Certified Specialist - Key Considerations

Specialty registered dietitians are either certified or approved to practice in their expanded, specialized roles.

Specialization does not always include an additional certification beyond RD certification.

Specialty certification may or may not require evidence at master's level.
CDR offers four specialty certifications:
 

• Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP)
• Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR)
• Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG)
• Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)

Example of other specialty certifications for the RD

• Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
• Certified Nutrition Support Dietitian (CNSD)

Educational Preparation (one or more of the following characteristics)

• Educational preparation at the specialty level
• May include a formal educational program preparing for specialty practice
• Dietetics practice roles accredited or approved
• May include a formal system of certification and credentialing

Nature of Practice

• Integrates research, education, practice and management
• Moderate degree of professional autonomy and independent practice
• Specialized assessment skills, decision-making skills and diagnostic reasoning skills
• For non-clinical specialty practice (business and communications for example) may not include all characteristics; however, the complexity of the nature of practice will be comparable.

Experience
Either require or recommend experience beyond entry level. Experience is required for specialty certification.

(Excerpt - The Scope of Dietetics Framework - Draft August 2004)