CDR CPE Activity Type Definitions

Nutrition and dietetics-related academic coursework, including distance learning, at a university accredited by a USDE recognized accrediting agency can be awarded CPEUs based on the following list. Under the activity description in your Activity Log, indicate whether the coursework was taken during a semester, trimester, or quarter. Academic coursework that qualifies for CPE credit must be started after you have become an RD or DTR and must be completed in your current recertification cycle and the course completion date shall not extend beyond the last day of the term. For those RDs or DTRs concluding a 5-year recertification cycle, the date of completion of academic coursework can be the date of notification of successful course completion. However, successful notice must be received by May 31 of the last year of the recertification cycle. 

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years 

• No Maximum

Description for Activity Log

• Course Title  
• College or University 
• Date Completed  
• CPEUs Requested Based on Number of Quarter, Semester or Trimester Credits Earned 

Audit Documentation to Retain 

• Verifiable Transcript

Time spent viewing recorded online lectures or seminars within the context of massive online open courses (MOOCS) and offered through universities accredited by a USDE recognized accrediting agency can be awarded CPEUs. You must have official verification of your participation, such as a certificate of completion that verifies that you have completed specified assignments, participatory activities, and evaluation benchmarks. 

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years 

• No Maximum  

Description for Activity Log 

• Course Title  
• College or University 
• Date Completed  
• CPEUs Requested 

Audit Documentation to Retain 

• Official Verification of Participation 

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

RDs and DTRs can source nutrition and dietetics-related continuing education from any Jointly Accredited Provider regardless of target profession. 

Jointly Accredited Providers offer continuing education targeted to specific professions and provide Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) opportunities designed to address the professional practice gaps of the healthcare team using an educational planning process that reflects input from those healthcare professionals who make up the team. The education is designed to change the skills/strategy or performance of the healthcare team, and/or patient outcomes. 

Any completed activity offered by a Jointly Accredited Provider is logged as Activity Type 102 regardless of format. CDR’s Activity Type Definitions and Content Criteria do not apply to IPCE or single profession activities offered via Jointly Accredited Providers. For example, if the activity is described as live, internet live, enduring or any other format, it is logged as Activity Type 102. 

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years 

• No Maximum  

Description for Activity Log 

• Program Title  
• Provider 
• Date Completed  
• CPEUs Requested 

Audit Documentation to Retain 

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline or Official Verification of Participation 

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

An intensive training program which is not to be confused with CPE that awards certificates of completion or attendance. 

Certificate Programs can be offered as an enduring activity, live web-based activity, and/or in-person training or combination thereof with formative and summative assessments.  

The purpose of formative assessment is to provide feedback to both participants and facilitators/instructors with the intent of enhancing the learning process. Formative assessment may include self-reflection and diagnostic components (e.g., pretest) and may be remedial (i.e., focusing on correction or improvement). Formative assessment may take place on one or more occasions throughout the learning process.  

Summative (end-of-program) assessment is used to evaluate participants’ accomplishment of the intended learning outcomes and generally takes place at the completion of the education/training component of the program. Any generally accepted assessment method may be utilized for conducting the summative assessment. Passing, proficiency, or performance outcomes are communicated to the learner. 

Certificate programs must: 

1. Be nutrition and dietetics related. 
2. Have stated learning objectives upon which the course and assessment content is based. 
3. Include a statement that explicitly outlines the purpose of the program. 
4. Include content expert instruction and learner/ provider interaction, engagement, and feedback.  
5. Have a process of validating the content of the assessment which includes, at a minimum, documentation of the link between the intended learning outcomes and the assessment (e.g., a table listing the knowledge, skills, and/or competencies needed for participants to accomplish the intended learning outcomes and identifying how the specified knowledge, skills, and/or competencies are covered by the assessment). The assessment content is periodically revised, as needed, by subject matter experts and qualified individuals to ensure that it continues to reflect the scope and purpose of the program and remains aligned with the education/training and the intended learning outcomes. 
6. Use a generally accepted method or rubric for setting the performance, proficiency, or passing standard for the summative (end-of-program) assessment. This method, in which trained subject matter experts participate, should: 
7. link the performance, proficiency, or passing standard to the expected performance of a participant who has accomplished the intended learning outcomes; and 
8. be consistent with the nature and intended use of the assessment. 
9. Be evaluated for effectiveness on a regular basis to ensure its ongoing utility for evaluating participants’ accomplishment of the intended learning outcomes. The procedures and analyses performed for this purpose are consistent with generally accepted measurement principles. 
10. Have all course materials reviewed by a minimum of three independent professionals with demonstrated expertise in the content area attesting to the hours needed to complete the program. A minimum of one of the reviewers must be a Commission on Dietetic Registration Registered Dietitian or Dietetic Technician, Registered. Reviewer’s academic degrees should be relevant and granted by a university accredited by a USDE recognized accrediting agency. Foreign academic degrees accredited by foreign equivalent institutions are accepted under the condition that they have been verified by one of the agencies listed on the Independent Foreign Degree Evaluation Agencies list. Each reviewer must complete and sign the review form attesting to the number of hours it takes to complete the course and the course content currency. The reviewers should not be associated with the creation of the content of the program in any way. 
11. Be offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or is CDR CPEU Prior Approved. 

Assessment-based certificate programs award a certificate only to those participants who meet the performance, proficiency or passing standard for the assessment. 

Upon completion of the program, participants receive a certificate attesting to the attainment of a new knowledge/skill set (e.g., CDR’s Certificate of Training in Obesity for Pediatrics and Adults). Unlike a certification, participants do not receive a professional designation (e.g., CSSD). Individuals who fail the summative post-assessment will be awarded CPEUs for completing the program. However, the certificate of training will NOT be awarded to individuals who fail the summative post-assessment. 

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years 

• No Maximum  

Description for Activity Log 

• Program Title  
• Provider 
• Date Completed  
• CPEUs Requested 

Audit Documentation to Retain 

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline 

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

For recertification cycles ending 2025-2029 only

Learning obtained from dietetics-related exhibits such as those presented at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo can be awarded CPEUs when properly documented. Exhibitors need not be listed separately but should be logged as a single entry according to the date attended. Record several exhibits in a single Activity Log entry that relate to the same Sphere/ Competency. Virtual exhibits must include interactive experiences, professional materials for review and download, live chat and engagement with vendors.

 Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years 

• 15 for RDs, 10 for DTRs 

Description for Activity Log 

• Event 
• Provider  
• Date Completed  
• CPEUs Requested 

 Audit Documentation to Retain 

• Certificate of Attendance/Completion or Materials Describing Exhibits (Date, Timeline, Provider, Content) 

One-half (0.5) CPEU is equivalent to one-half contact hour (30 minutes)

The journal club must be nutrition and dietetics-related, preplanned, provide for group participation, include three or more professionals, and include in-depth discussion of a single topic from pre-assigned articles/papers in professional, peer-reviewed journals (materials should not be older than five years). Online journal clubs, in which interactive posts by dietetics professionals are read by and responded to by dietetics professionals, are also creditable. A system or program administrator should be able to provide verification of participation in the event of an audit. 

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years 

• No Maximum  

Description for Activity Log 

• Program Title (Including Topic or Article) 
• Provider (Hosting Organization or Coordinator) 
• Date Completed  
• CPEUs Requested 

Audit Documentation to Retain 

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline 

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

Examples of LIVE, synchronous learning include: 

• in-person or virtual lectures 
• seminars 
• webinars 
• teleseminars 
• case presentations 
• workshops  
• culinary skills training*  
• physical assessment training 
• computer/technology training 

Content must be nutrition and dietetics related and include methods for providing informal feedback or formal feedback and assessment to the learner or learners. 

*Content must focus on food composition, food chemistry, alternative nutrient sources, cultural/social/economic influences, techniques to improve acceptability or compliance. 

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years 

• No Maximum  

Description for Activity Log 

• Program Title  
• Provider 
• Date Completed  
• CPEUs Requested 

Audit Documentation to Retain 

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline 

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

Viewing or listening to a recording of a CDR-approved presentation can be awarded CPE credit. The recorded presentation must have been either preapproved by CDR for credit when it was presented live or offered by a CDR CPE Accredited Provider. The recording must be listened to/viewed within 3 years of the original date of the live presentation (e.g., a recording of a presentation given on September 15, 2020, could be viewed for credit through September 14, 2023.)

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 50 for RDs, 33 for DTRs

Description for Activity Log

• Program Title
• Provider
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

Learning through nutrition and dietetics-related poster and e-poster sessions at professional conferences can be awarded CPEUs. Posters need not be listed separately but are logged as a single entry based on the completion date of the event.

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 15 for RDs, 10 for DTRs

Description for Activity Log

• Program Title
• Provider
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline

One half (0.5) CPEU is equivalent to a one-half contact hour (30 minutes)

Professional Leadership

Holding an elected or appointed office in a nutrition or dietetics-related national, state, district, or community organization that contributes to the acquisition of leadership skills and professional development can be awarded CPEUs. A year in the term of office (such as president) or preliminary term of office (such as president elect) must be completed during the current recertification cycle. Years of a term that concluded during a previous recertification cycle may not be claimed on the current cycle. Training on the topic of professional leadership would not qualify under this activity type. For a multi-year term, each year completed is eligible for 3 CPEUs. Concurrent positions may be held and claimed towards the maximum CPEUs.

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 15 for RDs, 10 for DTRs
• (A maximum of 3 CPEUs per year can be awarded for this activity)

Description for Activity Log

• Title (Elected or Appointed Position)
• Provider (Nutrition or dietetics-related national, state, district, or community organization)
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Letter documenting election or appointment.

Precepting

Learning acquired while serving as a preceptor for dietetics students in an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited dietetics program may be awarded CPEUs. Note: For example, precepting for other programs/ students such as Certified Dietary Managers does not qualify for CPEUs. ACEND defines a preceptor as a practitioner who serves as faculty for students/interns during supervised practice by overseeing practical experiences, providing one-on-one training, and modeling professional behaviors and values. To receive CPEU credit:

The precepting must have been completed during the current recertification cycle. The preceptor must complete the Preceptor Confirmation Form provided by the program director. The form must be signed and dated by the ACEND accredited program director. The form should be retained by the preceptor as documentation to be submitted to CDR if audited.

Precepting CPEU Conversion

• 1-25 hours = 1 CPEU
• 26-50 hours = 2 CPEUs
• 51+ hours = 3 CPEUs

If precepting multiple interns, determine CPEUs based on total hours.

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 15 for RDs, 10 for DTRs

(A maximum of 3 CPEUs per year can be awarded for this activity)

Description for Activity Log

• Program Title (indicate: Preceptor)
• Provider (ACEND accredited dietetics program)
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Completed Preceptor Verification and Self-Reflection Form

Reading peer-reviewed, dietetics-related articles from professional journals and professional newsletters can be awarded CPE credit. Online journals are acceptable in this category. Articles in professional newsletters must be identified as peer reviewed. The article must be read within 5 years of the date the article was published. Include the journal reference/citation in the activity description.

A peer-reviewed journal has the following characteristics:

• It is usually published by professional organizations and societies.
• Its primary purpose is to report original research or review articles.
• Editorial board is listed in the front of the journal or newsletter.
• Articles include an author byline.
• It includes cited references and charts/graphs/photos that impart information.

A journal is likely not peer-reviewed if its primary purpose is to report on trends/concerns in an industry or to provide practical “how-to” articles. If you are unsure as to whether a particular journal or newsletter article is peer reviewed, you may obtain written verification from the issuing organization or a reference librarian.

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 35 CPEUs for RDs, 30 CPEUs for DTRs

Description for Activity Log

• Journal or Newsletter Citation
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Copy of Abstract or First Page of Article

Reading one article is equivalent to one-half (0.5) CPEU

Conducting primary research as a sole, principal, or co-investigator can be awarded CPEUs. An investigator is defined as one who participates substantially in the conception and design of the work and the analysis of data as well as in the writing of the report. Primary research as outlined in the Evidence Analysis Library includes:

• Randomized Controlled Trials
• Cluster Randomized Trial
• Randomized Crossover Trial
• Prospective Cohort Study
• Retrospective Cohort Study
• Non-Randomized Controlled Trial
• Non-Randomized Crossover Trial
• Case-Control Study
• Time Series Study
• Reliability Study
• Non-Controlled Trial
• Case Study or Case Series
• Other Descriptive Study
• Cross-Sectional Study
• Trend Study
• Before-After Study

Systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses are also considered research for this activity type

The research must have been conducted after the investigator has become an RDN or RD, or NDTR or DTR. Research completed to fulfill academic requirements would receive credit as 100: Academic Coursework, while reading reviews designed primarily to summarize the findings of others would receive credit under 200: Professional Reading. However, completing a meta-analysis that identifies new trends or ideas based on data from other studies would be awarded CPEUs in the Research category. Required documentation must be completed within the current recertification cycle to receive credit.

Level of Involvement Description CPEUs Awarded

• Principal Investigator 
  • One who alone develops the study concept, research design, analysis of data and writing of the report 
    • 20 CPEUs per study
• Co-Investigator 
  • One who participates substantially in the conception and design of the work, analysis of data and writing of the report 
    • 10 CPEUs per study

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 60 for RDs, 40 for DTRs

Description for Activity Log

• Title of Study
• Sponsoring/funding institution Identification as principle or co-investigator
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Sponsoring/funding institution info Report to include an introduction, purpose of research, methodology, discussion of results, summary and references.

One or more of the following (must be completed within current cycle):

• Final summary technical report to federal, state or other grant providing organization.
• Letter verifying acceptance for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or copy of published manuscript.
• Letter verifying acceptance for presentation or poster session at a peer-reviewed professional association conference.

Programs require completion of a dietetics-related, post-baccalaureate-level residency or fellowship activity with a minimum of 75 contact hours for RDNs or RDs or 50 contact hours for NDTRs or DTRs. Program experience must take place after the practitioner has become an RDN or RD, or NDTR or DTR and must meet all of the following criteria:

• At the post-baccalaureate level and is dietetics related.
• Offers formalized/structured experiences.
• Sponsored by a university accredited by a USDE recognized accrediting agency or an institution accredited/approved by The Joint Commission or NCQA.
• Completed within the current 5-year recertification cycle.

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• No Maximum

Description for Activity Log

• Residency/ Fellowship
• Provider
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline

Completion of the program provides 75 CPEUs

Mentorships are nutrition and dietetics related as outlined in Essential Practice Competencies.

Before beginning a mentorship, the learner first contracts with an individual who is an expert in a particular area using Mentorship Recipient Contract available here. Within the contract, describe the demonstrable learning outcomes (skills, knowledge, judgment, or attitude) expected upon completion. The learning outcomes must be measurable or observable and clearly stated. Describe the resources/activities utilized.

Please note that the mentorship activity is not an available route for logging CDR-approved or non-approved certifications or certificate programs (see 260-651: Certifications and 120: Certificate Programs).

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 50 for RDs, 35 for DTRs

Description for Activity Log

• Activity Title (Area of Learning)
• Provider (Mentor Name)
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Signed Mentorship Contract

One CPEU is equivalent to two contact hours

Study groups must be nutrition and dietetics-related, preplanned, provide for group participation, include three or more professionals, include in-depth study of a specific topic, and be based on an active (non-expired) CDR CPEU Prior Approved activity located in CDR’s Continuing Professional Education Database.

Note: The study group coordinator is responsible for attaining any applicable copyright or trademark permissions from the CPE provider for CPE activities utilized within the context of a study group

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• 50 for RDs, 35 for DTRs

Description for Activity Log

• Program Title/ Topic
• Provider (Hosting Organization or Coordinator)
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

The following Certifications are available for CPEU credit based on successful application to CDR by the organization responsible for administering the certification. Learners may not apply nor will credit be awarded for certifications which do not appear in the list below or on CDR's Policy Updates and Announcements webpage.

For approval, the program must be nutrition and dietetics related, must require candidates to meet eligibility requirements and pass an examination to become certified initially, and must require certificants to recertify by passing an exam or by continuing professional education depending on the certification requirements/options.

Eligibility for CPE credit in a given cycle is based on date of notification of successfully meeting certification or recertification requirements. CPEUs can be awarded for qualifying certifications earned during the current 5-year recertification cycle and up to 6 months before your current recertification cycle. The date of completion of the certification can be either the date of notification of successful completion of the requirements for certification or the date of the examination required for certification.

Note: Certifications (Activity Types 260-651) cannot be used to satisfy the ethics or health equity requirement.

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• No Maximum

Description for Activity Log

• Certification Obtained
• Provider
• Date of Notification
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Copy of document verifying date of issue and duration of certification

A self-paced activity that endures over a 3-year approval lifespan and includes methods for providing informal feedback or formal feedback and assessment to the learner or learners. Examples may include but are not limited to online interactive educational modules, recorded presentations, printed materials, or podcasts.

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• No Maximum

Description for Activity Log

• Program Title
• Provider
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour

CDR accepts enduring activities from CPE providers accredited by CDR-approved organizations listed below. Enduring CPE is a self-paced activity that endures over a specified time and includes methods for providing informal feedback or formal feedback and assessment to the learner or learners. Examples may include but are but are not limited to online interactive educational modules, recorded presentations, printed materials, and/or podcasts.

Please note: CDR also accepts enduring materials from CPE providers accredited by other CDR-approved organizations. Enduring materials approved by the following organizations are currently accepted:

• AAFP American Academy of Family Physicians
• AANP American Academy of Nurse Practitioners
• AAPA American Academy of Physician Assistants
• ACCME Organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
• ACPE Organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
• ANCC American Nurses Credentialing Center
• APA American Psychiatric Association
• APA American Psychological Association
• APHA American Public Health Association

Maximum CPEUs per 5 Years

• No Maximum

Description for Activity Log

• Program Title
• Provider
• Date Completed
• CPEUs Requested

Audit Documentation to Retain

• Certificate of Completion or agenda/timing outline

One CPEU is equivalent to one contact hour