BCNS Exam Rates

The BCNS is the premier certification body providing credentialing of nutrition professionals with advanced degrees and training in nutrition science.

Our mission is to advance human health through the science and practice of  professional  nutrition care. Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) professionals are on the front lines using medical nutrition therapy, and providing consultation services to battle the epidemic of obesity and chronic disease. The BCNS supports these efforts, and certifies only nutrition professionals that maintain the highest standards of competence.

We have developed a rigorous certification process based on education standards, experiential eligibility criteria and the ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills through a formal examination process. Attaining the CNS credential attests to the qualifications, advanced skills and professional stature of a nutrition care professional.

A summary of the number of candidates examined, pass/fail statistics and number of individuals currently certified follows:

    2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Number of CNS candidates examined   108 146 171 201 209 228 241 329
% of CNS candidates who passed   72.5% 76.7% 71.5% 73.1% 74.8% 73.3% 71.0% 72.6%
% of CNS candidates who failed   27.5% 23.3% 28.5% 26.9% 25.2% 26.7% 29.0% 27.4%

 Number of individuals holding an active CNS credential as of 12/31/2022: 1,361.