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Fact Sheet for Individuals with Foreign Degrees

International Inquiries: RD and DTR Education and Credentialing Requirements in the United States
This fact sheet was prepared by the Commission on Dietetic Registration, the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education and the American Dietetic Association to inform individuals of the educational requirements and processes necessary to becoming a Registered Dietitian or Dietetic Technician, Registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Included are questions often asked by individuals who have been educated outside the United States and its territories. You have the option of scrolling through the whole fact sheet or clicking on the individual questions below for the information you are seeking.

1. What is the Commission on Dietetic Registration?
   
   
2. What is reciprocity and with which countries does CDR have reciprocity agreements?
   
   
3. What is the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education?
   
   
4. What is the American Dietetic Association?

Questions About Education and Credentialing Requirements

     5.  How do I become a Registered Dietitian credentialed by the CDR?

     6.  My education, training and credentials were completed outside of the United States and its territories. What do I do first?

     7.  Where can I find a list of CADE-accredited or approved didactic and supervised practice programs?

     8.  What will be required to receive a verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics program director?

     9.  When I receive my DPD verification statement, how can I complete the supervised practice requirements?

    10.  How can I complete both didactic coursework and supervised practice requirements in a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?

     11.  I've completed a DPD and DI or a CP and have original verification statements from my program director. How do I establish eligibility to write the Registration Examination for Dietitians?

     12.  Why do I need original verification statements? What is the purpose of obtaining a verification statement?

     13.  How does the process differ to become a Dietetic Technician Registered?

     14.  Once I obtain my RD or DTR credential, can I practice anywhere in the U.S.?

Questions about ADA Membership

     15.  Can I become a member of the American Dietetic Association if I am not a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration?

     16.  How do I become a member of the American Dietetic Association?

     17.  Does the American Dietetic Association extend reciprocity for membership in the Association?

     18.  Where can I get entry-level career information?

1. What is the Commission on Dietetic Registration?
The Commission on Dietetic Registration is the credentialing agency for the American Dietetic Association. CDR is a member of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. NCCA establishes and monitors adherence to stringent national standards for certifying bodies that attest to the competence of certificants. CDR's Class A membership in the National Commission for Certifying Agencies since the early 1980s reflects achievement of the highest standards of professional credentialing and places the Commission among a select group of certification elite. Consistently at the forefront of credentialing policy and technology, the Commission has led the way in certifying that registered dietitians and dietetic technicians have acquired, maintained and continue to advance their professional skills within their chosen area of practice. Individuals seeking the Registered Dietitian or Dietetic Technician, Registered credential must complete the education and credentialing requirements established by CDR. CDR has established reciprocity agreements with several countries.

2. What is reciprocity and with which countries does CDR have reciprocity agreements?
Reciprocity means that individuals who have completed the education and credentialing requirements in one country may be eligible for another country's credentialing examination if the two countries have entered into an agreement to allow this. CDR currently has registration eligibility reciprocity agreements with the following foreign dietetic associations and regulatory boards: Dietitians of Canada, Dutch Association of Dieticians and Ministry of Welfare, Public Health and Culture, the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission, the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and the Dietitians Board of the Health Professions Council in the United Kingdom.

Individuals who have met the qualifications established by these associations and regulatory boards should contact CDR directly at 312/899-0040, ext. 5500 to obtain information regarding establishing registration eligibility under the provision of CDR's reciprocity agreement with these associations and regulatory boards. If you are qualified under the provisions of a reciprocity agreement, proceed to Question 6 below and follow this process before submitting the Registration Eligibility Application. It is important to note that all individuals who establish registration eligibility under the provisions of a reciprocity agreement must successfully write the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

3. What is the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education?
The Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education sets Standards for entry-level dietetics education and is the accrediting body for the American Dietetic Association. CADE is the only accrediting agency for dietetics education programs recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Continued recognition by USDE since 1974 and CHEA since 1993 affirms that CADE is a reliable authority on the quality of dietetics education program that it accredits. Programs accredited and approved by CADE meet the education requirements established by CDR. Both CADE and CDR operate independently of the governing bodies of the American Dietetic Association.

4. What is the American Dietetic Association?
Founded in 1917, the American Dietetic Association is the nation's largest professional organization for food and nutrition professionals with over 65,000 members. ADA members shape the food choices and impact the nutritional status of the public. ADA promotes optimal nutrition and well being for all people by advocating for its members. Information about ADA membership also is included in this fact sheet.

Questions About Education and Credentialing Requirements

5. How do I become a Registered Dietitian credentialed by the CDR?
In order to become a Registered Dietitian, an individual must complete the following three-step process:

1. Complete CADE-accredited or approved academic coursework in a Didactic Program in Dietetics and a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent
   - Obtain an original verification statement from the Director of the CADE-accredited or approved Didactic Program in Dietetics documenting completion of these requirements.
   
2. Apply to, enroll in and complete CADE-accredited supervised practice requirements in a Dietetic Internship for registration eligibility
   
3. Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

Or:

1. Complete the didactic (academic) practice requirements and supervised practice requirements concurrently through a CADE-accredited Coordinated Program in Dietetics
   
2. Pass the Registration Examination for Dietitians.

6. My education, training and credentials were completed outside of the United States and its territories. What do I do first?
The first step is to have your academic degree validated as equivalent to the bachelor's or master's degree conferred by a U.S. regionally accredited college or university (refer to the RD flowchart, PDF version). The CDR-approved nonprofit agencies that perform this specialized service are listed below. Contact the agency for current information, procedure and costs.

Several types of evaluations are available. A detailed course-by-course evaluation will be the most useful for the Program Director at a CADE accredited or approved Didactic Program in Dietetics or Coordinated Program. The Program Director will evaluate your previous academic preparation and identify the courses you will need to meet the didactic program requirements. At this point in the process, please do not mail equivalency reports to ADA, CADE, or CDR.

7. Where can I find a list of CADE-accredited or approved didactic and supervised practice programs?
The American Dietetic Association publishes a complete list of all CADE-accredited or approved dietetics education programs on its Web site. Programs are listed by program type: Didactic Program in Dietetics, Dietetic Internship and Coordinated Program and by state within each listing. The URL is: www.eatright.org/cade. This listing also provides a direct link to Program Directors through their e-mail address when available. Specific guidelines for acceptance, prerequisites, program content and financial aid, as well as an application, should be requested directly from each program.

8. What will be required to receive a verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics Program Director?
Although all DPD programs must comply with the CADE Accreditation Standards, each program is uniquely designed. For this reason, requirements to obtain the DPD verification statement may vary from one program to another. You may wish to contact one or more of the DPD Program Directors in your geographic area concerning the evaluation process. It is important to note that policies and procedures and costs for the evaluation may vary from one institution to another. Because additional coursework is likely to be required, you may need to enroll in the college or university before your transcripts will be evaluated. Using the program's policies, the Director will review the equivalency report of your previous academic preparation from one of the evaluation agencies listed in Question 6, plus copies of all transcripts. Following this evaluation, you will be advised regarding the additional coursework necessary to meet the academic requirements for the verification statement. Verification statements signed by the DPD Program Director will be issued after completion of all academic requirements. This Verification Statement is proof of completion of CADE academic requirements. (Refer to the RD flowchart, PDF version.)

9. When I receive my DPD verification statement, how can I complete the supervised practice requirements?
You must complete a CADE-accredited Dietetic Internship. The application process is competitive and an applicant may apply to any number of DI Programs. A computer matching process with specified deadlines is used for most DI appointments. The DPD Program Director and the ADA Web site are all resources for you in the application process. Contact the DI program director for application materials and to verify application deadlines.

Upon completion of a Dietetic Internship, you will receive Verification Statements signed by the Program Director. This verifies completion of the supervised practice requirement for registration eligibility. (Refer to the RD flowchart, PDF version.)

Additional information about supervised practice programs and computer matching can be obtained by calling the ADA Accreditation and Student Operations Team at 312/899-0040, ext. 5400.

10. How can I complete both didactic coursework and supervised practice requirements in a Coordinated Program in Dietetics?
If you complete registration eligibility requirements through the Coordinated Program, the CP Program Director will complete the same type of evaluation process. Again, the evaluation includes review of the equivalency report of your previous academic work from one of the evaluation agencies listed in Question 6, plus copies of all transcripts. Following this evaluation, you will be advised regarding the additional coursework necessary to complete the academic requirements, while also completing the supervised practice portion of the program. (Refer to the RD flowchart, PDF version.)

11. I've completed a DPD and a DI or a CP and have original verification statement from my Program Director. How do I establish eligibility to write the Registration Examination for Dietitians?
The DI or CP Program Director will submit the registration eligibility information electronically to CDR. Then, CDR will mail confirmation of eligibility to you. Subsequently, you will receive an application for the registration examination from the testing agency. Upon achievement of a passing score on the exam, you will become a Registered Dietitian. (Refer to the RD flowchart, PDF version.)

CDR publishes a Study Guide for the Registration Examination for Dietitians. To purchase the guide (Catalog number 062506) call the ADA Sales and Customer Service Team at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000 or 312/899-0040, ext. 5000.

12. Why do I need original verification statements? What is the purpose of obtaining a verification statement?
They are as important as obtaining a degree and often needed for similar purposes. Verification statements are documents that are awarded upon completing a CADE-accredited or approved dietetics education program. These are official documents that are necessary as proof that you have successfully completed the required education (academic and supervised practice) according to standards outlined by CADE. You need original verification statements (not photocopies) not only for the Dietetic Internship application process but also for ADA membership, employment and state licensure.

13. How does the process differ to become a Dietetic Technician, Registered?
The process is similar in that all academic degrees must be evaluated by one of the foreign degree equivalence agencies listed in Question 6. This evaluation and copies of all transcripts then need to be reviewed by a Director of a CADE-accredited Dietetic Technician Program. Accredited programs are listed on the ADA Web site. Additional coursework and supervised practice may be required to obtain an original verification statement of completion of the Dietetic Technician Program. After you have obtained the verification statement, the program director will submit your registration eligibility application to CDR. Then, CDR will mail confirmation of eligibility to you. Subsequently, you will receive an application for the registration examination from the testing agency. Upon achievement of a passing score on the exam, you will become a Dietetic Technician, Registered. (Refer to the DTR flowchart, PDF version.)

The Commission publishes a Study Guide for the Registration Examination for Dietetic Technicians. To purchase the Guide (Catalog number 063006) call the ADA Sales and Customer Service Team at 800/877-1600, ext. 5000 or 312/899-0040, ext. 5000.

If you have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited college or university or foreign equivalent and have a verification statement from the Director of a CADE-accredited or approved DPD program, you may also apply to a CADE-accredited Dietetic Technician Program. Following completion of the Program, you will receive a verification statement and the program director will provide you information on how to submit the registration eligibility application to CDR. A Registration Eligibility Application for Dietetic Technicians may be obtained by calling the Commission on Dietetic Registration at 312/899-0040, ext. 4764. All original documents as outlined in the application materials must be attached to the application. The complete application must be submitted by the designated postmark deadline date. Written confirmation of receipt of the application will be forwarded to you. Upon achievement of a passing score on the exam, you will become a Dietetic Technician, Registered. This option could be considered by graduates of CADE-accredited or approved DPD programs who do not receive an appointment to a Dietetic Internship and want to be credentialed as a Dietetic Technician, Registered. (Refer to the DTR flowchart, PDF version.) 

14. Once I obtain my RD or DTR credential, can I practice anywhere in the U.S.?
Many states have enacted laws that regulate the practice of dietetics. It is important that you contact the state regulatory agency where you plan to practice before obtaining employment to obtain information on their requirements and regulations. A list of state regulatory agencies can be obtained on the CDR Web site at: www.cdrnet.org/certifications/licensure/agencylist.htm. If your state is not among this list then it does not have licensure/certification. If you need further assistance, you may obtain information from ADA's Washington office by calling 202/371-0500. Please be aware that registration as a dietitian or dietetic technician with CDR, state licensure and membership in ADA described below are separate processes. (Refer to the RD or DTR flowchart-PDF version.)

Questions about ADA Membership

15. Can I become a member of the American Dietetic Association if I am not a Registered Dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration?
It may be possible. Membership in ADA is separate and independent from becoming credentialed (registered) with CDR.

16. How do I become a member of the American Dietetic Association?
A new International Member category of ADA membership has been implemented, beginning with the 2002-2003 membership year, which began June 1, 2002. The qualifications for the International membership category are:  An individual who has completed formal training in food, nutrition or dietetics received outside the United States and U.S. Territories verified by the country's professional dietetics association and/or the country's regulatory body. To apply, submit a completed application, completed International Member Verification Form and appropriate dues/fees in U.S. currency or equivalent. A printable International Membership Application form for the current membership year and a printable International Member Verification Form are here. Please note that the international membership verification process is separate and distinct from obtaining registration eligibility with CDR. If you do not meet the qualifications for the International Member category you may want to proceed with the steps that follow.

If your degree is rated as equivalent to a master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States (refer to question 6) with a concentration in one of the following areas: dietetics, food and nutrition, nutrition, community/public health nutrition, food science and/or foodservice systems management, you would be eligible for Active membership. Qualifications for other categories of ADA membership are based on enrollment in or completion of dietetics education programs that are accredited or approved by CADE. If your degree is not equivalent to a master's degree level, you will need to follow the procedures described in question 8 for obtaining a verification statement from a Didactic Program in Dietetics to qualify for Active membership. Student membership is based on enrollment in a CADE accredited or approved education or supervised practice program. (Refer to the RD flowchart, PDF version.) Additional information about membership qualifications and an application form can be requested from the ADA Member Service Center at 312/899‑0040, ext. 5000 or membership@eatright.org.

17. Does the American Dietetic Association extend reciprocity for membership in the Association?
The American Dietetic Association has a reciprocity agreement with the Dietitians of Canada, which provides Active members of either association the opportunity to be an Active member of the other's association.

18. Where can I get entry-level career information?
For copies of ADA's career guidance brochures, or for additional career information, contact the Member Service Center at 312/899-0040, ext. 5000 or membership@eatright.org or visit ADA's Web site for career information.


The information contained in this document is accurate as of November 2007.
©1998 by the Commission on Dietetic Registration and the American Dietetic Association. May be reproduced for educational purposes only.

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