To become a Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®), you need a master’s or doctoral degree in nutrition or healthcare, complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice, and pass the BCNS certification exam. The CNS® credential represents the most rigorous professional certification in nutrition.
As nutritional science continues to reveal how diet impacts health, metabolism, athletic performance, and disease resistance, identifying nutrition professionals with advanced expertise becomes crucial. The Certified Nutrition Specialist®™ (CNS) represents the gold standard in nutrition certification, reserved for professionals who have achieved the highest levels of education and clinical experience.
Whether you’re a healthcare professional looking to specialize in nutrition or an advanced nutrition student planning your career path, understanding the CNS® certification process is essential for reaching the top of your field.
Table of Contents
What is a Certified Nutrition Specialist®?
A Certified Nutrition Specialist® is a nutrition professional proficient in science-based advanced medical nutrition therapy, education, and research. Created by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists® (BCNS®), this credential represents the most rigorous professional certification available in the nutrition field.
The CNS® credential is available to healthcare professionals from diverse backgrounds, including clinical nutritionists, physicians, advanced practice registered nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, and dentists. This flexibility allows nutrition specialists from various healthcare disciplines to demonstrate their advanced expertise.
CNS professionals work in multiple settings:
- Clinical practices and hospitals
- Private nutrition consulting
- Academic institutions and research facilities
- Corporate wellness programs
- Government and community health organizations
Types of CNS Certifications
The BCNS offers three distinct certification pathways:
- CNS® for Nutrition and Health Professionals: For advanced clinical nutrition professionals, including APRNs, PAs, NDs, DDSs, and pharmacists
- CNS® for Physicians (MDs and DOs): Specifically designed for medical doctors seeking advanced nutrition specialization
- CNS-S® for Scholars: For researchers, educators, scientists, and product developers in nutrition science
CNS vs Other Nutrition Certifications
Understanding how the CNS compares to other nutrition credentials helps clarify your career path. Here’s a comprehensive comparison:
| Credential | Education Required | Experience Required | Exam Required | Scope of Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNS® (Certified Nutrition Specialist) | Master’s/Doctoral degree + specific coursework | 1,000 supervised hours | BCNS Exam | Advanced clinical nutrition, medical nutrition therapy |
| RD/RDN (Registered Dietitian) | Bachelor’s degree + ACEND program | Dietetic internship | CDR Exam | General nutrition counseling, clinical dietetics |
| CCN (Clinical Certified Nutritionist) | Master’s degree in nutrition | 900 hours of clinical experience | CCN Exam | Clinical nutrition, functional medicine |
| CNC (Certified Nutritional Consultant) | Certificate program | Varies by program | Program-specific | Basic nutrition counseling |
Education Requirements to Become a CNS
The education requirements vary by certification pathway, but all require advanced degrees and specific coursework in nutrition science.
CNS® for Nutrition and Healthcare Professionals
Candidates must possess one of the following advanced degrees from an accredited college or university that meet BCNS® coursework requirements:
- Master of Science (MS) or doctoral degree in nutrition, clinical nutrition, or a related clinical healthcare field such as public health, biochemistry, or physician assistant studies
- Doctoral degree in clinical healthcare (MD/DO, DC, DDS, Doctor of Nursing, PharmD)
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
Required coursework includes:
- Nutrition: minimum 9 semester credit hours
- Biochemistry: minimum 6 semester credit hours
- Physiology or anatomy/physiology: minimum 3 semester credit hours
- Clinical or life sciences: minimum 12 semester credit hours
Recommended Degree Programs
Several universities offer programs that align with CNS requirements. Consider these nutrition degree options that can serve as stepping stones toward advanced credentials:
- Arizona State University’s Online Master’s in Medical Nutrition
- University of North Carolina’s MPH Nutrition concentration
- University of Texas at Austin’s Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
- Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program (NANP approved)
CNS® for Medical Doctors (MD/DO)
Physician candidates must have:
- Medical degree from an accredited medical or osteopathy school
- Current medical license in the U.S. or country of practice
- At least 9 semester credit hours (135 CE equivalents) in nutrition coursework
- 5 semester credit hours in biochemistry
- 15 credit hours in clinical and life sciences
CNS-S® for Scholars
Scholar candidates need:
- Accredited doctoral degree in nutrition or clinical healthcare
- Same coursework requirements as the CNS® pathway
- At least 3 years of full-time experience in academia, research, or industry
- Minimum five scholarly achievements (publications, patents, textbook chapters)
Supervised Experience Requirements
All CNS candidates must complete 1,000 hours of supervised practice in nutrition under qualified supervision. This hands-on experience ensures practical competency in clinical nutrition applications.
Qualified Supervisors
Your supervisor must meet at least one of these requirements:
- Hold the CNS® designation
- Possess an MS or doctoral degree in nutrition plus a state license/certification
- Be an MD or doctoral-level licensed practitioner with nutrition training
Experience Distribution
The BCNS® recommends that the 1,000 hours should include at least 200 hours in each area:
- Nutrition assessment: Evaluating nutritional status, dietary intake analysis, biochemical markers
- Nutrition intervention: Developing and implementing nutrition therapy plans, counseling, and education
- Nutrition monitoring: Tracking progress, adjusting interventions, and outcome evaluation
Experience can be gained through internships, clinical rotations, residency programs, or professional practice in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community organizations.
CNS Certification Examination
The Certification Examination for Nutrition Specialists℠ is a comprehensive 200-question multiple-choice exam that tests knowledge and skills across all nutrition competency domains.
Exam Details
- Application fee: $50
- Examination fee: $300
- Format: 200 multiple-choice questions
- Content: Basic and applied nutritional science based on CNS competencies
Testing Locations
The exam is offered in multiple cities across the United States:
- Boston, MA
- Bridgeport, CT
- Chicago, IL
- Clearwater, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
- New York, NY
- Portland, OR
- Washington, DC
Important note: You can take the exam before completing experience requirements, but the CNS® credential isn’t awarded until all requirements are met and submitted.
CNS Salary and Career Outlook
CNS professionals typically earn significantly higher salaries than general nutritionists due to their advanced credentials and specialized expertise.
Salary Expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nutritionists earned an average annual salary of $74,770 as of May 2023, with the top 10 percent earning at least $101,760. However, these figures represent general nutritionist salaries.
CNS credential holders, who are often healthcare professionals with advanced degrees, typically earn considerably more:
| Healthcare Professional | Median Annual Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physician Assistant | $133,260 | $180,000+ |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $239,200+ | $350,000+ |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 | $180,000+ |
| Pharmacist | $137,480 | $180,000+ |
Top-Paying Industries for Nutrition Specialists
According to BLS data for dietitians and nutritionists generally (CNS®-specific salary data not available):
- Colleges and universities (government-owned): $100,130
- Merchant wholesalers: $96,520
- Office administrative services: $93,480
- Therapy offices: $93,360
- Federal government: $91,060
Career Advancement Opportunities
CNS professionals often advance to leadership roles, including:
- Clinical nutrition directors
- Research scientists in nutrition
- Corporate wellness consultants
- Academic department heads
- Private practice owners specializing in medical nutrition therapy
Maintaining Your CNS Credential
CNS® and CNS-S® credentials require recertification every 5 years to ensure continued competency and knowledge of current nutrition science.
Continuing Education Requirements
Credential holders must complete at least 75 continuing education credits through:
- Professional educational activities (minimum 50% nutrition content)
- Teaching nutrition courses at accredited institutions
- Authoring nutrition books, articles, or research papers
- Editorial work for nutrition journals
- Organizing scientific sessions or conferences
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNS?
The timeline varies by pathway, but typically requires 2-4 years beyond a bachelor’s degree. This includes completing a master’s or doctoral program (2-4 years), gaining supervised experience (can be concurrent with education), and passing the exam.
Can I become a CNS with just a bachelor’s degree?
No, the CNS requires a master’s or doctoral degree from an accredited institution. However, you can start with a nutrition associate degree and work toward advanced credentials.
Is the CNS recognized in all states?
Recognition varies by state. Some states, like California, Texas, and Florida, have specific recognition for advanced nutrition credentials. Check your state’s nutrition licensing requirements.
What’s the difference between CNS and RD?
The CNS® requires more advanced education (master’s/doctoral vs bachelor’s) and focuses on functional and integrative medical nutrition therapy. While RDs receive comprehensive clinical training through dietetic internships, CNS® professionals specialize more heavily in advanced clinical applications and medical nutrition interventions.
Can international students become CNS certified?
Yes, but your degrees must be from accredited institutions recognized by the BCNS. You may need a credential evaluation for foreign degrees.
How much does CNS certification cost?
The application fee is $50, and the exam fee is $300. Additional costs include education, supervised experience, and continuing education for recertification.
Key Takeaways
- CNS is the most rigorous nutrition certification, requiring advanced degrees and extensive clinical experience
- Three pathways available: healthcare professionals, physicians, and scholars, each with specific requirements
- Significant earning potential: CNS holders typically earn $100,000+ annually in specialized healthcare roles
- Comprehensive requirements: Master’s/doctoral degree, 1,000 supervised hours, and passing certification exam
- Ongoing commitment: 75 continuing education credits required every 5 years for recertification
Ready to Start Your CNS Journey?
Take the next step toward advanced nutrition specialization. Research accredited graduate programs in your area and begin building the foundation for this prestigious credential.
Explore Nutrition Degree Programs
The following bachelors and Master’s programs offer career-focused instruction delivered by trained nutritionists with experience in the field. Find out more what each individual course of study offers through the locations below.
Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Nutrition Program is an approved holistic nutrition education program through the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP).
Arizona State University - Online offers an Online Masters in Medical Nutrition
UNC's MPH Nutrition concentration prepares students to provide, evaluate and communicate nutritional and dietary guidance that improves individual and population-wide health outcomes. In addition to developing their knowledge of nutrition science, students will explore behavior change, communication, counseling and the effects of dietary culture on individuals and communities.
Walden University's Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health Studies - Health Promotion and Wellness gains job-ready, immediately applicable skills today's employers want.
The University of Texas at Austin offers an Online Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences.
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for dietitians and nutritionists and dietetic technicians reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed September 2025.
