The CNS Supervised Practice Experience requirements have not changed.

Information we have presented on webinars and provided to supervisors over the past months is a confirmation and clarification of what existed before and what was assumed to have been taking place by those involved including candidates, supervisors, supervision programs and school courses and internship programs. We want to ensure that supervisors and candidates are in compliance with the best practices in the field and with the common denominator for state licensing laws, when applicable. This process and high level of reporting and disclosure is imperative for CNS candidates and certificants to earn not only the CNS certification but also the state license, when applicable and required for them to practice.

A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice in the personalized nutrition care model which addresses the CNS SPE competencies is an essential component of the CNS credential.

Observational Experience (optional and maximum of 250 hours)

Candidates may opt to start with Observational hours as they are learning the PN care model and just beginning to apply foundational coursework to clinical situations. During observational SPE, candidates will earn hours across the Categories A, B and C in the following ways:

• Listening to videos of client and practitioner interactions and discussing with the supervisor
• Shadowing an experienced clinician and discussing cases with the supervisor
• Creating treatment plans for a supervisor’s current client
• Participating in simulation exercises and/or role playing
• Utilizing case studies to prepare treatment plans
• NOTE: Observational hours are not required, and candidates may earn the complete 1,000 hours in Direct experience.

Direct Experience (minimum of 750 hours)

While earning direct experience, candidates and supervisors work together to ensure they are each meeting their responsibilities. During direct SPE, candidates will earn hours across the Categories A, B and C in the following ways:

• Counseling individuals and groups
• Researching and developing client treatment plans for current clients
• Researching, preparing, and presenting client educational workshops
• Community education (development and delivery of education to a specific population)
• Supervisor grand rounds and one-on-one meetings

The following activities do not qualify for SPE hours:

• Research that is not related to a current client
• Writing books, articles, blogs, etc.
• Teaching classes in academic programs
• Developing condition-based training programs and treatment protocols not related to a current client
• Presenting educational lectures, videos, webinars, etc. academics for mass audience
• Watching educational lectures, videos, webinars, etc.

Candidates are responsible to:

• Secure setting(s) and qualified, approved supervisor(s) for the tailored practice experience
• Review the current licensing statutes and regulations in their state before beginning the SPE
• Keep timely and detailed records throughout the SPE to ensure records are complete for BCNS and state licensing board review
• Document and submit application materials upon completion of 1,000 hours
• Use the PN Case Data Collection for each client and review with the supervisors
• Submit one PN Case Data Collection and one PN Case Report to supervisor for approval at the end of the SPE
• Meet regularly with supervisors
• Disclose to their clients that they are under supervision required to earn the CNS credential
• Hold student or professional commercial liability insurance while under supervision