Top 11 Dietitian Certifications

Certifications are important for a dietitian in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective nutrition care. Certifications also give dietitians credibility and recognition in the field, as well as show employers that a dietitian can be trusted to deliver quality services. In addition, certifications may be required for certain positions or organizations, such as those working in hospitals or long-term care facilities. Finally, certifications can help dietitians stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs.

This article reviews the top certifications available to Dietitians and explains how they can help advance their careers.

What are Dietitian Certifications?

Dietitian certification is the process of becoming certified as a registered dietitian (RD) or a licensed dietitian (LD). To become a RD or LD, individuals must complete an accredited didactic program in nutrition and dietetics and supervised practice program, pass a national examination, and meet any additional requirements determined by the state. The purpose of certification is to provide assurance that an individual has met the professional standards set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND).

Having a RD or LD credential can help individuals stand out from other nutrition professionals who may not have the same level of training and expertise. Dietitians are able to provide evidence-based information on nutrition, health promotion, disease prevention, dietary management, and more. This knowledge can be used to educate patients on healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes that may improve their overall health. Furthermore, having certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and can increase career opportunities in various fields such as clinical nutrition, research, public health, food service management, education and consulting.

Pro Tip: When considering a dietitian certification program, make sure to research the course requirements and any additional certifications or credentials that may be required for your specific career path. Additionally, look for programs that provide hands-on experience and fieldwork in order to gain the practical skills needed to succeed as a dietitian.

Related: What does a Dietitian do?

Top 11 Dietitian Certifications

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

1. Registered Dietitian (RD)

A Registered Dietitian (RD) is a health professional who specializes in the science of nutrition and food. They are qualified to provide advice on diet, nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve overall health.

To become an RD, individuals must complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or dietetics, complete an accredited supervised practice program and pass a national exam administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration. This process can take anywhere from 4-6 years depending on the individual's educational background and experience.

In order to get an RD credential, individuals must first apply for registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The application process includes submitting proof of education, passing the national examination, completing continuing education credits and paying registration fees. The cost of becoming an RD varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it will cost between $200-$300 for registration fees plus any additional costs associated with continuing education credits.

2. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)

A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is a professional certification that demonstrates expertise in nutrition and health. The CNS credential is granted to individuals who have completed an accredited program in nutrition, passed an examination, and met other requirements established by the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS).

It typically takes about two years of study to become a Certified Nutrition Specialist. To become certified, you must complete at least a master's degree in nutrition or a related field from an accredited university or college. You must also pass the CNS exam administered by the CBNS. Additionally, you must have at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience in nutrition counseling and education within the past five years prior to taking the exam.

To get your CNS certification, you must first complete the necessary educational requirements outlined above. Once these are fulfilled, you can register for the CNS exam through the CBNS website. The cost of registration is $395 USD and includes access to study materials and a practice test. After passing the exam, you will be required to pay an annual renewal fee of $95 USD to maintain your certification status.

3. Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)

Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD) is a certification that recognizes the expertise of Registered Dietitians (RDs) who specialize in sports nutrition. The CSSD credential is awarded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

To become a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics, an individual must have completed at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, have completed at least 900 hours of supervised practice experience in sports nutrition, and pass an exam administered by the CDR. The exam covers topics such as nutrient metabolism, energy balance, exercise physiology, and nutrition counseling.

The process to become a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics typically takes between one and two years. During this time, individuals must complete their supervised practice experience and prepare for the exam.

The cost to become a Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics varies depending on the individual’s circumstances. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $400 to register for the exam and $200 for each retake if necessary. Additionally, individuals may need to pay for study materials or courses related to sports nutrition.

4. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)

A Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) is a health care professional who has specialized knowledge and skills in diabetes management. CDEs are trained to provide comprehensive diabetes education, self-management support, and counseling to people with diabetes, their families, and caregivers. They work with individuals to develop individualized plans for managing their diabetes.

It typically takes two years of study and practice to become a Certified Diabetes Educator. In order to obtain the certification, you must meet the following criteria: be a registered nurse or other health care professional; have at least two years of experience in providing diabetes education; complete an accredited program of study in diabetes education; pass the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE) exam; and maintain continuing education credits every five years.

The cost of becoming a Certified Diabetes Educator varies depending on the type of program you choose. Most programs require an application fee, tuition fees, and other associated costs such as books and materials. The NCBDE exam fee is $325 USD.

5. Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN)

A Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN) is a health professional who specializes in the use of nutrition to promote health and prevent disease. They are trained to assess an individual’s nutritional needs, develop nutrition plans, and monitor progress. CCNs are certified by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB).

To become a CCN, you must first have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, nutrition science, and clinical nutrition. You must also have completed at least 900 hours of supervised clinical practice in nutrition counseling or therapy.

Once you meet the educational requirements for certification, you can apply for the CNCB exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of clinical nutrition principles and practices. It costs $400 to take the exam and it takes about 5 hours to complete.

Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your CCN certification. This certification is valid for five years before it must be renewed by taking continuing education courses or retaking the CNCB exam. The cost of renewal varies depending on which option you choose but typically ranges from $150-$300.

6. Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)

Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) is a certification program offered by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). The CNSC certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in nutrition support practice. This includes knowledge of the principles and practices of medical nutrition therapy, enteral and parenteral nutrition prescription, monitoring, and management.

It typically takes about 1-2 years to complete the CNSC certification requirements. To become certified as a CNSC, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of one year of experience in clinical nutrition support or completion of an ASPEN-approved education program. You must also pass an exam administered by ASPEN that covers topics such as medical nutrition therapy, enteral and parenteral nutrition prescription, monitoring, and management.

The cost for the CNSC certification program varies depending on whether you are an ASPEN member or non-member. For members, the cost is $375 while for non-members it is $475. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or study materials.

7. Pediatric Nutrition Certification Board (PNCB)

The Pediatric Nutrition Certification Board (PNCB) is a non-profit organization that provides certification for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Dietetic Technicians, Registered (DTRs) who specialize in pediatric nutrition. The PNCB is the only national certification board dedicated to certifying professionals in pediatric nutrition.

In order to obtain the PNCB credential, applicants must meet specific educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education. The PNCB offers two types of credentials: Certified Pediatric Nutrition Specialist (CPNS) and Certified Pediatric Nutrition Professional (CPNP).

The CPNS credential requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in dietetics or a related field, completion of at least 900 hours of supervised practice in pediatric nutrition, and passing the CPNS exam. The CPNP credential requires a minimum of a master’s degree in dietetics or a related field, completion of at least 1,500 hours of supervised practice in pediatric nutrition, and passing the CPNP exam.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the application process and prepare for the exam. Once all requirements have been met and the exam has been passed, applicants will receive their certification within 4-6 weeks.

The cost to apply for either credential is $250 USD. There is also an annual maintenance fee of $125 USD due each year after certification is received.

8. Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES)

Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES) are health professionals who have met the criteria for certification set by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC). CHES are qualified to provide health education and promotion services in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, community organizations, and private practice.

To become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), an individual must pass a comprehensive exam administered by NCHEC. The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering seven content areas: Foundations of Health Education; Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation; Program Management; Professional Responsibility; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Community Dimensions of Practice; and Issues in Practice. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost to take the CHES exam is $385 for NCHEC members or $485 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals must pay an annual fee of $60 to maintain their certification status.

In addition to passing the CHES exam, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements. To be eligible to sit for the CHES exam, applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in health education or related fields such as public health or community health education.

9. Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CHN)

A Certified Holistic Nutritionist (CHN) is a professional who has specialized training in the field of holistic nutrition. Holistic nutrition focuses on the whole person and their lifestyle, rather than simply focusing on diet alone. A CHN works with clients to create individualized plans that will help them achieve their health goals through dietary and lifestyle changes.

It typically takes between 1-2 years to become a Certified Holistic Nutritionist. This includes completing an accredited program, which can be done online or in-person, as well as passing an exam administered by the National Association of Nutritional Professionals (NANP).

To get certified, applicants must have completed at least 600 hours of coursework in holistic nutrition and have obtained a degree from an accredited school or university. Applicants must also submit proof of continuing education credits every two years to maintain certification.

The cost for becoming a Certified Holistic Nutritionist varies depending on the program chosen and whether it is taken online or in-person. Generally speaking, programs range from $1,000 - $4,000 USD for tuition and fees. Additionally, there are costs associated with taking the NANP exam which include registration fees and study materials.

10. International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM)

The International Board of Lifestyle Medicine (IBLM) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the highest standards of lifestyle medicine. It provides a comprehensive certification program for healthcare professionals in the field of lifestyle medicine and offers continuing education opportunities for those already certified. The IBLM certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in lifestyle medicine practice, research, and teaching.

It takes approximately 6-9 months to complete the IBLM certification process. The process includes completing an online application, passing a written exam, submitting case studies demonstrating clinical experience, and participating in an oral interview.

To get IBLM certified, applicants must first submit an online application and pay a $200 application fee. After that, they will receive instructions on how to register for the written exam which costs $400. Once they pass the written exam, they will be required to submit case studies demonstrating their clinical experience with lifestyle medicine patients as well as participate in an oral interview with members of the IBLM board. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification from the IBLM board.

The cost of getting certified through the IBLM is $600 ($200 application fee + $400 exam fee).

11. Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT)

Certified LEAP Therapist (CLT) is a certification program for mental health professionals who specialize in the use of Life Enhancement and Personal Growth (LEAP) therapy. This type of therapy focuses on helping individuals identify and work through the issues that are preventing them from achieving their goals. It is a holistic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and humanistic principles to help clients achieve greater self-awareness and personal growth.

The CLT certification requires a minimum of two years of supervised practice in LEAP therapy, as well as successful completion of an exam administered by the International Association of LEAP Therapists (IALTP). The exam consists of both written and practical components, covering topics such as assessment, treatment planning, interventions, ethical considerations, and research.

In order to become certified as a CLT, applicants must have completed at least two years of supervised practice in LEAP therapy or equivalent training. Applicants must also submit proof that they have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education related to LEAP therapy over the past three years.

The cost for taking the CLT exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as purchasing study materials or attending review courses.

Do You Really Need a Dietitian Certificate?

Yes, a dietitian certificate is an important credential for those interested in pursuing a career in nutrition. It is required for many positions within the field and can provide an individual with the necessary knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the health of others. With a dietitian certificate, individuals can gain access to a wide range of career opportunities, such as working in private practice, hospitals, schools, and other healthcare institutions.

A dietitian certificate is essential for those who want to become Registered Dietitians (RDs). In order to become an RD, individuals must complete an accredited nutrition program and pass a national registration exam. This certification provides evidence that an individual has the necessary knowledge and experience to work as an RD. Additionally, having a dietitian certification may open up more job opportunities than without one. For example, employers may prefer candidates who have earned their certification over those without one.

In addition to providing access to more career opportunities, having a dietitian certificate can also provide individuals with the specialized knowledge and skills needed to properly counsel clients on nutrition-related issues. Having this type of expertise can be invaluable when working with clients who are trying to make lifestyle changes or manage chronic conditions related to nutrition. Moreover, it can give them the confidence they need when making decisions about what foods to eat or how much exercise they should get each week.

Overall, having a dietitian certificate is essential for those seeking a career in nutrition and health-related fields. Not only does it provide access to more job opportunities but it also gives individuals the specialized knowledge and skills needed to properly assess client needs and provide effective counseling services on nutrition-related issues.

Related: Dietitian Resume Examples

FAQs About Dietitian Certifications

1. What is a Dietitian Certification?

Answer: A Dietitian Certification is an official recognition that you have met the requirements for becoming a certified dietitian. It is awarded by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and requires completion of a specific educational program, successful completion of an accredited exam, and continuing education credits.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must first complete an accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD), which includes coursework in nutrition science, food service management, and medical nutrition therapy. After completing the DPD, you must then pass the CDR's registration exam to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

3. How often do I need to renew my certification?

Answer: The CDR requires dietitians to renew their certification every five years by completing 75 continuing education credits over that time period.

4. What are the benefits of certification?

Answer: Becoming certified as a dietitian can help you stand out among other job applicants and demonstrate your commitment to professional development in the field of nutrition and dietetics. It also helps employers recognize your expertise and skillset when making hiring decisions.

5. Are there any other certifications available for dietitians?

Answer: Yes! In addition to becoming an RDN, there are many specialized certifications available for dietitians such as Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE), Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP), Certified Sports Dietitian (CSD), and more.