Licensing Path
California does not currently require a separate state license for this path. Keep your national credential active and verify employer onboarding requirements.
If you are a licensed dietitian moving to California from another state, you do not need to transfer your license. As long as your national CDR registration is active, you are legally permitted to practice.
- Endorsement fee
- $0
- Processing time
- No state application
- Fingerprinting
- Not clearly required
- Temporary license
- Not needed
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- No State Licensing Board
From the board
Readiness Steps
-
Step 1
Obtain CDR Registration
Because California does not have a state application, you only need to complete your ACEND-accredited master's program, finish your internship, and pass the national CDR exam.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $0
- Processing time
- Not Applicable
- Renewal fee
- $0
- Renewal cycle
- No state renewal required
- Application
- $0
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $0
License Types
Registered Dietitian (RD) / Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): California does not license dietitians. However, under state law, you cannot use the title 'Registered Dietitian' unless you hold current, active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Required Documents
- Proof of CDR Registration: Employers will require proof of your active CDR credential.
Board Contact
- Board
- No State Licensing Board
- Department
- Title Protection Only (Business and Professions Code Section 2585)
- Phone
- Not Applicable
- Board site
- https://www.cdrnet.org/
- Compact source
- https://dietitianscompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $0. Renewal cycle: No state renewal required.
California Dietitian Licensing FAQ
How much does a California dietitian license cost?
California does not charge a state licensing fee because the state does not issue dietitian licenses. You only pay your standard national registration and exam fees directly to the CDR.
What are the continuing education requirements for a California Dietitian?
Because there is no state board, there are no state-mandated CE hours. You simply follow the national CDR requirement of completing 75 CPEUs every five years to maintain your credential.
Does California have reciprocity for dietitians?
California is currently a CDR State. There is no separate state endorsement transfer pathway right now; maintain an active CDR credential to practice.
How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to California?
This is currently a CDR State, so there is no state transfer timeline. You can usually start once your CDR credential and employer onboarding are complete.
Can I start working in California while my endorsement application is processing?
There is no active state endorsement application to wait on right now. Start dates are typically driven by employer credentialing and onboarding requirements.