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.