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

The Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) certification is a professional credential for individuals who have met the standard requirements set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). This certification indicates expertise in food and nutrition and qualifies individuals to provide dietetic counseling and nutritional assessments in various settings.

Completion Time: 2.5 hours

Eligibility and Certification Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college with a program approved by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).

• Completion of an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (dietetic internship).

• Passing the national examination administered by the CDR.

Cost: $250

Exam Format

Pearson VUE testing centers administers this computer-based exam.

The exam is a computer-based test that includes a minimum of 125 multiple-choice questions covering food and nutrition sciences, nutritional assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation. A maximum of 145 questions, with 120 scored and 25 unscored is possible.

Complete the required degree and supervised practice program.

Apply for and pass the CDR national examination for dietitians.

After obtaining your CDR-issued RD certification, you can apply for a license through your state's dietetics board.

Registered Dietitians (RDs) and Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) must renew their certification every year and complete recertification every 5 years. Recertification is done through the Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) process, which requires completion of a learning plan, 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs) including at least 1 CPEU in ethics or health equity, and a self-assessment.

Renewal Fees

• Yearly renewal fee: $80 (due by August 31)

• Late renewal (September 1–October 31): $105 (includes $25 late fee)

• Late renewal (November 1–December 31): $130 (includes $50 late fee)

• Late renewal (January 1–March 31): $280 (includes $200 late fee)

Continuing education may include topics such as medical nutrition therapy, food service systems management, community nutrition, nutrition research, and emerging trends in dietetics and nutrition.

Candidate Handbook

For specific information regarding Registered Dietitian or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, including eligibility criteria, examination details, approved educational programs, and renewal processes, it is recommended to consult directly with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). These organizations provide comprehensive resources and standards for dietetics professionals.

Career Opportunities

RDs/RDNs work in a variety of settings including hospitals, public health clinics, schools, sports nutrition, food service, research, and private practice.

They provide nutrition counseling, develop nutrition plans, educate patients on diet-related issues, and participate in research.

The CDR also offers the Dietetic Technician, Registered/Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (DTR/NDTR).

Other related certifications include:

• BPS Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

• NBNSC Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)

• ABCGN Certified Gastroenterology Registered Nurse (CGRN)