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How to become a registered dietitian in Virginia. Regulation: no state regulation. Total initial fees: $200. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Registered Dietitian
Governing Authority
Virginia Board of Health Professions (title protection only; no state licensure)
Official website →Most information on this page has been verified.
93% of data points are verified against official sources. 3 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
None
Regulation Type
Not Required
CDR Credential
Varies
Supervised Hours
None
State CE Hours
$200
Total Initial Fees
N/A - title protection only
Renewal Period
Available credential types in Virginia
No state-issued credential; title protection for 'Dietitian' and 'Nutritionist'
Title protection only; no state-defined scope
Nutritionist
Diet Technician
Education & Academic Requirements
VerifiedNo state education requirements (CDR requires ACEND-accredited master's degree for new applicants since 2024)
Minimum Degree
Not Required
ACEND Accredited
Yes
Master's Required
Didactic Program
Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD) or Coordinated Program (CP) from ACEND-accredited institution
Details
CDR requires a minimum of a master's degree for new RD/RDN credentialing effective January 1, 2024. Existing RDs/RDNs are grandfathered.
Dietitian education requirements follow ACEND (Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics) standards. As of 2024, a minimum of a master's degree is required for new RD eligibility through CDR.
Supervised Practice Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
Supervised Practice
Not Required
ACEND Accredited
Details
No state supervised practice requirements. CDR requires minimum 1,000 hours for RD/RDN credential.
Supervised practice hours are typically completed through ACEND-accredited dietetic internships, coordinated programs, or individualized supervised practice pathways (ISPPs).
Exam Requirements
VerifiedNot Required
CDR Registration
Not Required
State Exam
Credential Type
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or Registered Dietitian (RD) through CDR
Registration Exam
CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians
State Exam Details
CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians
Exam Name
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) / Pearson VUE
Provider
$200
Exam Cost
Passing Rate
Approximately 80-90% first-time pass rate
Retake Policy
May retake after 45 days; up to 3 attempts within 1 year of initial eligibility
What Dietitians Can Do in Virginia
VerifiedNot Authorized
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Not Authorized
Nutrition Counseling
Not Authorized
Enteral/Parenteral
Additional Scope Details
Virginia does not define a state scope of practice for dietitians. Title Protection only.
Telehealth
Allowed
Interstate Telehealth
No
Compact Member
Virginia allows telehealth delivery of nutrition services.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
CDR Exam Fee Paid to CDR/Pearson VUE if pursuing voluntary national credential | $200 |
Total Initial Fees CDR exam fee only; no state fees | $200 |
Renewal & CE/CPEU Requirements
VerifiedN/A - title protection only
Renewal Period
—
State CE Hours
No
Portfolio Required
CDR CPEU Requirement
75 CPEUs per 5-year CDR recertification cycle
Regulatory Board
Dietitians must maintain both state and national (CDR) credentials. CDR requires 75 CPEUs per 5-year recertification cycle. State CE requirements are separate and may differ from CDR requirements.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
CDR Credential Is Portable
Transfer Details
No state license to transfer. CDR credential is portable nationwide.
The CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) credential is nationally recognized, but states may still require a separate state license or registration. Having an active CDR credential typically simplifies the transfer process.
Protected Titles
VerifiedVirginia protects the title(s) Dietitian, Nutritionist.
Virginia provides title protection but not licensure or certification. The Board of Health Professions sets minimum qualifications for using the title but there is no state license to obtain. Virginia cannot participate in the Dietitian Licensure Compact.
Virginia has TITLE PROTECTION only - not state licensure or certification.
Virginia Code Chapter 27.1 sets minimum qualifications for using the title 'dietitian' or 'nutritionist.'
No state license to apply for or renew; no state fees.
Virginia cannot participate in the Dietitian Licensure Compact because it does not license dietitians.
Practitioners must hold CDR registration or meet specific education and supervised practice requirements to use the protected title.
As of January 1, 2024, CDR requires a master's degree for new RD/RDN applicants.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#15 of 51
Cost
#1 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Dietitians and Nutritionists (SOC 29-1031)
Entry Level
$63,410
25th percentile
Median
$75,210
+2% vs. national avg ($73,850)Experienced
$86,230
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
1,440 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Dietitians and Nutritionists" includes both registered dietitians and nutritionists. Credentialing requirements differ between these roles.
Source: BLS OEWS – Dietitians and Nutritionists (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+8.7%
High DemandNew Jobs
+6,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
7,300
per year (avg.)
79,100 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 240–370 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
4–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides for the CDR registration exam for dietitians.
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Virginia uses no formal regulation for dietitians. All credentialing is managed through the Virginia Board of Health Professions (title protection only; no state licensure).
Requirements vary by state and may change. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority and the Commission on Dietetic Registration.