Licensing Path
Washington has enacted the Dietitian Compact, but compact privileges are not issuing yet. For now, out-of-state applicants still use endorsement.
- Endorsement fee
- $81
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 Weeks
- Fingerprinting
- Required
- Temporary license
- Not listed
- Compact
- Dietitian Compact enacted, not active yet
- Board
- Dietitian and Nutritionist Credentialing Program
From the board
Endorsement Steps
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Step 1
Meet Education & Experience Requirements
Earn a baccalaureate degree or higher in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, or food management from an accredited institution. Complete a minimum of 900 hours of continuous supervised pre-professional experience.
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Step 2
Pass the CDR Examination
Successfully pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national Registration Examination for Dietitians.
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Step 3
Complete HIV/AIDS Training
Complete a minimum of 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training from a Washington State-approved provider. This is a one-time requirement.
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Step 4
Submit Application to DOH
Apply online through the Washington DOH HELMS portal or submit a paper application by mail. Pay the non-refundable $81 fee ($65 application + $16 HEAL-WA surcharge). Include official transcripts sent directly from your institution.
Quick Facts
- Total fee
- $81
- Processing time
- 4 to 6 Weeks
- Renewal fee
- $61
- Renewal cycle
- Annual (on birthday) + No state CE requirement
- Application
- $65
- Background check
- $16
- Jurisprudence exam
- $0
- Total estimated cost
- $81
License Types
Certified Dietitian (CD): The standard state credential to practice dietetics in Washington. Washington uses 'certification' rather than 'licensure' but the credential is legally required to use the title 'dietitian.'
Certified Nutritionist (CN): A parallel credential for nutrition professionals who meet the state's education and experience requirements but may follow a different national certification pathway.
Required Documents
- Official College Transcripts: Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Washington DOH.
- CDR Registration Verification: Proof of current, active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- HIV/AIDS Training Certificate: Documentation of at least 4 hours of approved HIV/AIDS training.
- Credential Verification from Other States: If you hold credentials in other states, verification must be sent directly from each state's licensing authority.
Board Contact
- Board
- Dietitian and Nutritionist Credentialing Program
- Department
- Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
- Phone
- (360) 236-4700
- HSQACustomerService@doh.wa.gov
- Board site
- https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renewal/dietitian-and-nutritionist
- Compact source
- https://dietitianscompact.org/
Source: Primary board website
Renewal
Renewal fee is $61. Renewal cycle: Annual (on birthday) + No state CE requirement.
Washington Dietitian Licensing FAQ
How much does a Washington dietitian certification cost?
The initial application fee is $81 ($65 application + $16 mandatory HEAL-WA surcharge). Annual renewal is $61 ($45 renewal + $16 HEAL-WA surcharge).
Are there continuing education requirements for Washington dietitians?
Washington State does not require continuing education for state certification renewal. However, to maintain the CDR registration that is a prerequisite for certification, you must complete 75 continuing professional education units every five years through the CDR.
When does the Washington dietitian certification need to be renewed?
Certification must be renewed annually on or before your birthday. As of May 2025, the DOH no longer sends printed renewal notices; all notifications are electronic through the HELMS portal.
Does Washington have reciprocity for dietitians?
Washington has enacted the Dietitian Compact, but compact privileges are not yet issuing. For now, dietitians still apply by endorsement through the state board.
How long does it take to transfer my dietitian license to Washington?
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 Washington 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.