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Best Nutritionist certifications
Nutritionist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an nutritionist to employers. However, not all nutritionist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a nutritionist are Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Below is a list of the best nutritionist certifications. Obtaining an nutritionist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for nutritionists
Rank  | Nutritionist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | BCNS |
| 2 | Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | American Red ... |
| 3 | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) | CDR |
| 4 | Registered Nutrition and Dietetics Technician (NDTR) | CDR |
| 5 | Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) | NCBDE |
| 6 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 7 | Nutrition Educator | BC |
| 8 | Certified in Public Health (CPH) | NBPHE |
| 9 | Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | PTCB |
| 10 | Certified in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science (CFCS-HNFS) | AAFCS |
| 11 | Food Safety Manager Certification | NRSFP, FSMC |
| 12 | Nutrition Consultant Certification | AFPA |
| 13 | Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) | ANFSP |
| 14 | Health Coach Certification | ACE |
| 15 | International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) | IBLCE |
| 16 | Weight Management Specialist Certification | AFPA |
| 17 | ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | National Rest... |
| 18 | Certified Professional Counselor | APA, DAPA |
| 19 | Dental Assistant (RDA) | AMT |
| 20 | Fitness Nutrition Certification | ISSA |
Nutritionist Jobs
20 best nutritionist certifications
1. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Nutrition Specialist professionals are on the front lines battling the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease, and the BCNS supports these efforts and certifies nutrition professionals who maintain the highest standard of nutrition competence.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
3. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
RDs are food and nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration's (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential. RDs work in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Registered Nutrition and Dietetics Technician (NDTR)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 4 year(s)
5. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
The Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators ("Examination") is designed and intended solely for health care professionals who have defined roles as diabetes educators, not for those who may perform some diabetes related functions as part of or in the course of other usual and customary duties.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
6. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Nutrition Educator
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? No
8. Certified in Public Health (CPH)
The National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) offers the Certified in Public Health (CPH) credential as the only voluntary core credential for public health professionals. The CPH designation demonstrates that an individual graduate from a CEPH-accredited school or program of public health has mastered foundational competencies in public health. CPH professionals raise the bar and enhance the public health profession through their exemplary academic and leadership skills.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
10. Certified in Hospitality, Nutrition, and Food Science (CFCS-HNFS)
The AAFCS Certification Program is designed to assure the public that credentialed family and consumer sciences professionals have attained a threshold level of knowledge that enables them to perform services as defined by the mission of the profession; foster excellence in the family and consumer sciences profession and develop criteria for assessing such excellence; and promote professional growth of individuals certified in family and consumer sciences by encouraging a systematic program of professional development and continuing education.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
11. Food Safety Manager Certification
The National Registry's Certified Food Safety Professional examination has been developed following the strictest test development procedures. The Certified Food Safety Manager examination is accredited by the American National Standards Institute using standards set by the Conference for Food Protection.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
12. Nutrition Consultant Certification
The AFPA Master Nutrition Certification program is the most comprehensive nutrition course available. Completing this course will set you apart from others with your personal level of educational development, expertise, professionalism and commitment to the nutrition, health and wellness industry. When you have completed all 4 nutrition certification programs, you will receive the AFPA Nutrition Consultant - Master Level Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
13. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) program is one of the most popular benefits of membership in ANFP. By earning your CDM certification, you will join the top levels of nutrition and foodservice managers in the field. It can advance your career and open many new opportunities for employment!
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
14. Health Coach Certification
Your clients want to lose weight. They come to you for help. The Lifestyle & Weight Management Consultant certification assures clients that you have the knowledge to develop sound, balanced weight management programs that bring together the three critical components of nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
15. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)
An IBCLE or International Board Certified Lactation Consultant is a specialist that has taken and passed the IBLCE exam to earn that credential. The IBCLC credential is widely recognized as the gold standard in lactation management. It signifies a health care provider who possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to provide substantive breastfeeding assistance and skilled technical lactation management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
16. Weight Management Specialist Certification
The AFPA Weight Management Specialist Certification course provides a holistic approach to weight and health management. The Weight Management Consultant program will educate you on how to guide your clients to achieve their short-term weight loss goals, but more importantly, provide you with the skills necessary to help them achieve long-term weight management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required?
17. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is nationally recognized and accredited. ServSafe has always set the standard in food safety training and certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 5 year(s)
18. Certified Professional Counselor
You entered this field in order to help people. When was the last time that an organization came along to provide any real help to you? The mission of the American Board of Professional Counselors, ABPC program is to be the nation's leading advocate for counselors. ABPC will champion counselors' right to practice. We will work with you to protect your right to practice, increase parity for your profession, and provide you with the recognition that you so richly deserve.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 1 year(s)
19. Dental Assistant (RDA)
A Dental Assistant is an integral member of the dental health team, competent via education, experience, and understanding of patient welfare. The Dental Assistant is qualified to provide support in administrative duties: chairside, laboratory, and radiological procedures, as defined by existing state laws. As an agent of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant strives to cultivate good will and confidence within the dental practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 3 year(s)
20. Fitness Nutrition Certification
ISSA's Fitness Nutrition Certification course blends nutritional science and practice in order to help you successfully guide them toward a better body... both inside and out.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or Written Exam Required? Yes
- Renewal Required? Every 2 year(s)
Nutritionist Jobs
What is the best certification for a nutritionist?
The best nutritionist certification is Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). The Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is awarded by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this nutritionist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for nutritionists?
The most in-demand nutritionist certification is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based on all active job postings. Having this nutritionist certification will give you access to more nutritionist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a nutritionist career and salary?
The Certified Diabetes Educator certification will help you to secure a clinical dietitian position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A clinical dietitian's average salary is $51,516 whereas nutritionists make an average salary of $49,877.
The most common combination of nutritionist certifications include: Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Online courses for nutritionists to earn certifications
1. Child Nutrition and Cooking
Eating patterns that begin in childhood affect health and well-being across the lifespan. The culture of eating has changed significantly in recent decades, especially in parts of the world where processed foods dominate our dietary intake. This course examines contemporary child nutrition and the impact of the individual decisions made by each family. The health risks associated with obesity in childhood are also discussed. Participants will learn what constitutes a healthy diet for children...
2. National Academy of Sports Medicine Nutrition Essentials
NASM's Nutrition Coaching Essentials enables you to provide evidence-based guidance to those seeking to improve body composition, athletic performance, and health. By successfully completing this program, you will have the knowledge and abilities to leverage nutrition education to increase your client's success, reduce turnover, and maximize adherence. Held to the highest standard of research-based theory and practice, the Nutrition Essentials program teaches you how to provide nutritional...
3. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
4. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Nutrition
Learn the Fundamentals of Nutrition Science...
5. Nutrition Hot Topics and Controversies
Within the ever-changing nutrition landscape, it becomes difficult to understand current trending topics. Without a doubt, your friends and neighbors will have questions regarding these nutrition hot topics. Most people want to know what to believe or discard from what they hear, but they often lack the tools or the knowledge (or the time) to research topics as they become popular. This course has been designed to take an in-depth approach to explain the science behind many nutrition hot topics...
6. Breastfeeding and Adequate Substitutes
Ensuring adequate nutrition is essential for infants to reach their full potential, as early-life nutritional imbalances and deficiencies may result in detrimental and often irreversible adverse health consequences. "Breastfeeding and Adequate Substitutes" focuses on the important aspects of human milk composition, human lactation, breastfeeding practices, and the use of breastmilk substitutes. In addition to the theoretical and practical aspects of infant nutrition, we also provide the latest...
7. Vegan Nutrition Health Coach Certification
Become a Vegan Nutrition Certified Health Coach, Learn Vegan Cooking, Embrace a Holistic Approach to Food...
8. Nutrition Certification: Advanced Diet & Meal Planning
Advanced Diet And Nutrition Coach Strategies Dieting Certificate For Meal Plans, Fat Loss, Health & Sports Nutrition...
9. Vegan Nutrition: Build Your Plant Based Diet & Meal Plan
Learn How To Set Up A Vegan Diet For Weight Loss, Building Muscle, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning & Vegan Bodybuilding...
10. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Sports Nutrition
Learn About The Fundamentals Of Sport Nutrition Science And How To Fuel Your Athlete Client...