International Inquiries: RD and DTR Education and Credentialing Requirements in the United States

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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.
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 the second item under the Questions Regarding Education and Credentialing Requirements section 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.
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.
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.