Naturopathic Doctor (ND) Application Process

Visit the BCNS Forms Overview page for a complete list of downloadable forms and applications.

Step 1: Degree & Coursework

The required degree and coursework must be complete before submitting the application.

Curriculum Overview

Regionally Accredited Graduate Programs & Courses

Step 2: Practice Experience

Obtain 1,000 hours of Supervised Practice Experience with a BCNS-approved supervisor and submit documentation.

Although the Supervised Practice Experience hours may be completed before or after passing the BCNS Certifying Examination, it is important to note that historically those who have completed the practice experience perform better on the exam than those who have not. The CNS credential will not be awarded until the completed experience has been approved by the BCNS credentials council

  • Submit Supervisor Approval Application - New supervisors* must complete this application and email with their resume/CV to applications@nutritionspecialists.org
  • Submit Supervisor Approval Application Addendum - Pre-approved supervisors must complete this one page addendum for each new candidate and email to applications@nutritionspecialists.org

    *All supervisors must be approved by the BCNS 

All candidates are required to use the PN Case Data Collection to ensure high quality nutrition care to clients. Candidates and supervisors review the reports together to review next steps and suggested protocols. Personalized Nutrition cases must:

  • be completely filled in
  • have occurred within the past 5 years of the time that the candidate submits their SPE hours to the BCNS
  • be discussed with and approved by the candidate's supervisor(s) - these forms are not to be submitted to the BCNS

Upon completion of the Supervised Practice Experience, the following forms must be submitted via CNS Candidate Portal

Upon completion of the hours worked under their supervision the following form must be submitted by the supervisor:

About the SPE

SPE Competencies

Supervisor FAQs

Step 3: Examination

Once you have completed your Eligibility Requirements (Degree and Coursework) Complete the Exam Application

For Naturopathic Doctors

Certification Examinations for Nutrition Specialists℠ are held twice a year.

Upcoming CNS Exams:
June 8-12, 2024; Applications due April 14, 2024
December 7-11, 2024; Applications due October 13, 2024

We are pleased to announce that we have partnered with a testing center and now have the ability to offer hundreds of testing centers across the country so that candidates won't have to travel. There will be a nominal fee, paid directly to the test center.

Upon your application approval to sit for the CNS exam, details will be sent to you so you can arrange for your local test center.

Here is a list of the current test centers.

Exam Preparation

Exam Content Outline

The CNS application fee is $100. Upon approval to sit for the exam, the exam fee is $400. Fees are paid through the Portal.

* Effective July 1, 2023 - CNS Examination Fee increases to $400, effective for the December 2023 Examination. 

You now have the ability to download forms and upload completed forms directly through My Portal! Navigate to the Forms page under Certifications and select or upload the appropriate form.

To Apply to sit for the CNS Exam

  You must submit the following documents:

  • Exam application 
  • Official transcripts from each regionally accredited institution from where you took all qualifying courses
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV emailed to 

Candidates who pass the examination and complete the supervised practice experience requirements will be granted the Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential. 

Eligibility Appeals 

A candidate whose eligibility has been denied may appeal the decision. 

Appeals regarding certification examination eligibility must be submitted in writing to the Certification Department Lead within thirty (30) calendar days after notification of the adverse decision. The candidate must submit the appeal in writing (email is acceptable) and explain in detail: 1) The nature of the request and the specific facts and circumstances supporting the request, and 2) all reasons why the action or decision should be changed or modified. The candidate must also provide accurate copies of all supporting documents. The Certification Department Lead will review the appeal within fifteen (15) days. If the issue can be resolved at the staff level, the Certification Department Lead will make a determination and will notify the BCNS Board of the result. 

If the issue cannot be resolved by the Certification Department Lead, they will refer the appeal to the Board. The appeal will also be referred to the Board if the candidate does not accept a determination by the Certification Department Lead. 

Within thirty (30) days, the Board will appoint an ad hoc Appeals Committee to review the appeal. The committee will review the appeal and make a determination within thirty (30) days. A decision issued by the Appeals Committee may be appealed to and heard by the full Board of Directors. The decision of the Board of Directors is final. 

A reasonable administrative fee may be imposed for the processing and review of appeals.