By Sara Glanz, MS, RD, LD, CNSC
Looking for a way to distinguish yourself as a top-performer in your field? Or maybe you are looking to move toward a specialty and spotlight your special interests or talents? As a registered dietitian, you can choose to pursue a specialty certification in addition to your RD credential. Check out the chart below to see what options are out there!
Credential
(Click for more info)
|
Sponsoring
Organization
|
Minimum
Experience as RD
|
Additional Requirements
|
Cost
|
Certified Specialist in Gerontological
NutritionTM (CSGTM) |
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) |
2 calendar years |
2000 hours of relevant experience |
$350 |
Certified Specialist
in Pediatric
NutritionTM (CSPTM) |
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) |
2 calendar years |
2000 hours of relevant experience |
$350 |
Certified Specialist
in Renal
NutritionTM (CSRTM) |
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) |
2 calendar years |
2000 hours of relevant experience |
$350 |
Certified Specialist in Oncology NutritionTM (CSOTM) |
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) |
2 calendar years |
2000 hours of relevant experience |
$350 |
Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM) |
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) |
2 calendar years |
2000 hours of relevant experience |
$350 |
Certified Specialist in
Sports DieteticsTM (CSSDTM) |
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) |
2 calendar years |
2000 hours of relevant experience (initial certification)
1500 hours of relevant experience (renewal) |
$350 |
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist® (CDCES®) |
Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education (CBDCE) |
2 calendar years |
1000 hours of relevant experience + 15 hours of relevant continuing education within 2 years prior to exam |
$350 (initial exam), $250 (recertification) |
Certified Nutrition Support Clinician® (CNSC®) |
National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC) |
No minimum, but recommended to have 2 years experience |
None |
$330 if ASPEN member or $430 if not |
Certified Lactation Counselor® (CLC®) |
The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice (ALPP) |
No minimum |
45 hours of breastfeeding-related education in the past 1 year |
$20 application fee + $100 exam fee |
International Board
Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC®) |
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE) |
No minimum |
95 hours of human lactation-related education + 300-1000 hours of clinical experience (depending on pathway) |
$660 (initial exam), $330 (re-certification) |

Sara Glanz, MS, RD, LD, CNSC worked as a traveling dietitian for Dietitians On Demand for two years before joining the team as the corporate dietitian. In this role, she has championed the continuing education program to empower dietitians everywhere to achieve their professional goals.
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Dietitians On Demand is a nationwide staffing and recruitment company for registered dietitians, specializing in short-term, temporary and permanent-hire positions in acute care, long term care and food service positions. Check out our job openings, or request your coverage today!
References:
Commission on Dietetic Registration. CDR’s new interdisciplinary certification in obesity and weight management. 2017. https://www.cdrnet.org/interdisciplinary. Accessed November 5, 2017.
The Academy of Lactation Policy and Practice. The CLC—Certified Lactation Counselor. 2017. https://www.alpp.org/certifications/certifications-clc. Accessed November 5, 2017.
International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners. About IBCLE. 2017. https://iblce.org/about-iblce/. Accessed November 5, 2017.