Licensing Path
There is no active interstate compact route for dietitian licensing in Maryland. Plan on endorsement through Board of Dietetic Practice.
- Endorsement fee
- $300
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 Weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Not listed
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- Board of Dietetic Practice
From the board
Endorsement Steps
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Step 1
Obtain CDR Registration or CNS Certification
Complete all requirements to become a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) through the Commission on Dietetic Registration, or obtain Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) certification. This includes a master's degree (as of 2024), 1,200 hours of supervised practice, and passing the national exam.
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Step 2
Complete the Maryland Application
Submit the application online through the Board of Dietetic Practice portal or download and mail a paper application. If submitting by paper, the signature page must be notarized.
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Step 3
Pay the $300 Initial Fee
Submit the non-refundable $300 combined application and licensure fee. Online payments accept Visa/MasterCard. Paper applications accept check or money order payable to the Maryland Board of Dietetic Practice.
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Step 4
Submit Official Transcripts & Documentation
Have official transcripts sent directly from your accredited institution to the Board. Provide your CDR or CNS registration number for verification. A criminal history records check may be required.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $300
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 Weeks
- Renewal fee
- $250
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years + 30 CPE hours (incl. implicit bias)
- Application
- $75
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $300
License Types
Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist (LDN): The standard credential to practice dietetics and medical nutrition therapy in Maryland. Requires current CDR registration as an RD/RDN or CNS certification.
Required Documents
- Official College Transcripts: From an accredited college or university, may be emailed to Lenelle.Cooper@maryland.gov or mailed to the Board.
- CDR or CNS Registration Number: Your Commission on Dietetic Registration (RD/RDN) or Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (CNS) number for direct verification.
- Completed Application Form: Paper applications require notarized signature page.
- Criminal History Records Check: May be required at the Board's discretion during the application process.
Board Contact
- Board
- Board of Dietetic Practice
- Department
- Maryland Department of Health (MDH)
- Phone
- (410) 764-4733
- Marie.Savage@maryland.gov
- Board site
- https://health.maryland.gov/boardofdietetics/
- Compact source
- https://dietitianscompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $250. Renewal cycle: Every 2 years + 30 CPE hours (incl. implicit bias).
Maryland Dietitian Licensing FAQ
How much does a Maryland dietitian license cost?
The initial combined application and licensure fee is $300 (a non-refundable one-time payment). Biennial renewal costs $250, which may include a $26 MHCC user fee.
Which Maryland agency regulates dietitians?
The Board of Dietetic Practice, which operates under the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), is the regulatory body for dietitian licensure in Maryland.
What are the continuing education requirements for Maryland dietitians?
Licensees must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) during each two-year renewal cycle. This must include a one-time implicit bias CEU, which can count toward the 30-hour total. The Board may conduct random audits.
Does Maryland have reciprocity for dietitians?
No interstate compact currently covers dietitian practice in Maryland. To work in Maryland, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to Maryland?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 6 Weeks. If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in Maryland 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.