Board Certification as a Specialist Recertification

At the end of the specialist five-year certification period, specialists who wish to recertify must be a current Registered Dietitian with the CDR and:

• Successfully complete an eligibility application – including the required minimum number of specialty practice hours

• Submit an application fee

• Successfully complete a specialty examination

The reasoning for requiring recertification testing is that the Specialty Board Certification is a practice credential, a credential that represents to the public that the certificant possesses the knowledge, skills and experience to function effectively as a specialist in that area. The nature of the knowledge and skills to practice at a specialty level is subject to change due to technological and scientific advances. Recertification testing helps to provide continuing assurance that the certified specialist has indeed maintained their knowledge in the specialty area.