Skip to Main Content

Nutritionists

Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements

Certification or Licensing

Most states have laws regulating the practice of nutritionists through licensure, certification, or registration. Visit https://www.cdrnet.org for information on requirements in your state.

The Commission on Dietetic Registration of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) awards several certification credentials. To receive the registered dietitian nutritionist credential (RND), applicants must have completed ACEND-approved education and training and pass the registration exam. Several specialty certifications, such as board certified specialist in pediatric nutrition and board certified specialist in sports dietetics, are also available through the AND. To maintain their certification credentials, dietitians and nutritionists must also complete continuing education on a regular basis.

The certified clinical nutritionist credential is awarded by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board of the International and American Associations of Clinical Nutritionists. To receive this designation, nutritionists must have completed a bachelor's degree (which includes certain classes in the sciences and nutrition), completed post-graduate studies in clinical nutrition, finished an internship, and passed a written examination. Recertification is required every five years. Nutritionists may also earn the certified nutrition specialist credential form the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. Applicants must have a master's or doctoral degree, completed 1,000 hours of supervised experience, and pass an exam.

Related Professions