Licensing Path
There is no active interstate compact route for dietitian licensing in New Jersey. Plan on endorsement through State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition.
- Endorsement fee
- $200
- Processing time
- TBD (Regulations Pending)
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Available
- Compact
- No active compact path
- Board
- State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition
From the board
Endorsement Steps
-
Step 1
Complete Education & Supervised Practice
Earn a master's degree from an ACEND-accredited program. Complete a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised practice through a dietetic internship.
-
Step 2
Pass the CDR Examination
Successfully pass the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians. Active CDR registration will automatically qualify individuals for NJ state licensure once the process opens.
-
Step 3
Monitor the Board for Application Opening
The NJ Board of Dietetics and Nutrition is holding public sessions (e.g., February 5, 2026) to finalize regulations. Check the NJ Consumer Affairs website for when applications begin.
-
Step 4
Submit Application (When Available)
Once regulations are adopted, submit a written application with the required fee to the Board.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- TBD (Regulations Pending)
- Processing time
- TBD (Regulations Pending)
- Renewal fee
- TBD
- Renewal cycle
- TBD (Regulations Pending)
- Application
- $200
- Background check
- $0 (included in application)
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- TBD (Regulations Pending)
License Types
Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (Pending): New Jersey enacted a law in 2020 requiring dietitian and nutritionist licensure. The Board of Dietetics and Nutrition is actively drafting regulations. No state licenses are currently being issued.
Required Documents
- CDR Registration Card: Active CDR registration as an RD/RDN will be the primary qualifying credential.
- Application Form (Pending): Application materials will be released by the Board once regulations are finalized.
Board Contact
- Board
- State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition
- Department
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
- Phone
- (973) 504-6587
- askconsumeraffairs@dca.lps.state.nj.us
- Board site
- https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/dn/
- Compact source
- https://dietitianscompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is TBD. Renewal cycle: TBD (Regulations Pending).
New Jersey Dietitian Licensing FAQ
Is New Jersey currently issuing dietitian licenses?
No. Although NJ enacted a licensure law in 2020, the Board of Dietetics and Nutrition is still drafting the implementing regulations. Licenses will be issued once these regulations are officially adopted.
When will New Jersey start accepting license applications?
No firm date has been announced. The Board is holding public sessions to finalize regulations. Monitor the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs website for updates.
Can I practice as a dietitian in New Jersey now?
Yes. Until the regulations are fully enacted, practicing with a CDR credential (RD/RDN) in New Jersey remains the standard. Employers generally require active CDR registration.
Does New Jersey have reciprocity for dietitians?
No interstate compact currently covers dietitian practice in New Jersey. To work in New Jersey, apply for licensure by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to New Jersey?
Most endorsement applications take TBD (Regulations Pending). If you qualify for an active compact privilege, there may be no separate wait to start practicing.
Can I start working in New Jersey while my endorsement application is processing?
A temporary or provisional credential is available while the full endorsement application is pending.