Quick Facts at a Glance
- Application Fee
- ~$239.50 (Estimated)
- ~$200 initial registration fee + $39.50 CBI background check (Estimated for FY 2026-27)
- Processing
- TBD (New program launching Sept 2026)
- Subject to board volume
- Renewal
- ~$125–$180 (Estimated)
- Annual (Estimated) + 75 CPE hours per 5-year CDR cycle
- License Duration
- 1 Year (Estimated)
- From date of issuance
State Board of Dietetics and Nutrition (New)
Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations- Phone
- (303) 894-7800
- dora_dpo@state.co.us
- Mailing Address
- 1560 Broadway Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202 - Physical Address
- 1560 Broadway Suite 1350
Denver, CO 80202
Colorado Dietitian License Types
Licensed Dietitian (LD)
Starting September 1, 2026, Colorado will require a state license to practice or offer medical nutrition therapy. Licensed Dietitians must hold current CDR registration or meet equivalent examination and education requirements.
Licensed Nutritionist (LN)
Colorado's new law also creates a Licensed Nutritionist pathway, which will have a separate examination option (with a waiver period until September 1, 2028 for qualifying candidates).
How to Get Licensed in Colorado
Complete Education & Supervised Practice
Earn a master's degree or higher from an ACEND-accredited program. Complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice in clinical, community, or foodservice settings.
Pass the CDR Examination (or Provide Active RD Status)
Successfully pass the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians and obtain active registration, OR provide proof of holding valid, current CDR registration.
Complete CBI Background Check
Submit to a Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) fingerprint-based background check ($39.50 fee), required at initial registration.
File Application with DORA
Submit the application to the Director of the Division of Professions and Occupations with proof of education, supervised practice, examination/CDR status, and the estimated $200 registration fee.
Application Checklist
-
CDR Registration Verification Proof of active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
-
CBI Background Check Fingerprints Colorado Bureau of Investigation background check, processed at a DORA-approved provider.
-
Proof of Supervised Practice Verification of at least 1,000 hours of supervised practice from an ACEND-accredited program.
Provisional Practice & Reciprocity
Colorado's new Board of Dietetics and Nutrition may establish provisions for temporary practice during the transition period. Check the DORA website as regulations are finalized.
Details on reciprocity or endorsement will be established by the new Board of Dietetics and Nutrition under DORA regulations. Active CDR registration will serve as the primary qualification for state licensure.
If your assignment start date is within 5 weeks, apply immediately and call the board at (303) 894-7800 to confirm current processing times.
Renewal Requirements
Colorado dietitian licenses renew annual (estimated) + 75 cpe hours per 5-year cdr cycle. Renewal fee is ~$125–$180 (Estimated).
Colorado Dietitian FAQ
When does Colorado's dietitian license requirement take effect?
The new licensure requirement takes effect on September 1, 2026. After this date, no person may practice or offer medical nutrition therapy without a state license.
How much will a Colorado dietitian license cost?
The estimated initial registration fee is approximately $200 for FY 2026-27, plus a $39.50 CBI background check. Annual renewal is estimated between $125 and $180.
Do I need a license before September 1, 2026?
No. Before September 1, 2026, Colorado does not mandate state licensure. The CDR credential (RD/RDN) remains the recognized standard until the new law takes effect.