CNSC - Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (Formerly CNSN: Certified Nutrition Support Nurse)

Nutrition support is the use of nutrition to treat patients with diseases that affect eating, digesting & absorbing nutrients required for health. Nutrition Support Clinicians must be familiar with oral medications, tube feedings, intravenous (IV) feedings of special liquids, or a combination of these therapies.

The National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC) is the credentialing board that awards the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) certification to healthcare professionals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary for quality nutrition support care. Although this was a specialty certification for nurses, the new credential in nutritional support is available to multiple professions. The certification is now for:

• Physicians

• Dieticians

• Pharmacists

• Physician assistants

• Dentists

• Nurses

Healthcare professionals who provide patient care with knowledge and skills in nutritional support daily can show their qualifications as nutrition support providers with the CNSC.

Nutrition support clinicians screen patients for nutritional risk, develop and implement nutritional plans, and monitor response to treatment. Complex hospitalized patients with tube feedings or patients at the end of life may need a specialist to work with their care teams to develop nutritional support plans. Nutrition support clinicians can work in clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare, or private practice.

Test Format

CNSC examination is offered twice annually, in the spring and fall. Tests are administered through the NBNSC’s testing partner, Professional Testing Corporation (PTC). PTC offers examinations at in-person testing centers or online via live remote proctored exams.

The CNSC test is a 4-hour timed, computer-based exam with 250 multiple-choice questions. Scores range from 200 to 800, with a passing point of 500.

Results

CNSC exam results are sent via email and U.S. mail approximately 4-6 weeks after the testing period. Exam results are sent directly from the testing company, PTC. 

If the candidate fails the exam, there is no waiting period to retest. 

The CNSC credential requires a college degree and licensure as a healthcare professional. The NBNSC credentialing board recommends two years of experience in nutritional support practice after obtaining a professional license, but it is not required. Applicants for this exam must provide a copy of their current license with their application for the certification examination.

Steps for a healthcare professional to become certified as a CNSC:

1. Download and review the Candidate Handbook.

2. Check the eligibility requirements or develop a plan to meet the eligibility requirements.

3. Apply to take the exam.

4. Prepare and take the exam.

Exam Fees:

• Members of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN): $330.00  

• Non-ASPEN Members: $430.00

The CNSC credential is valid for five years. To renew the certification, a clinician must retake and pass the exam.

Exam Fees:

• Members of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN): $330.00  

• Non-ASPEN Members: $430.00

Exam Content and Exam Preparation offered by the NBNSC.

Other related certifications include:

• BPS Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

• CDR Dietetic Technician, Registered/Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (DTR/NDTR)

• CDR Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN)