Licensing Path
There is no active interstate compact route for dietitian licensing in Kentucky. Plan on endorsement through Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists.
- Endorsement fee
- $50
- Processing time
- 2 to 4 Weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Not listed
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists
From the board
Endorsement Steps
-
Step 1
Complete Education & Supervised Practice
Earn a master's degree or higher from an ACEND-accredited program. Complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice.
-
Step 2
Pass the CDR Examination
Successfully pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) Registration Examination for Dietitians.
-
Step 3
Submit the Application via eServices
Create an account on the Kentucky DPL eServices portal, submit the online application, and pay the $50 application fee.
-
Step 4
Provide Documentation
Upload or mail a copy of your current active CDR registration card, official transcripts, and proof of supervised practice.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $50
- Processing time
- 2 to 4 Weeks
- Renewal fee
- $50
- Renewal cycle
- Annual (by Oct 31st) + 15 CE hours
- Application
- $50
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $50
License Types
Licensed Dietitian (LD): The credential to practice dietetics in Kentucky. Dual licensure as a Dietitian and Nutritionist is also an option for the same $50 application fee.
Required Documents
- CDR Registration Card: Proof of active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Official College Transcripts: Must show your conferred master's degree. Can be sent securely via Clearinghouse to the board.
- Supervised Practice Verification: Documentation showing completion of at least 1,000 hours.
Board Contact
- Board
- Kentucky Board of Licensure and Certification for Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Department
- Department of Professional Licensing (DPL)
- Phone
- (502) 892-4254
- diet@ky.gov
- Board site
- https://bldn.ky.gov/
- Compact source
- https://dietitianscompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $50. Renewal cycle: Annual (by Oct 31st) + 15 CE hours.
Kentucky Dietitian Licensing FAQ
How much does a Kentucky dietitian license cost?
The application fee for initial licensure as a dietitian (or dual licensure as a dietitian/nutritionist) is $50.
When does the Kentucky license need to be renewed?
Kentucky dietitian licenses expire annually on October 31st. The renewal fee is $50. There is a 60-day grace period (until Dec 31st) with late fees applied.
What are the continuing education requirements?
Licensees must complete at least 15 hours of approved continuing education every year prior to the October 31st renewal deadline.
Does Kentucky have reciprocity for dietitians?
No interstate compact currently covers dietitian practice in Kentucky. To work in Kentucky, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to Kentucky?
Most endorsement applications take 2 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 Kentucky 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.