Virginia Dietitian License
Board of Health Professions
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state license required
Fingerprints
Not required
N/A
Temp License
Not available
N/A
What You'll Need
- ACEND Verification Statement — Official document from your program director confirming completion of accredited education and supervised practice.
- Official Academic Transcripts — Required by the CDR to verify degree conferral and prerequisite coursework.
- CDR Registration Card — Your proof of active national registration, which serves as your legal qualification to use protected titles in Virginia.
How to Apply
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Complete Accredited Education ▾Earn a bachelor's or master's degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND). Note: As of January 1, 2024, a master's degree is required to sit for the RDN exam.
Find Accredited Programs -
Complete Supervised Practice ▾Complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (Dietetic Internship) consisting of at least 1,000 to 1,200 hours of clinical experience.
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Pass the National Registration Examination ▾Apply for and pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
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Obtain National Credential ▾Upon passing the exam, you will receive your Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) credential. Alternatively, obtain the Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) credential from the BCNS.
CDR Homepage -
Verify Title Protection Compliance ▾Virginia does not issue a state license. Under Virginia Code § 54.1-2731, you are legally authorized to use the title 'Dietitian' or 'Nutritionist' once you hold an active national credential (RDN, CNS, or ACBN).
View Virginia Statute
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state license required
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Virginia has no state license to transfer. Title protection eligibility is demonstrated by holding a valid CDR credential, or a current dietitian/nutritionist license or certificate from another state.
Steps
-
Automatic Recognition ▾Virginia does not have a reciprocity or endorsement application process because it does not license dietitians. If you hold a valid license from another state or an active national credential (RDN/CNS), you may legally use the title in Virginia immediately.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
No state renewal. CDR registration renews every 5 years with 75 CPE hours.
Compact
No
Board
Board of Health Professions
Keeping Your License Active
Virginia Dietitian licenses renew No state renewal. CDR registration renews every 5 years with 75 CPE hours.. Contact the Board of Health Professions for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Temporary permit | N/A |
Slow Downs
Transcript Processing
▾
Delays in universities sending official transcripts to the CDR can stall exam eligibility.
Internship Placement
▾
The competitive nature of the Dietetic Internship Match can delay the start of supervised practice.
Exam Authorization
▾
Waiting for the CDR to process the verification statement and authorize the candidate to test via Pearson VUE.
Questions
Does Virginia require a state license for dietitians?
▾
No. Virginia is a 'Title Protection' state. It does not issue state licenses or certifications. You are legally allowed to practice and use the title if you hold a recognized national credential.
What titles are protected in Virginia?
▾
The titles 'Dietitian' and 'Nutritionist' (including 'Registered,' 'Certified,' or 'Licensed' variations) are protected. Only individuals meeting the criteria in § 54.1-2731 may use them.
How do I renew my 'license' in Virginia?
▾
Since there is no state license, you do not renew with the state. You must maintain your national registration with the CDR or BCNS by completing their specific continuing education requirements.
Is there a state fee to practice as a dietitian in Virginia?
▾
No, there are no state application or registration fees. You only pay fees associated with your national credentialing body (CDR or BCNS).
Can I practice nutrition in Virginia without being an RDN?
▾
Yes, but you cannot call yourself a 'Dietitian' or 'Nutritionist' unless you hold the specific credentials (RDN, CNS, or ACBN) or meet the narrow educational exemptions for government employees.
Board Info
Board of Health Professions (Title Protection)
Phone(804) 367-4400