Licensing Path
Iowa has enacted the Dietitian Compact, but compact privileges are not issuing yet. For now, out-of-state applicants still use endorsement.
- Endorsement fee
- $120
- Processing time
- 3 to 4 Weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Not listed
- Compact
- Dietitian Compact enacted, not active yet
- Board
- Iowa Board of Dietetics
From the board
Endorsement Steps
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Step 1
Complete Education & Supervised Practice
Earn a master's degree or higher from an ACEND-accredited program. Complete a minimum of 900 hours of board-approved supervised practice or an accredited dietetic internship.
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Step 2
Pass the CDR Examination
Successfully pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Registration Examination for Dietitians. Iowa requires you to hold active CDR registration.
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Step 3
Submit the Online Application
Create an account on the DIAL online licensing portal, complete the dietitian application, and pay the $120 application fee.
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Step 4
Provide Verification and Training
Provide proof of your active CDR registration and complete verification of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence (SAVE program). Additionally, Iowa dietitians must complete Mandatory Reporter Training.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $120
- Processing time
- 3 to 4 Weeks
- Renewal fee
- $120
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years + 30 CE hours
- Application
- $120
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $120
License Types
Licensed Dietitian (LD): The credential required to practice dietetics in Iowa, regulated by the Iowa Board of Dietetics under DIAL.
Required Documents
- CDR Registration Verification: Proof of active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Official Transcripts: Sent directly to the Board showing your conferred degree.
- Verification of Lawful Presence: Documentation satisfying the SAVE program requirements for state licensure.
Board Contact
- Board
- Iowa Board of Dietetics
- Department
- Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)
- Phone
- (515) 281-0254
- PLPublic@idph.iowa.gov
- Board site
- https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/medical/dietitian
- Compact source
- https://dietitianscompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $120. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years + 30 CE hours.
Iowa Dietitian Licensing FAQ
How much does an Iowa dietitian license cost?
The initial cost is a nonrefundable $120 application fee.
When does the Iowa license need to be renewed?
The Iowa dietitian license is renewed biennially (every two years). The renewal fee is $120. A late fee of $60 is applied if renewed after the expiration date.
What are the continuing education requirements for Iowa?
Iowa requires 30 hours of dietetics-related continuing education (CE) during each two-year renewal cycle. First-time licensees are exempt from this requirement for their initial renewal.
Does Iowa have reciprocity for dietitians?
Iowa has enacted the Dietitian Compact, but compact privileges are not yet issuing. For now, dietitians still apply by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to Iowa?
Most endorsement applications take 3 to 4 Weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in Iowa while my endorsement application is processing?
Most applicants need to wait for full approval before starting work because the state does not clearly offer a temporary or provisional credential.