Healthcare License Verification
How to Verify a Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) License
Verify Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credentials through the CDR credential verification tool at cdrnet.org and state dietitian licensing boards. Covers RD vs. RDN, NDTR, specialty certifications, and red flags for nutrition and healthcare hiring.
Quick answer
Verify RD/RDN national registration through the CDR credential verification tool at cdrnet.org/credentialverification. Search by the dietitian's name or registration number to confirm active status. For state licensure, check the relevant state dietetics or health professions licensing board.
RD vs. RDN: the name change
In 2013, the Commission on Dietetic Registration began allowing Registered Dietitians to use the credential RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) as an alternative to the traditional RD (Registered Dietitian). Both designations are equivalent — RD and RDN refer to the same credential issued by CDR. Practitioners may use either title based on preference.
Do not confuse RDN with “nutritionist” — the title “nutritionist” is unregulated in most states and does not require the same education, supervised practice, or examination as the RD/RDN credential.
CDR national registration verification
The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is the credentialing body for the RD/RDN. CDR maintains a public credential verification tool:
- Go to cdrnet.org/credentialverification
- Enter the dietitian's first name, last name, and optionally their state or CDR registration number
- Results show registration status (active or inactive), credential type, and registration expiration date
- Confirm status is Active and the expiration date is current
CDR registration requires renewal every 5 years with 75 continuing professional education units (CPEUs). An inactive registration means the dietitian may not legally use the RD or RDN credential.
State licensure
Most states require a separate dietitian license in addition to CDR registration. State license requirements and titles vary:
| State | Licensing Body | Title |
|---|---|---|
| California | Dietitian Nutritionist Council (cdph.ca.gov) | Registered Dietitian (RD) |
| Texas | Texas State Board of Examiners of Dietitians | Licensed Dietitian (LD) |
| New York | NY Office of the Professions | Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist (CDN) |
| Florida | FL Department of Health | Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) |
| All states | Search “[state] dietitian license lookup” to find the relevant board portal | |
A small number of states (e.g., Michigan, New Jersey) do not currently license dietitians — in those states, CDR national registration is the only formal credential to verify.
NDTR and specialty credentials
CDR also issues:
- NDTR (Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered): Requires associate's degree-level dietetics education and supervised practice — lower credential level than RD/RDN; verify separately through CDR
- Specialty certifications: CDR issues specialty credentials (CSR — Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition, CSO — Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition, etc.) for RDs with advanced practice experience
NDTR and specialty credentials also appear in the CDR verification tool.
Red flags
- CDR registration shows Inactive — cannot legally use RD or RDN credential
- Candidate uses “nutritionist” title in a state that does not regulate that title — this does not require any credential; do not treat as equivalent to RD/RDN
- State license not current in required state — clinical roles require both CDR registration and state licensure
- Claims specialty credential (CSR, CSO) without it appearing in CDR verification
- NDTR presented for a role requiring RD/RDN — different credential, different scope of practice
Verification checklist
- 1. Verify CDR national registration at cdrnet.org/credentialverification — confirm Active status
- 2. Verify state dietitian license in each state where the dietitian practices
- 3. Check CDR registration expiration date — 5-year renewal cycle with 75 CPEUs
- 4. Confirm credential type: RD/RDN (full credential) vs. NDTR (technician level)
- 5. For specialty roles: verify specialty certification appears in CDR record
Verify the dietetics program accreditation
RD/RDN eligibility requires a degree from an ACEND-accredited dietetics program plus supervised practice. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a claimed school's program is properly accredited.
Search Schools and Accreditation →