Quick Facts at a Glance
- Application Fee
- $0 (No State License Fee)
- No state application fee. CDR exam fee is $200 nationally.
- Processing
- N/A (No state application)
- Subject to board volume
- Renewal
- $0 (No State Renewal)
- No state renewal. CDR registration renews every 5 years with 75 CPE hours.
- License Duration
- N/A
- From date of issuance
Board of Health Professions (Title Protection)
Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP)- Phone
- (804) 367-4400
- bhp@dhp.virginia.gov
- Mailing Address
- 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463 - Physical Address
- 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico, VA 23233-1463
Virginia Dietitian License Types
Title Protection — Dietitian / Nutritionist
Virginia does not mandate state licensure for dietitians. However, the DHP Board of Health Professions establishes minimum qualifications for using the protected titles 'dietitian' or 'nutritionist'. Meeting CDR registration standards or equivalent qualifications allows use of the title.
How to Get Licensed in Virginia
Complete Education & Supervised Practice
Earn a master's degree from an ACEND-accredited program. Complete 1,200 hours of supervised practice through a CDR-approved dietetic internship.
Pass the CDR Examination
Successfully pass the CDR Registration Examination for Dietitians and obtain active RD/RDN status.
Use the Protected Title
With active CDR registration, you are qualified to use the legally protected titles 'dietitian' or 'nutritionist' in Virginia. No separate state application is needed.
Application Checklist
-
CDR Registration Card Your active CDR card serves as the primary credential in Virginia.
-
ACEND Verification Statement Proof of your accredited degree program and supervised practice completion.
Provisional Practice & Reciprocity
Because Virginia does not issue a state license, there is no provisional or temporary state credential.
Virginia has no state license to transfer. Title protection eligibility is demonstrated by holding a valid CDR credential, or a current dietitian/nutritionist license or certificate from another state.
If your assignment start date is within 5 weeks, apply immediately and call the board at (804) 367-4400 to confirm current processing times.
Note: Virginia does not offer a standard provisional license, so your license must be issued before your first day.
Renewal Requirements
Virginia dietitian licenses renew no state renewal. cdr registration renews every 5 years with 75 cpe hours.. Renewal fee is $0 (No State Renewal).
Virginia Dietitian FAQ
Does Virginia require a state dietitian license?
No. Virginia operates under a title-protection model. To use the title 'dietitian' or 'nutritionist', you must meet the qualifications set by the DHP Board of Health Professions, most commonly by holding active CDR registration.
What does it cost to practice as a dietitian in Virginia?
There is no state fee. The CDR national exam costs $200, and the CDR annual maintenance fee is $80 (increasing to $90 in 2027).
Is Virginia moving towards formal state licensure?
House Bill 576 was introduced in 2026 to enable Virginia to join the Dietitian Licensure Compact, but the bill was left in committee as of February 2026. Virginia does not currently have an active licensure pathway.