Quick Facts at a Glance
- Application Fee
- $248
- $60 application + $150 issuance + $38 background check
- Processing
- 2 to 3 Business Days
- Subject to board volume
- Renewal
- $95
- Annual (by March 31) + 30 CE hours per 2 years
- License Duration
- 1 Year (expires March 31)
- From date of issuance
North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition (NCBDN)
Independent State Board- Phone
- (919) 388-1931
- info@ncbdn.org
- Mailing Address
- 1135 Kildaire Farm Rd, Suite 200
Cary, NC 27511 - Physical Address
- 1135 Kildaire Farm Rd, Suite 200
Cary, NC 27511
North Carolina Dietitian License Types
Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) — Category A
Full licensure for individuals currently registered with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) as an RDN. The primary credential for practicing dietetics in North Carolina.
Provisional Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (PLDN) — Category B
A 12-month provisional license for individuals who have completed an ACEND-accredited program and supervised practice and are preparing to take the CDR exam. Initial fee is $133. Cannot be renewed.
Licensed Nutritionist (LN) — Category F
For individuals holding a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) or Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN) credential.
How to Get Licensed in North Carolina
Create an Account on the NCBDN Gateway
Register for an account on the NCBDN Gateway online portal, which is used for all application submissions and document uploads.
Complete the Online Application
Select the appropriate licensure category (e.g., Category A for RDNs) and fill out the online application. Pay the non-refundable fees: $60 application, $150 issuance, and $38 background check ($248 total).
Upload Required Documents
After submitting the application, you will receive an email checklist. Upload official transcripts, CDR registration verification, government-issued photo ID, and any other required documents through the Gateway.
Complete the Criminal Background Check
Authorization for a criminal background check is mandatory. The $38 fee covers this check, which is processed through the NCBDN.
Application Checklist
-
Official College Transcripts Must show a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
-
CDR Registration Verification Proof of current, active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (for Category A applicants).
-
Government-Issued Photo ID A clear copy of a valid, government-issued identification.
-
Criminal Background Check Authorization Completed authorization form and associated $38 fee.
Provisional Practice & Reciprocity
North Carolina offers a Provisional Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (PLDN) credential under Category B. This is for individuals who have completed an ACEND-accredited academic program and supervised practice and have received an 'Authorization to Test' email from CDR. The provisional license is valid for 12 months, costs $133, and cannot be renewed. The applicant must pass the CDR exam within that period to upgrade to a full LDN license.
North Carolina offers licensure by reciprocity under Category D for applicants currently licensed in another state whose qualifications do not fit into other categories (non-RD, non-CNS). Category D does not have an online application; applicants must contact the NCBDN directly. All RD/RDNs applying from out of state should apply under Category A, the standard pathway. The Board may grant a license if the other state's requirements are substantially the same as North Carolina's.
If your assignment start date is within 5 weeks, apply immediately and call the board at (919) 388-1931 to confirm current processing times.
Renewal Requirements
North Carolina dietitian licenses renew annual (by march 31) + 30 ce hours per 2 years. Renewal fee is $95.
North Carolina Dietitian FAQ
How much does a North Carolina dietitian license cost?
The total initial cost for a Category A (RDN) license is $248, which comprises a $60 application fee, a $150 issuance fee, and a $38 criminal background check fee. Annual renewal is $95.
When does the North Carolina dietitian license expire?
All North Carolina dietitian/nutritionist licenses expire on March 31st each year, regardless of when they were issued. Annual renewal must be submitted between January 1st and March 31st.
What are the continuing education requirements for NC dietitians?
Licensees must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years. For RDNs (Category A), meeting the CDR's continuing education standards (75 hours per 5-year cycle) fulfills the state requirement.