CNS History

• The Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists (CBNS) was founded in 1993 by the American College of Nutrition (ACN). The board issues the CNS credential to nutritionists who meet a set level of experience, knowledge, and skills. Attaining this certification allows nutrition professionals an additional level of formal recognition, since experience and passing an extensive examination is required above the required education. This credential gives the professional nutritionist additional credibility with employers, patients, and peers. Since 1998, the CNS credential has also been offered to physicians with approved experience and knowledge in the field of nutrition.
  
  

Educational Requirements

• All applicants for the CNS are required to hold an advanced degree (either a master's or doctoral degree) in nutrition or a related field. Possible master's degrees that meet this requirement include, but are not limited to RN, NP, or PA. Doctor's degrees that fulfill this requirement include, but are not limited to, DO, MD, DPM, DDS, OD, DPT, DC Pharm.D, Doctor of Nursing, or PA with a doctor's degree. The degree must be from a nationally accredited educational institution. Licensed professionals from approved programs also qualify to sit for the certification examination.
  
  

Experience Requirements with Master's Degree

• CNS candidates with a master's degree in nutrition or a related field are qualified to take the CNS examination. Those candidates in this category are required to document 1,000 hours of supervised experience in nutrition. This experience can be attained before or after the certification examination is taken.
  
  

Experience Requirements with Doctor's Degree

• Licensed professionals with a doctor's degree also qualify to sit for the CNS examination. Candidates in this category can complete and document 50 hours of continuing education in the field of nutrition or complete 10 detailed case studies in nutrition, to fulfill the nutrition experience requirement. This experience must be completed and documented before qualifying to sit for the certification examination.
  
  

Certification Examination

• The CNS certification examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, which candidates are allowed up to four hours to complete. The examination consists of five major categories, with the number of test questions weighted as follows: General Nutrition 20%, Nutrients 30%, Nutrition Assessment 20%, Clinical Nutrition 25%, and Professional Issues 5%. Candidates must attain an adjusted score of 65% to pass the exam.
  
  

Certification Maintenance

• The CNS certification is valid for five years. Every five years, certification holders are required to complete 75 continuing education credits in nutrition before applying for recertification.