Top 10 Diet Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a diet technician in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certified diet technicians have completed specialized education and training, which gives them the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality nutrition services. Additionally, certifications can help diet technicians stand out from other applicants in a competitive job market, as employers may be more likely to hire an individual with a certification than one without. Finally, certifications can also increase earning potential for diet technicians, as those with certifications may be offered higher salaries or more opportunities than those without.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Diet Technicians and explain how they can help enhance a diet technician's career.

What are Diet Technician Certifications?

Diet Technician Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates knowledge and competence in nutrition and dietetics. It is designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to provide safe, evidence-based nutrition care and education to patients and clients. Diet technicians are trained to evaluate nutritional health status, assess dietary needs, develop nutrition care plans, and educate patients on healthy eating habits. They can also assist with menu planning, food preparation, and nutrition counseling.

Having diet technician certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession as well as their dedication to providing quality care. This certification can help diet technicians gain employment in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, public health departments, corporate wellness programs, outpatient clinics, or private practice settings. Additionally, having a Diet Technician Certification may make individuals more competitive for certain positions or increase their earning potential. Holding this certification can also give employers confidence that their employees have the necessary knowledge and skills needed for providing safe nutrition care.

Pro Tip: When considering a diet technician certification, it is important to make sure that the program you choose is accredited by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This ensures that your certification will be recognized nationally and can be used as a credential in many states. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and/or internships to give you a better understanding of the field and help you prepare for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Diet Technician do?

Top 10 Diet Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Diet Technicians today.

1. Certified Diet Technician (CDT)

A Certified Diet Technician (CDT) is a professional who provides nutrition care and counseling to individuals, groups, and communities. They are knowledgeable in the use of nutrition assessment tools, food service management principles, and nutrition education techniques. CDTs are qualified to work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools, public health agencies, and other settings.

It typically takes three years to become a Certified Diet Technician. This includes completing an accredited dietetic technician program or equivalent coursework in dietetics or related sciences such as biology or chemistry. After completing the educational requirements, individuals must pass the national certification exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

To get certified as a CDT you must meet certain eligibility requirements set by the CDR which include: completion of an accredited dietetic technician program; completion of at least 450 hours of supervised practice; and passing the national certification exam.

The cost for taking the national certification exam varies depending on your location but can range from $200-$400 USD.

2. Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD)

Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD) is a credential awarded by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). This certification is designed to recognize the expertise of dietitians in nutrition support, which includes enteral and parenteral nutrition. To become certified, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, nutrition support therapies, and professional practice.

It typically takes around 6-9 months to complete the requirements for CNSD certification. The process involves completing an online application form, submitting official transcripts from an accredited college or university with a degree in dietetics or related field, passing the certification exam, and paying applicable fees.

The cost of becoming a Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian varies depending on the type of application submitted. For those who are already Registered Dietitians (RDs), the cost is $400 USD for ASPEN members and $475 USD for non-members. For individuals who are not RDs, the cost is $450 USD for ASPEN members and $525 USD for non-members.

Overall, obtaining CNSD certification requires dedication and hard work but can be beneficial in helping individuals advance their careers in nutrition support.

3. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is a professional who has completed an advanced degree in nutrition and has passed a rigorous certification exam. The CNS credential is offered by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS). The CBNS is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in nutrition through certification.

To become a Certified Nutrition Specialist, individuals must have at least a master’s degree in nutrition or a related field from an accredited college or university. They must also complete at least 900 hours of supervised practice experience in nutrition counseling and have passed the CNS certification examination.

The CNS certification examination consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as medical nutrition therapy, human nutrition, food science, dietetics, and public health. The oral exam focuses on the individual’s ability to apply knowledge gained from their education and experience to real-life situations.

The cost of becoming a Certified Nutrition Specialist varies depending on the individual’s educational background and experience level. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 to take the examination. In addition to this fee, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining transcripts or other documentation that may be required by the CBNS for eligibility purposes.

4. Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)

A Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) is a health care professional who specializes in the use of nutrition to promote optimal health and well-being. CCNs have a thorough understanding of nutrition science and its application in treating, preventing, and managing chronic diseases. They are trained to assess individual nutritional needs and develop personalized nutrition plans that address specific medical conditions.

To become a CCN, you must first complete an accredited program in clinical nutrition or a related field. Most programs require at least a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, although some may accept an associate’s degree or equivalent experience. After completing the educational requirements, you must then pass an exam administered by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS).

The CBNS exam consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, clinical nutrition principles, dietary assessment methods, food service management, public health nutrition, therapeutic diets, and more. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of clinical nutrition principles in real-world scenarios.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCN varies depending on your educational background and the program you choose to pursue certification through. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more for tuition plus any applicable fees for textbooks or other materials. Additionally, there is usually an additional fee for taking the CBNS exam which can range from $400-$600 depending on your location.

5. Registered Diet Technician (RDT)

A Registered Diet Technician (RDT) is a professional who has completed a specialized program in nutrition and dietetics. They are qualified to provide nutrition care services to individuals, groups, and communities.

In order to become an RDT, you must complete an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Coordinated Program in Dietetics (CP), which typically takes two to four years depending on the program. After completing the DPD or CP, you must then pass the national Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

The cost of becoming an RDT varies depending on the type of program you choose and whether you attend school full-time or part-time. Generally, tuition costs range from $10,000-$30,000 for a two-year DPD program and $20,000-$50,000 for a four-year CP program. In addition to tuition fees, there may be other costs associated with becoming an RDT such as books and supplies, lab fees, exam fees, and travel expenses.

6. Board Certified Specialty in Nutrition Support (BCSNS)

Board Certified Specialty in Nutrition Support (BCSNS) is a credential that recognizes the expertise of registered dietitians who specialize in nutrition support. It is an advanced certification offered by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN).

To become certified, candidates must have at least two years of experience in nutrition support practice, hold a current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), and complete an approved course in nutrition support. The certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as medical nutrition therapy, parenteral nutrition, enteral nutrition, and pharmacology.

The cost for taking the BCSNS exam is $400 for ASPEN members and $600 for non-members. The exam fee includes access to study materials and practice exams. The exam must be taken within 12 months of submitting your application. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your certificate within 4-6 weeks.

7. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a healthcare professional who has specialized knowledge and experience in diabetes management. They provide education and support to people with diabetes and their families, helping them understand the disease and manage it effectively.

The certification process typically takes six months to one year to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational requirements, pass an exam, and demonstrate clinical competency by completing a minimum of 1000 hours of practice in diabetes education.

The cost for the certification process varies depending on the organization offering it. The National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) offers two levels of certification: Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) and Certified Diabetes Care & Education Specialist (CDCES). The fee for the CDE exam is $300, while the fee for the CDCES exam is $400.

8. Certified Food and Nutrition Professional (CFNP)

A Certified Food and Nutrition Professional (CFNP) is a credential awarded by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to individuals who demonstrate expertise in food and nutrition. The CFNP certification is designed for professionals who have a degree in nutrition or dietetics, or who have completed an accredited post-secondary program in food and nutrition. This certification requires a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice experience in the field of food and nutrition.

In order to become certified as a CFNP, an individual must pass an exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, which is part of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as nutrition science, medical nutrition therapy, food service management, public health nutrition, research methods and statistics, communication skills, professional development, and ethics.

The cost to take the CFNP exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $400-$700 USD. Additionally, there are fees associated with maintaining your certification once you have passed the exam. These fees include annual dues for membership in the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics ($150 USD), continuing education requirements ($30 USD per year), and recertification fees every five years ($125 USD).

Overall, becoming certified as a CFNP can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years depending on your background in food and nutrition.

9. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a healthcare professional who specializes in the science of nutrition and dietetics. RDNs are trained to provide evidence-based nutrition advice, medical nutrition therapy, and counseling services to individuals, families, and communities. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, schools, private practice, public health departments, food service organizations, corporate wellness programs, research institutions and more.

It typically takes four years of college education to become an RDN. A bachelor's degree in dietetics or a related field such as food science or nutrition is required along with completing an accredited supervised practice program. After completing the educational requirements, candidates must pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).

To become an RDN you will need to complete the following steps:

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field such as food science or nutrition;

2. Complete an accredited supervised practice program;

3. Pass the CDR national exam;

4. Obtain state licensure (if applicable);

5. Maintain continuing education credits; and

6. Participate in professional development activities.

The cost of becoming an RDN varies depending on your educational background and experience level but can range from $10,000-$50,000 for tuition alone plus additional costs for books and other materials needed for the program.

10. Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN/NDTR/NDT)

A Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN/NDTR/NDT) is a professional who has completed an accredited nutrition program and passed a national certification exam. This certification allows them to provide nutrition counseling, education, and medical nutrition therapy services to individuals and groups.

It typically takes four years of post-secondary education in order to become an LDN/NDTR/NDT. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or nutrition, completing an accredited supervised practice program (aka dietetic internship), and passing the national registration exam.

In order to get certified as an LDN/NDTR/NDT, you must first complete the required educational requirements and then apply for the national registration exam through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible for licensure in your state or jurisdiction.

The cost of becoming an LDN/NDTR/NDT varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose. Generally, it can range from $5,000-$10,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include books, fees for taking the national registration exam, and any other related expenses such as travel or living expenses associated with completing your supervised practice program.

Do You Really Need a Diet Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and objectives. If you are looking to pursue a career in the field of nutrition, then obtaining a Diet Technician Certificate may be beneficial for you. The certificate is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become a competent diet technician. It covers topics such as nutrition science, food service management, and medical nutrition therapy, among other things.

Having a Diet Technician Certificate can open up many doors when it comes to finding employment in the field of nutrition. Many employers prefer candidates who have taken courses related to diet technology because it demonstrates that they have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge needed for the job. Additionally, having a certificate can be helpful when applying for positions in health care facilities or hospitals as they may require certification before hiring an individual.

Overall, obtaining a Diet Technician Certificate is not required for all jobs related to nutrition; however, having one can give you an advantage in terms of employment opportunities and could potentially lead to higher wages or better benefits. Therefore, if you are serious about pursuing a career in this field then getting certified may be worth considering.

Related: Diet Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Diet Technician Certifications

Q1: What is a Diet Technician Certification?

A1: A Diet Technician Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates proficiency in the nutrition and dietetics field. It is awarded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to those who have completed an accredited academic program or have equivalent experience.

Q2: How long does it take to become a certified diet technician?

A2: The length of time it takes to become a certified diet technician will depend on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally, it may take anywhere from one year to three years to complete all of the required coursework and exams for certification.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a certified diet technician?

A3: Becoming a Certified Diet Technician can open up many opportunities for employment in the nutrition field, including working with health care facilities, food service organizations, and fitness centers. Additionally, having this credential can improve job prospects and salaries within the industry.

Q4: What is required for certification as a Diet Technician?

A4: In order to be certified as a Diet Technician, individuals must complete an accredited academic program or have equivalent experience in nutrition and dietetics. They must also pass the CDR’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Exam or an equivalent exam approved by the CDR.

Q5: Where can I find more information about becoming a Certified Diet Technician?

A5: Additional information about becoming a Certified Diet Technician can be found on the Commission on Dietetic Registration website at www.cdrnet.org/certification-programs/diet-technician-certification/