Rhode Island Dietitian License
Board of Dietetics Practice
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
6 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Rhode Island Attorney General's Office (Bureau of Criminal Identification - BCI)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Notarized Application Form — The official Rhode Island Board of Dietetics Practice Application for License. Download Form
- Application Fee — $75 non-refundable fee in the form of a check or money order payable to 'RI General Treasurer'.
- Passport-Style Photograph — A recent head-and-shoulders front view photo, approximately 2x3 inches.
- Original BCI Report — National criminal background check results from the RI Attorney General's Office. BCI Info
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the accredited college or university to the Board.
- CDR Verification — Official proof of passing the CDR exam or current registration, sent directly from the CDR.
How to Apply
-
Complete Education and Supervised Practice ▾Complete a Master's degree (as of January 1, 2024) from an ACEND-accredited program and at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice.
-
Pass the CDR Examination ▾Register for and pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
-
Obtain a BCI Background Check ▾Apply for a national criminal background check (BCI) with fingerprints through the Rhode Island Attorney General's Office. The original report must be included in your application package.
BCI Instructions -
Prepare Application Package ▾Download and complete the paper application. It must be notarized and include a 2x3 inch passport-style photograph.
Download Application -
Submit Application and Fee ▾Mail the completed, notarized application, the BCI report, and a $75 check or money order (payable to RI General Treasurer) to the Board of Dietetics Practice.
-
Request Primary Source Verifications ▾Request official transcripts from your university and exam verification from the CDR to be sent directly to the Rhode Island Board of Dietetics Practice.
Total Fee
$75
Processing Time
6 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Rhode Island offers licensure by endorsement for dietitians/nutritionists actively licensed in other states, provided the requirements of the other state are equivalent to Rhode Island's. Applying via endorsement requires submitting the application, fee, and verification of all out-of-state licenses.
Steps
-
Verify CDR Registration ▾Ensure you have active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
CDR Website -
Obtain BCI Background Check ▾Complete the national fingerprint-based background check through the RI Attorney General.
BCI Instructions -
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the standard application form, checking the box for 'Licensure without examination' if you are already a Registered Dietitian.
Download Application -
Request Interstate Verification ▾Have each state where you hold or have held a license send an official verification directly to the Rhode Island Board.
Total Fee
$170
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (expires Nov 1 of odd years) + 20 CE hours
Compact
No
Board
Board of Dietetics Practice
Keeping Your License Active
Rhode Island Dietitian licenses renew Every 2 years (expires Nov 1 of odd years) + 20 CE hours. Contact the Board of Dietetics Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $75 |
| Endorsement application | $75 |
| Fingerprint check | $45.00 (plus a $1.40 credit/debit card processing fee) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 170.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Notarization
▾
The application form must be notarized before submission; failure to do so will result in the application being returned.
Non-Direct Verifications
▾
Transcripts and CDR verifications must be sent directly from the source to the Board. Hand-carried or applicant-mailed copies are not accepted.
BCI Report Issues
▾
Failing to include the original BCI report or providing a report that is too old can delay the process. Ensure the background check is completed just prior to application.
Incomplete Supervised Practice Documentation
▾
Ensure that the 900-1,000 hours of supervised practice are clearly documented and meet state standards.
Questions
Is a Master's degree required for licensure in Rhode Island?
▾
Yes, as of January 1, 2024, the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) requires a minimum of a Master's degree for eligibility to take the registration examination, which is a prerequisite for Rhode Island licensure.
Can I practice as a dietitian before I pass the exam?
▾
Yes, graduates of approved programs may apply for a temporary 'Graduate Practice' permit, which allows them to practice under the supervision of a licensed dietitian for up to 90 days while awaiting exam results.
How often must I renew my Rhode Island dietitian license?
▾
Licenses must be renewed biennially by November 1st of every odd-numbered year.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
Licensees must complete at least 20 continuing education credits every two years, following criteria accepted by the CDR.
What is the total fee for initial licensure?
▾
The initial application fee is $75. Note that there are additional costs for the BCI background check and CDR exam registration.