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Massachusetts Dietitian License

Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists

Total Fee
$196
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
N/A

What You'll Need

  • CORI Acknowledgement Form — Must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public and uploaded to the portal.
  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from your university registrar to the Board in a sealed envelope.
  • CDR Registration Card — A copy of your current card if you are a Registered Dietitian.
  • Work Experience Form — Signed by your supervisor to verify clinical internship or professional experience (if not an RD).
  • Professional Resume — Required for applicants who are not Registered Dietitians.

How to Apply

  1. Verify Eligibility ▾
    Ensure you meet the minimum requirements: at least 18 years old, of good moral character, and possess a bachelor's degree or higher in a nutrition-related field.
  2. Complete Supervised Experience ▾
    Complete a Board-approved clinical internship of at least 900 hours or comparable paid professional experience (1-3 years depending on degree level).
  3. Pass the Examination ▾
    Successfully pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians (CDR) or the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS) exam.
    CDR Exam Info
  4. Create Portal Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Massachusetts Health Professions Licensing Portal.
  5. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the online application for a Dietitian/Nutritionist license and pay the $196 initial application fee.
  6. Upload Required Documents ▾
    Upload your notarized CORI form, CDR card (if applicable), and work experience forms directly to the portal.
Total Fee
$196
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
The Massachusetts Board may grant reciprocal recognition to dietitians/nutritionists licensed in other jurisdictions, provided the standards of registration, certification, and licensure in the other state are 'reasonably equivalent' to Massachusetts requirements. Applicants must submit license verifications from all states where they hold or have held credentials.

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License ▾
    Confirm you hold a valid, active license in another jurisdiction with equivalent standards.
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply through the Health Professions Licensing Portal, selecting the endorsement path.
  3. Request License Verifications ▾
    Have every state where you hold or have held a license send official verification directly to the Massachusetts Board.
  4. Submit Exam Proof ▾
    Provide official verification of passing the CDR or BCNS examination.
Total Fee
$196
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (on birthday) + 30 CE units
Compact
No
Board
Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists

Keeping Your License Active

Massachusetts Dietitian licenses renew Every 2 years (on birthday) + 30 CE units. Contact the Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$196
Endorsement application$196
Temporary permitN/A
Renewal196.0

Slow Downs

Incomplete CORI Form ▾
Applications are delayed if the CORI form is missing the notary seal or if identity verification sections are incomplete.
Transcript Delivery Issues ▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution; student-uploaded copies are not accepted.
Missing Supervisor Signatures ▾
Work experience forms must be signed by the supervising LDN to be valid.

Questions

How often must I renew my Massachusetts dietitian license? ▾
Licenses must be renewed biennially (every two years) by your birthday.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements? ▾
You must complete 30 units of Board-approved continuing education every two-year renewal cycle.
What is the initial application fee? ▾
The initial application fee for a Dietitian/Nutritionist license is $196.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
No, you must receive your official license number before you can legally practice or use the LDN title in Massachusetts.

Board Info

Board of Registration of Dietitians and Nutritionists
Phone(617) 624-6160
Emailmailto:Dietitiansnutritionistsboard@mass.gov
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25