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Kentucky Dietitian License

Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists

Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
N/A

What You'll Need

  • Application for Licensure/Certification — The official state form for dietitian licensure and nutritionist certification.
  • CDR Registration Card — A photocopy of your current, valid Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) card. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership cards are not accepted.
  • Official Transcripts — Certified copies of official transcripts showing completion of required degree and coursework, especially if applying for Certified Nutritionist status.
  • Out-of-State License Verification — If previously or currently licensed in another state, you must submit official verification from that state's board created within the last 60 days.

How to Apply

  1. Complete Education and Supervised Practice ▾
    Earn a master's degree (required as of January 1, 2024) from an ACEND-accredited program and complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice.
  2. Pass the CDR Registration Examination ▾
    Register for and pass the national examination administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) to become a Registered Dietitian (RD).
  3. Create an eServices Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Kentucky Department of Professional Licensing eServices portal to manage your application and payments.
    Register for eServices
  4. Submit Application for Licensure ▾
    Complete the Application for Licensure/Certification. Most applicants select 'Dual Licensure/Certification' to be recognized as both a Licensed Dietitian (LD) and Certified Nutritionist (CN).
  5. Pay Application Fee ▾
    Pay the non-refundable $50 application fee through the eServices portal or by mailing a check/money order to the Board.
    Pay Fee Online
  6. Provide Proof of CDR Registration ▾
    Submit a copy of your current CDR registration card or an official letter from CDR confirming you passed the examination.
Total Fee
$50
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Kentucky allows licensure by endorsement. Applicants actively licensed in another state must provide verification of licensure and proof that they meet the same educational, supervised practice, and examination requirements (active CDR registration typically satisfies this).

Steps

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you hold a current CDR registration and an active dietitian license in another state.
  2. Submit Kentucky Application ▾
    Complete the standard Application for Licensure/Certification form, checking the appropriate boxes for licensure by endorsement.
  3. Request Official Verifications ▾
    Contact each state where you hold or have held a license and request they send official verification directly to the Kentucky Board.
  4. Submit Out-of-State Laws ▾
    Provide a copy of the statutes and regulations from the state where you are currently licensed to assist the Board in determining equivalency.
  5. Pay Endorsement Fee ▾
    Submit the $50 application fee via the eServices portal or check.
    eServices Portal
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Annual (by Oct 31st) + 15 CE hours
Compact
No
Board
Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists

Keeping Your License Active

Kentucky Dietitian licenses renew Annual (by Oct 31st) + 15 CE hours. Contact the Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$50
Endorsement application$50
Temporary permitN/A
Renewal50.0

Slow Downs

Incorrect CDR Documentation ▾
Submitting an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics membership card instead of the official CDR registration card will result in a delay.
Missing Out-of-State Verifications ▾
Applications for endorsement cannot be reviewed until all official verifications from other state boards are received directly by the Kentucky Board.
Incomplete Application Forms ▾
Failing to answer all questions or sign the affidavit on the application form requires the Board to return the application for correction.
Renewal Peak Period ▾
Applying or renewing very close to the October 31 deadline can lead to longer processing times due to the high volume of licensees across multiple professions.

Questions

When is the license renewal deadline? ▾
Licenses must be renewed annually by October 31. There is a grace period until December 31, but late fees apply after October 31.
How many continuing education (CE) hours are required? ▾
Licensed dietitians must complete 15 hours of approved continuing education annually between November 1 and October 31.
Is a master's degree required for licensure? ▾
As of January 1, 2024, a master's degree is required to be eligible for the CDR exam, which is a prerequisite for Kentucky licensure.
What is the application fee? ▾
The application fee is $50, which covers licensure as a dietitian, certification as a nutritionist, or dual licensure/certification.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
No, you must hold an active Kentucky license or certificate to legally practice dietetics or use the title 'Licensed Dietitian' in the state.

Board Info

Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists
Phone(502) 892-4254
Emailmailto:diet@ky.gov
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25