kids, stress, and limited time.
The PN Coaching Toolbox:
What you’ll actually use with clients:
- Hand-portion guide (palm for protein, fist for veggies, cupped hand for carbs, thumb for fats)
- Habit progressions (start simple, gradually increase complexity)
- Outcome-based decision making (adjust based on results, not rigid plans)
- Environmental modification strategies (make healthy choices easier than unhealthy ones)
- Confidence scales (“On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you that you can do this?”)
Triage Method’s Curriculum Philosophy
Triage was built by coaches frustrated with a specific problem: most nutrition certifications either teach you the science without the coaching, or teach you coaching without comprehensive science. University programs give you four years of biochemistry, but don’t prepare you to actually help a stressed-out parent lose 20 pounds. Online certifications teach you behaviour change but leave you uncertain about the metabolic mechanisms behind your recommendations.
Triage’s philosophy is that you need both. Deep scientific understanding AND practical implementation frameworks. Not one or the other.
Here’s how that translates to curriculum:
Module 1: Digestion, Assimilation and Metabolism
This is foundational work that Triage believes most certifications gloss over. You’re learning:
- Complete digestive system anatomy and physiology
- How food is broken down and absorbed
- What actually happens to nutrients once they enter your body
- Metabolic pathways and energy production
- How individual variation affects digestion and metabolism
The Triage perspective is if you don’t understand how the body actually processes food, you’re just repeating advice you’ve heard without knowing why it works (or doesn’t work for specific individuals).
This module is science-heavy, but it’s written by practitioners who coach clients. The tone is: “Here’s what’s happening at the cellular level, and here’s why this matters when your client says they’re always bloated after eating bread.”
Module 2: Calories and Macronutrients
This covers the quantitative side of nutrition:
- Energy balance in depth (beyond “calories in, calories out”)
- How different macronutrients affect satiety, performance, and body composition
- Protein requirements for different populations and goals
- Carbohydrate timing and utilization
- Fat intake and hormonal health
- How to calculate and adjust macros based on individual needs
Unlike PN’s simplified approach, Triage teaches you the full spectrum, from basic portion control to precise macro calculations. The philosophy: different clients need different approaches, and you should be equipped to meet them where they are.
Module 3: Food Selection
This is where nutrition science meets real life. You’re learning:
- Translating macros and calories into actual food choices
- Food quality considerations (not all protein sources are equal)
- How to build balanced meals across different dietary preferences
- Navigating client food preferences, allergies, and restrictions
- Practical grocery shopping and meal preparation guidance
- Understanding food labels and marketing claims
Ultimately, people don’t eat macros, they eat food. You need to be able to translate scientific principles into practical meal construction.
Module 4: Tiered Nutrition Coaching (The Triage Tier System)
This is Triage’s signature approach and what sets them apart. Instead of teaching one method, they teach multiple tiers of coaching complexity:
Tier 1: Habit-Based Coaching
- Simple, actionable habits
- No tracking or calculations
- Best for beginners or those resistant to complexity
Tier 2: Portion-Based Coaching
- Hand portions or visual guides
- More structure than pure habits, less rigid than tracking
- Good middle ground for many clients
Tier 3: Flexible Nutrition Coaching
- Macro targets with food flexibility
- Requires tracking and engagement
- For motivated clients who want precision
The philosophy: match the coaching method to the client’s needs, preferences, and readiness, not the other way around. Some coaches only ever use Tier 1 with all clients. Others move clients through tiers as they progress. The curriculum teaches you when and how to use each approach.
Module 5: Client Intake and Assessment
Practical business and systems work:
- How to conduct effective consultations
- Assessment protocols and what to measure
- Setting realistic goals and timelines
- Creating coaching agreements and boundaries
- Building systems for client management
- When to refer out (recognising disordered eating, medical issues beyond your scope)
This module focuses on the logistics of running a coaching practice, not just the nutrition knowledge.
Module 6: Coaching Nutrition
The practical application module:
- How to actually coach (communication skills, not just information delivery)
- Planning long-term nutrition programs
- Adjusting plans based on client feedback and results
- Dealing with plateaus, setbacks, and non-compliance
- Real-world troubleshooting
This is where Triage leans on a decade-plus of coaching experience. You’re learning what actually works in practice, not just what works in theory.
The Curriculum Comparison Table
| Aspect | Precision Nutrition | Triage Method |
|---|---|---|
| Nutrition Science Depth | Moderate; covers essentials but prioritises simplification | Deep; comprehensive coverage of metabolism, digestion, biochemistry |
| Coaching Methodology | Single proprietary system (habit-based, hand portions) | Multiple frameworks (tiered approach for different client needs) |
| Behaviour Change Focus | Very high; this is PN’s speciality | Very high; the course is focused on actual coaching implementation |
| Practical Application | Extensive case studies, structured system | Multiple implementation options, flexible approach |
| Business Training | Included (marketing, client acquisition) | Included (systems, logistics) |
| Assessment Approach | Chapter-by-chapter exams (easier, less pressure) | Practice exams + final comprehensive exam |
| Study Materials | Physical textbook + digital content | Fully digital (written, audio, video, visual) |
The Teaching Style: How You’ll Actually Learn
You can have the best curriculum in the world, but if it’s delivered in a format that doesn’t match how you learn, you’ll struggle.
Precision Nutrition’s Teaching Style
PN is known for its readability. The textbooks are conversational, like a knowledgeable coach explaining concepts over coffee rather than an academic textbook. The writing includes stories, examples, and practical applications throughout.
You get multiple content formats:
- Written chapters in the physical textbook
- Animated video summaries for each chapter
- Audio versions if you prefer listening
- Workbook exercises to apply concepts
- Case studies showing real client scenarios
The pacing is structured but flexible. PN recommends one chapter per week (3-5 hours of study), which means about 4-5 months to complete. But there’s no deadline, and you can go faster or slower.
The exams happen after each chapter, and are just 10 questions per chapter. This means less cramming and more consistent engagement with the material. Many graduates appreciate this approach because it feels less overwhelming than a massive final exam.
The Facebook community is active and supportive. You can ask questions, share struggles, and celebrate wins. For people who learn well in community, this is valuable. For people who prefer to work independently, it might feel like noise.
Triage Method’s Teaching Style
Triage delivers content through their online learning platform with no physical materials. Everything is digital, which means you can access it from anywhere, anytime, on any device. Some people love this flexibility; others miss having a physical book to highlight and annotate.
The content comes in multiple formats:
- Written modules (comprehensive, detailed)
- Audio versions of written content
- Video explanations of complex concepts
- Visual diagrams and infographics
- References for deeper exploration
The tone is practitioner-focused. It’s not academic, but it’s not overly simplified either. The perspective is: “Here’s what the science says, here’s what we’ve seen work with real clients, here’s how to apply this.”
The tutor support is great. You can ask questions and get answers from coaches who’ve actually done this work, not just studied it. For some learners, this direct access is invaluable. For others who prefer to work through content independently, they might not use it much.
There’s no drip-feeding; you get immediate access to everything. This is great if you’re motivated and want to move fast. It can be overwhelming if you prefer structure and deadlines.
The final exam is comprehensive; 60 minutes, 100 questions. You get three attempts, and there are practice exams throughout to prepare you. This approach requires more focused study at the end, but many people prefer having one decisive assessment rather than 20 small ones.
Let’s Talk About What You Can Actually Do With These Certifications
This is the practical question: what will these certifications qualify you to do?
Industry Recognition
Precision Nutrition:
- Not NCCA accredited (National Commission for Certifying Agencies)
- Recognised by NASM, ACSM, and ACE for continuing education credits
- Approved by the American Council on Education for college credit (can count toward degree programs)
- Endorsed by CrossFit
- Taught at some universities as master’s-level content
- Widely recognised by gyms and fitness employers
- Strong brand recognition among clients
The lack of NCCA accreditation raises eyebrows for some people. But here’s the reality: PN’s reputation and widespread adoption often matter more than formal accreditation in the private coaching market. Over 175,000 graduates means employers and clients recognise the certification.
Triage Method:
- Provides 75 CPD hours upon completion
- Professionally recognised for continuing professional development
- Growing recognition, particularly in Ireland, UK and European markets
- Less established brand recognition than PN
- Newer certification (launched more recently)
The honest truth is that Triage won’t open as many doors at commercial gyms simply because it’s newer and less well-known. But for private practice, online coaching, or adding nutrition services to an existing fitness business, the comprehensive education it provides is absolutely world class.
What You Can’t Do With Either Certification
Neither of these certifications makes you a Registered Dietitian (RD). You cannot:
- Work in hospitals or clinical settings in most jurisdictions
- Provide medical nutrition therapy
- Treat diagnosed medical conditions through nutrition
- Use protected titles like “dietitian” in most countries
- Bill insurance for nutrition counselling
Both certifications prepare you for coaching generally healthy individuals who want to improve their nutrition, lose fat, build muscle, or optimise performance. They don’t prepare you for clinical dietetics.
What You Can Do
With either certification, you can:
- Coach nutrition in private practice
- Add nutrition services to existing personal training
- Work as an online nutrition coach
- Consult with gyms, corporate wellness programs, or sports teams (depending on their requirements)
- Create nutrition content (blogs, social media, courses)
- Educate groups through workshops or seminars
The Community Question: Does It Matter?
Precision Nutrition’s Community:
This is one of PN’s genuine strengths. The Facebook groups are active; we’re talking thousands of coaches sharing client wins, asking for advice, and troubleshooting challenges. When you’re stuck with a client who’s not progressing, you can post a question and get responses from experienced coaches within hours.
PN also hosts regular webinars, business trainings, and continuing education opportunities. Once you’re certified, you’re part of an ecosystem. The ProCoach software includes templates, client resources, and done-for-you materials.
For coaches who are just starting out and don’t have a support system, this community can be invaluable. You’re not figuring everything out alone.
Triage Method’s Community:
Triage doesn’t have the same established community structure. There’s no Facebook group with thousands of members, no regular cohort calls. You have direct access to tutors for questions, but you’re not embedded in a large peer network.
For some coaches, this is fine—they prefer to focus on the education and build their own professional networks. For others, especially those new to coaching, the lack of community feels isolating.
That said, Triage students do connect informally, and the company is building more community features as they grow. It’s just not at the PN scale yet.
The Honest Limitations of Each
Every certification has gaps. Let’s talk about them.
Where Precision Nutrition Falls Short
1. Nutrition science depth is intentionally limited
PN teaches you what you need to coach most people effectively, but if you want deep knowledge of metabolic pathways, hormonal interactions, or advanced sports nutrition, you’ll need additional education. The philosophy is “most clients don’t need you to understand the Krebs cycle”, which is true, but some coaches want that depth anyway.
2. The simplified approach doesn’t work for everyone
Hand portions and habit-based coaching are brilliant for many clients. But what about the physique competitor who needs precise macro manipulation? Or the endurance athlete with specific fueling requirements? PN Level 1 doesn’t really cover these populations. You’d need Level 2 or specialised courses.
3. You’re locked into their methodology
PN teaches you their system. It’s a proven system, but it’s still their system. If you want to coach differently or develop your own approach, PN doesn’t give you much framework for that. You follow the PN playbook.
4. ProCoach dependency
The software is excellent, but it creates dependency. If you stop paying for ProCoach, you lose access to client programs, resources, and automation. You’re essentially renting your coaching infrastructure.
5. Recertification requirement
Every two years, you need to retake an exam. It’s free and not particularly difficult, but it’s still a requirement. If you miss the deadline, your certification lapses.
Where Triage Method Falls Short
1. Brand recognition
This is the big one. Triage is newer and less known. If you’re applying for jobs at commercial gyms, “Precision Nutrition Certified” carries more weight than “Triage Method Certified” simply because HR departments recognise the PN brand. This matters less in private practice but more if you’re seeking employment.
2. No proprietary software or templates
You’re building your own systems. For self-motivated coaches who want full control, this is great. For coaches who want plug-and-play resources and client templates, this is a gap.
3. Smaller graduate network
You’re not joining a community of 175,000 coaches. The peer learning and networking opportunities are more limited.
4. All-digital format
Some people genuinely learn better with physical books. Triage is 100% digital, which is convenient, but doesn’t suit everyone’s learning style.
5. Less structured business training
Triage covers business systems and logistics, but PN provides more extensive marketing and business development resources. If you’re building a coaching business from scratch, PN gives you more of a roadmap.
Precision Nutrition vs Triage Method The Decision Framework: Which Should You Actually Choose?
Forget about which one is “better.” Here’s how to think about this decision:
Choose Precision Nutrition if:
You’re building an online coaching business and want turnkey software and systems. ProCoach integrates with their methodology seamlessly, and you get client-facing resources, program templates, and automation.
You value community and peer support. The Facebook groups are genuinely active, and being part of a large network of PN coaches provides ongoing education, troubleshooting, and connection.
You prefer teaching simplified nutrition principles to clients. Hand portions, habit progressions, and behaviour change are easier for most clients to follow than macro tracking or complex meal planning.
You want a proven, structured system to follow. PN has coached over 150,000 people. Their methodology works, and you’re getting a tested framework rather than having to develop your own.
You work primarily with general population clients. People who want to lose weight, feel better, and develop healthier relationships with food, and PN’s approach is excellent for these goals.
You like physical study materials. Getting actual textbooks and workbooks shipped to you matters if you learn better that way.
You value brand recognition. Whether it’s for employment at a gym or credibility with potential clients, the PN name carries weight.
Choose Triage Method if:
You want comprehensive nutrition science education. Deeper understanding of metabolism, digestion, and biochemistry informs better coaching decisions, even if you simplify the message for clients.
You need flexibility in how you coach. Some clients need simple habits. Others need macro targets. Some want meal plans. Triage teaches you multiple approaches rather than one system.
You value direct expert support. Unlimited tutor access means you can ask questions and get answers from practitioners with extensive coaching experience.
You prefer lifetime access without ongoing requirements. Pay once, own it forever, no recertification, no subscription fees.
You already have established systems or want to build your own. You’re not looking for proprietary software, as you’ll use your own client management tools.
You want to understand the “why” behind recommendations. The emphasis on foundational science means you’re not just repeating what you’ve been taught; you understand the mechanisms.
You’re cost-conscious long-term. €1,000 once vs. potential ongoing software fees makes Triage more economical over time.
Still Can’t Decide? Try This:
Ask yourself these questions:
1. “Do I learn better in community or independently?”
- Community learner → PN
- Independent learner → Either works, slight edge to Triage
2. “Am I building a business from scratch or adding to existing services?”
- From scratch → PN (more business support and software)
- Adding to existing → Either works, Triage might be more cost-effective
3. “Do I want one proven system or multiple frameworks?”
- One system → PN
- Multiple frameworks → Triage
4. “What’s my budget over 5 years, including potential software and advanced certifications?”
- Calculate both scenarios with your realistic usage
5. “Who are my ideal clients?”
- General population seeking lifestyle change → PN
- Diverse clients with varying needs and goals → Triage
- Advanced athletes or physique competitors → Neither is ideal (you’d need specialised education either way)
What About Alternatives?
If neither of these feels quite right, consider these other options:
NASM Nutrition Certification (CNC): $899 USD, strong gym industry recognition, good for personal trainers, less coaching-focused than PN or Triage.
ACE Fitness Nutrition Specialist: Similar to NASM, widely employer-recognised, general population focus.
ISSA Nutritionist Certification: Less expensive (~$599), self-paced, good basic education, but less depth than PN or Triage.
University RD Programs: Required for clinical work, 3-4 years, €20,000-100,000+, teaches science but often lacks practical coaching application.
For most fitness professionals and aspiring nutrition coaches, PN and Triage are both excellent choices. The decision should be based on your learning preferences, budget, coaching philosophy, and career goals—not on which one is objectively “better.”
Precision Nutrition vs Triage Method Final Thoughts: The Certification Doesn’t Make the Coach
Here’s the uncomfortable truth that the certification companies won’t tell you is that your success as a nutrition coach has very little to do with which certification you choose.
Both Precision Nutrition and Triage Method will give you solid foundational knowledge. Both will prepare you to coach nutrition effectively. Both are recognised and respected in the industry.
What will actually determine your success:
- Your ability to build rapport with clients
- Your communication skills
- Your marketing and business development
- Your commitment to ongoing learning
- Your practical coaching experience
- How well you actually help people get results
The certification gets you started. It gives you the knowledge foundation and the credibility to begin coaching. But the coaches who succeed are the ones who take that foundation and continue building; practicing with real clients, making mistakes, learning what works, and developing their own style.
So choose the certification that aligns with your learning preferences and coaching philosophy. Then focus on what really matters: becoming an excellent coach who genuinely helps people improve their lives.
That’s what your clients will remember, not which letters appear after your name.
Ready to Learn Nutrition Coaching?
If comprehensive nutrition science combined with flexible coaching frameworks appeals to you (teaching both the foundational knowledge and multiple practical implementation methods), then the Triage Method Nutrition Coaching Certification might align with your goals.
Our Nutrition Coaching Certification was built by coaches who were frustrated that most certifications taught either science without coaching or coaching without science. We teach both: deep nutritional knowledge and practical frameworks for working with real clients in real-world situations.
Learn more about the Triage Method Nutrition Certification →
