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Best nutrition specialist certifications
Nutrition specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an nutrition specialist to employers. However, not all nutrition specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a nutrition specialist are Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Below is a list of the best nutrition specialist certifications. Obtaining an nutrition specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
15 best certifications for nutrition specialists
| Rank | Nutrition specialist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) | BCNS |
| 2 | Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | American Red ... |
| 3 | Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) | PTCB |
| 4 | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) | CDR |
| 5 | Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) | NHA |
| 6 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 7 | Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE) | NCBDE |
| 8 | ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification | National Rest... |
| 9 | Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) | TALPP |
| 10 | Sports Nutrition Specialist | NESTA |
| 11 | Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) | ANFSP |
| 12 | Food Safety Manager Certification | NRSFP, FSMC |
| 13 | Nutrition Educator | BC |
| 14 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 15 | Fitness Nutrition Certification | ISSA |
15 best nutrition specialist certifications
1. Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)
Certified Nutrition Specialist professionals are on the front lines battling the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease, and the BCNS supports these efforts and certifies nutrition professionals who maintain the highest standard of nutrition competence.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
4. Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
RDs are food and nutrition experts who have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration's (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential. RDs work in a wide variety of employment settings, including health care, business and industry, community/public health, education, research, government agencies and private practice
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
5. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
7. Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
The Certification Examination for Diabetes Educators ("Examination") is designed and intended solely for health care professionals who have defined roles as diabetes educators, not for those who may perform some diabetes related functions as part of or in the course of other usual and customary duties.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
8. ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification is nationally recognized and accredited. ServSafe has always set the standard in food safety training and certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC)
The Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) credential identifies a specialist in lactation counseling who has successfully passed an examination based on identified work-place competencies derived from role delineation studies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
10. Sports Nutrition Specialist
Learn cutting-edge techniques for increasing sports performance, reducing recovery time, and enhancing the overall well-being of your clients.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
11. Certified Dietary Manager (CDM)
The Certified Dietary Manager (CDM) program is one of the most popular benefits of membership in ANFP. By earning your CDM certification, you will join the top levels of nutrition and foodservice managers in the field. It can advance your career and open many new opportunities for employment!
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
12. Food Safety Manager Certification
The National Registry's Certified Food Safety Professional examination has been developed following the strictest test development procedures. The Certified Food Safety Manager examination is accredited by the American National Standards Institute using standards set by the Conference for Food Protection.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
13. Nutrition Educator
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
14. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
15. Fitness Nutrition Certification
ISSA's Fitness Nutrition Certification course blends nutritional science and practice in order to help you successfully guide them toward a better body... both inside and out.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a nutrition specialist?
The best nutrition specialist certification is Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS). The Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is awarded by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this nutrition specialist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for nutrition specialists?
The most in-demand nutrition specialist certification is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist based on all active job postings. Having this nutrition specialist certification will give you access to more nutrition specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a nutrition specialist career and salary?
The Certified Diabetes Educator certification will help you to secure a clinical dietitian position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A clinical dietitian's average salary is $51,516 whereas nutrition specialists make an average salary of $53,989.
The most common combination of nutrition specialist certifications include: Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
Online courses for nutrition specialists to earn certifications
1. National Academy of Sports Medicine Nutrition Essentials
NASM's Nutrition Coaching Essentials enables you to provide evidence-based guidance to those seeking to improve body composition, athletic performance, and health. By successfully completing this program, you will have the knowledge and abilities to leverage nutrition education to increase your client's success, reduce turnover, and maximize adherence. Held to the highest standard of research-based theory and practice, the Nutrition Essentials program teaches you how to provide nutritional...
2. Child Nutrition and Cooking
Eating patterns that begin in childhood affect health and well-being across the lifespan. The culture of eating has changed significantly in recent decades, especially in parts of the world where processed foods dominate our dietary intake. This course examines contemporary child nutrition and the impact of the individual decisions made by each family. The health risks associated with obesity in childhood are also discussed. Participants will learn what constitutes a healthy diet for children...
3. Vegan Nutrition Health Coach Certification
Become a Vegan Nutrition Certified Health Coach, Learn Vegan Cooking, Embrace a Holistic Approach to Food...
4. Internationally Accredited Certificate in Nutrition
Learn the Fundamentals of Nutrition Science...
5. Nutrition Hot Topics and Controversies
Within the ever-changing nutrition landscape, it becomes difficult to understand current trending topics. Without a doubt, your friends and neighbors will have questions regarding these nutrition hot topics. Most people want to know what to believe or discard from what they hear, but they often lack the tools or the knowledge (or the time) to research topics as they become popular. This course has been designed to take an in-depth approach to explain the science behind many nutrition hot topics...
6. Health and Nutrition Life Coach Certification (Accredited)
Life Coaching: Create a Workout & Nutrition Plan Based on Your Clients' Fitness, Weight Loss, Dieting & Nutrition Goals...
7. Vegan Nutrition: Build Your Plant Based Diet & Meal Plan
Learn How To Set Up A Vegan Diet For Weight Loss, Building Muscle, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning & Vegan Bodybuilding...
8. Nutrition Certification: Advanced Diet & Meal Planning
Advanced Diet And Nutrition Coach Strategies Dieting Certificate For Meal Plans, Fat Loss, Health & Sports Nutrition...
9. Weight Loss And Nutrition: Lose Fat & Get Your Dream Body
Learn The Truth About Dieting For Weight Loss, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning, Fat Loss, Weight Loss Motivation...
10. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Sports Nutrition
Learn About The Fundamentals Of Sport Nutrition Science And How To Fuel Your Athlete Client...
11. Nutrition for Inflammation - The Anti-inflammatory Diet
Heal Your Body Using Food as Medicine...
12. Nutrition Masterclass: Build Your Perfect Diet & Meal Plan
Learn The Truth About Nutrition, Dieting For Weight Loss, Building Muscle, Healthy Eating, Meal Planning, Fat Loss...
13. Fully Accredited Professional Nutritionist Diploma Course
Complete Nutrition For All - Exploring All Elements of Nutrition. Healthy Eating & Nutrition for all ages!...
14. Get to Know Your Food: Claims, Labels & Ingredients
Learn how to make the healthiest and best food choices amidst processed and packaged foods...
15. Internationally Accredited Diploma in Diet Planning
Learn how to Create Your Clients(or your)perfect diet and nutrition plan based on their goals, preferences and lifestyle...
16. Diet And Nutrition Coach Certification: Beginner To Advanced
Become A Nutrition Coach: Create Muscle Growth & Fat Loss Meal Plans, Build A Fitness Diet Business & Be A Health Expert...
17. Herbalism:: Wild Edible Plants for High Nutrition
Identify and forage common wild foods for exceptional nutrition. This is essential for holistic and natural medicine...
18. Ketogenic Diet: Keto Nutrition Health Coach Certification
Keto Nutrition Certified Health Coach Specialized in the Ketogenic Diet, Ketosis (Keto) and Intermittent Fasting...
19. Eat Real Food: How to Eat a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet
Learn how to be a healthy vegan or vegetarian in a holistic way for best health, weight, and wellbeing...
20. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
Understand the requirements for a food safety management system applicable for any organization in the food chain...