California Dietitian License
No State Licensing Board
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state license required
Fingerprints
Not required
N/A
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions showing the conferral of a graduate degree.
- ACEND Verification Statement — A signed document from your ACEND-accredited program director verifying completion of academic and supervised practice requirements.
- CDR Eligibility Application — The application for exam eligibility, typically submitted electronically by your program director to the CDR database.
How to Apply
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Complete Graduate Education ▾Earn a master's or doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university. As of January 1, 2024, a graduate degree is a mandatory prerequisite for the CDR registration exam.
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Complete ACEND-Accredited Coursework ▾Complete a Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Coordinated Program (CP) accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND).
Find Accredited Programs -
Complete Supervised Practice ▾Complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice through an ACEND-accredited Dietetic Internship (DI) or Coordinated Program.
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Obtain Verification Statement ▾Your program director must provide a signed verification statement confirming you have met all educational and supervised practice requirements.
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Pass the CDR Registration Examination ▾Once your program director submits your eligibility to the CDR, you will receive an email to register for the exam via Pearson VUE. You must pass this national exam to use the title 'Registered Dietitian' in California.
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Maintain CDR Registration ▾California does not issue a state license. To practice legally, you must maintain your national CDR registration by paying the annual maintenance fee and completing 75 continuing education units every five years.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
No state license required
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
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.
Steps
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Verify National RD Status ▾Because California has no state licensing board, 'endorsement' simply requires maintaining an active, valid registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
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Update Contact Information ▾Ensure your address and contact information are updated in the CDR portal to reflect your California practice location.
CDR Portal -
Provide Proof to Employers ▾California employers and health facilities verify your legal right to practice by requesting your CDR registration card or using the CDR online verification tool.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
No state renewal required
Compact
No
Board
No State Licensing Board
Keeping Your License Active
California Dietitian licenses renew No state renewal required. Contact the No State Licensing Board for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Degree Conferral Processing
▾
Waiting for the university registrar to officially post the degree on your transcript can delay the program director's ability to submit your eligibility to the CDR.
Program Director Submission
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Eligibility is not automatic; your program director must manually upload your information to the CDR. Delays here prevent you from scheduling your exam.
Pearson VUE Availability
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Testing centers may have limited slots during peak graduation seasons (May-June and December-January). Schedule your exam as soon as you receive your eligibility email.
Questions
Does California require a state-specific license for dietitians?
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No. California does not have a state licensing board for dietitians. Instead, it has 'title protection' under Business and Professions Code Section 2585, which requires anyone using the title 'Registered Dietitian' to be registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
Is a Master's degree required to practice in California?
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Yes, for new practitioners. As of January 1, 2024, the CDR requires a minimum of a graduate degree to be eligible for the Registration Examination for Dietitians.
How do I renew my dietitian license in California?
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There is no state license to renew. You must maintain your national CDR registration by paying the annual maintenance fee and completing 75 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEUs) every five years.
Are there any state-specific fees for California dietitians?
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No. There are no application or renewal fees paid to the State of California. You only pay the national registration and maintenance fees directly to the CDR.
How can an employer verify my credentials in California?
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Employers verify credentials through the CDR's online verification portal using your registration number or name.