IMA International

USA: Nutritionist/Dietitian — CDR & RD Exam Pathway

Internationally qualified clinical dietitians and nutritionists seeking to earn the Registered Dietitian (RD) credential in the United States must have their degrees reviewed for equivalence and clear the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) professional credentialing exam.

71%

Success Rate

9–18 Months

$1,500 – $3,000 USD

9–18 Months

Total Duration

$1,500 – $3,000 USD

Estimated Cost

71%

Success Rate

Easy

Difficulty Level

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Step-by-Step Guide

Your Pathway to Success

Follow these steps to achieve your global medical career

Cost: $250
Duration: 2-3 months

Submit academic credentials to an approved NACES member agency for a detailed course-by-course evaluation verifying US educational equivalence.

Cost: $300
Duration: 2-4 months

Apply to an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) program or utilize reciprocity pathways (e.g., if from Canada or Ireland) to secure academic clearance.

Cost: Variable
Duration: 6-12 months

Complete a minimum of 1,000 hours of ACEND-accredited supervised dietetic practice covering clinical, community, and food service systems management.

Cost: $0
Duration: 2-4 weeks

Upon programmatic sign-off of your internship competencies, your director submits eligibility data directly into the CDR computerized tracking register.

Cost: $200
Duration: 2-4 months study

Sit for the national computerized variable-length examination assessing clinical nutrition, food service administration, counseling, and medical nutrition therapy (MNT).

Cost: $50 - $200
Duration: 1 month

Submit your passing RD credentials to the target state licensing board to obtain your local professional practice card.

Requirements

What You Need

Essential prerequisites for this pathway

A minimum of a Master's degree in Nutrition, Dietetics, or a closely mapped biological science from an accredited institution
A formal verification statement confirming completion of an ACEND-accredited structured internship program
A positive course-by-course evaluation report from an approved evaluation service
Clear verification of home country registration and identity credentials
Resources

Helpful Materials

Downloadable guides and references

Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR)
Access
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND)
Access
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