ALL APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE SUBMITTED THRU THE PORTAL.
- Log into the Portal (UN is your email address)
- Click on Memberships, Certifications & Trainings
- Click on Forms.
- On the left side, select the form you will be submitting from the drop down menu
- On the right side, click on Upload Files and choose your document from your computer
- Click Submit
- Repeat these steps for all application documents
- You will see a list at the top of the page of all documents you have submitted
If you do not have a portal account, here are instructions to create one:
- Go to https://theana.org/membership
- Decide which type of ANA Memberships you want- FREE Professional Associate, $120 Professional or $40 Student
- Click "Sign Up" or "Join Now"
- Fill in the required information
- Pay ONLY if you chose $120 Professional or $40 Student - YOU CAN SIGN UP as a FREE Professional Associate IF YOU PREFER
- Click Submit
Checklists for all Candidates- Please be sure to review this FIRST before starting the application process.
Checklist for Nutrition Professionals
Candidates
1. Practice Experience
Each CNS pathway requires that the candidate incorporates both the Personalized Nutrition (PN) Case Data Collection in their practice experience. Please see complete instructions, templates and videos here.
For Nutritionists & Healthcare Pros
We recommend that candidates begin their supervised practice experience prior to sitting for the exam. Our data shows that candidates who have begun their practice experience score higher on their exam.
- Submit Supervisor Approval Application - New supervisors* must complete this application and return it and their resume/CV to the candidate for submission through My Portal.
- Submit Supervisor Approval Application Addendum - Pre-approved supervisors must complete this one page addendum for each new candidate and return it to the candidate for submission through My Portal.
*All supervisors must be approved by the BCNS
Use the Personalized Nutrition PN Case Data Collection report with all clients and review them regularly with the Supervisor. These forms do not need to be submitted to the BCNS. Use ONE as a final project to discuss with the Supervisor.
Upon completion of the Supervised Practice Experience, the following forms must be submitted:
- Candidate’s Report - for Candidates ALREADY tracking hours (before Sept 2022) - they may continue using this document
- Candidate's SPE Report
- Supervisor’s Report - Supervisors can send reports directly to the BCNS at applications@nutritionspecialists.org
- Supervisors in an academic institution where SPE hours have been approved by BCNS may use: Supervisor's Report for Academic Institutions
For RDs
- Submit documentation of completion of dietetic internship (RD registration will fulfill this requirement)
- Submit one PN Case Data Collection
- Submit CE Report - 75 continuing education credits (CE) in personalized nutrition obtained in the last 5 years
For MDs or DOs
- Submit documentation of 1000 hours of clinical nutrition practice experience
- Submit one PN Case Data Collection
2. Examination
Once you have completed your Eligibility Requirements (Degree and Coursework) Complete the Exam Application
For Nutritionists & Healthcare Pros
For RDs
For MDs or DOs
All Candidates
If applicable, please also complete:
Current Certificants
Current CNSs
- Recertification Application
- Become a CNS Emeritus (Retired)
- Intent to Reinstate
- Request for CNS Verification (for State Licensure)
Current CKNSs
- CKNS Recertification Application (not available)
Resources
CNS Exam Resources
- Application Instructions
- Curriculum Overview
- Exam Content Outline
- Confidentiality Statement
- How to Prepare for the Exam
- Regionally Accredited Graduate Programs & Courses in Nutrition (partial list)
- Eligible Nutrition Courses for MDs and DOs
CNS Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) Resources
- About the Supervised Practice Experience
- SPE Competencies
- Supervisor FAQs
- PN Case Data Collection
- PN Case Review Form (for Supervisors)
CKNS Exam Resources
CNGS Exam Resources
CPN-P Resources
CNS Resources