Loading...
Loading...
Registered Dietitian
Total cost: $200
Governing Authority
Virginia Board of Health Professions (title protection only; no state licensure)
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
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.
Browse Dietitian study materials on Amazon →(affiliate link)
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
Overall licensing difficulty: 16/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
RD Exam (Registered Dietitian Exam)
Browse study guides
Dietitian Exam Prep Books
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
Prepare with realistic RD Exam (Registered Dietitian Exam) practice tests from Exam Edge →(affiliate link)See our discount
Study guides for the CDR registration exam for dietitians.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
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 |
Use our licensing cost calculator to estimate your total investment including education and exam fees.
Calculate your licensing ROI →
See how quickly your license investment pays for itself.
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Virginia with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
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.
Virginia is a title-protection-only state and does not issue dietitian licenses, making it ineligible for the Dietitian Licensure Compact.
Dietitian requirements in nearby states
| State | Total Cost | Timeline | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (you) | $200 | 240–370 wks | |
| District of Columbia | $429 | 240–370 wks | → |
| Kentucky | $250 | 240–370 wks | → |
| Maryland | $500 | 240–370 wks | → |
| North Carolina | $410 | 240–370 wks | → |
Other professional licenses in Virginia
See how Virginia compares: Dietitian License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
Compare dietitian requirements across all states →
Dietitian licensing requirements nationwide →
Not sure dietitian is right for you? Find careers that match your situation →
How does Virginia compare to other states for dietitian? See the full comparison →
Calculate the return on investment for your dietitian license →
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Virginia.
Dietitian Schools in Virginia
Compare approved training programs, costs, and requirements.
Moving to Virginia? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your Dietitian license to Virginia →
Transfer your Dietitian license from Virginia to: Kentucky → | Maryland → | North Carolina → | Tennessee → | West Virginia → | District of Columbia →
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.