Quick Facts at a Glance
- Application Fee
- $81
- $65 application + $16 HEAL-WA surcharge
- Processing
- 4 to 6 Weeks
- Subject to board volume
- Renewal
- $61
- Annual (on birthday) + No state CE requirement
- License Duration
- 1 Year
- From date of issuance
Dietitian and Nutritionist Credentialing Program
Washington State Department of Health (DOH)- Phone
- (360) 236-4700
- Mailing Address
- P.O. Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504-7877 - Physical Address
- 111 Israel Rd SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Washington Dietitian License Types
Certified Dietitian (CD)
The standard state credential to practice dietetics in Washington. Washington uses 'certification' rather than 'licensure' but the credential is legally required to use the title 'dietitian.'
Certified Nutritionist (CN)
A parallel credential for nutrition professionals who meet the state's education and experience requirements but may follow a different national certification pathway.
How to Get Licensed in Washington
Meet Education & Experience Requirements
Earn a baccalaureate degree or higher in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics, or food management from an accredited institution. Complete a minimum of 900 hours of continuous supervised pre-professional experience.
Pass the CDR Examination
Successfully pass the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) national Registration Examination for Dietitians.
Complete HIV/AIDS Training
Complete a minimum of 4 hours of HIV/AIDS training from a Washington State-approved provider. This is a one-time requirement.
Submit Application to DOH
Apply online through the Washington DOH HELMS portal or submit a paper application by mail. Pay the non-refundable $81 fee ($65 application + $16 HEAL-WA surcharge). Include official transcripts sent directly from your institution.
Application Checklist
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Official College Transcripts Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Washington DOH.
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CDR Registration Verification Proof of current, active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
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HIV/AIDS Training Certificate Documentation of at least 4 hours of approved HIV/AIDS training.
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Credential Verification from Other States If you hold credentials in other states, verification must be sent directly from each state's licensing authority.
Provisional Practice & Reciprocity
Washington State does not offer a provisional or temporary license for dietitians. Applicants must complete all requirements, including the CDR exam, before certification is granted.
Washington allows certification without examination for dietitians licensed or certified in another jurisdiction, provided the DOH determines that the other state's requirements are equivalent to or exceed Washington's. Applicants must provide a letter from their previous state confirming no outstanding disciplinary orders, plus verification of current CDR registration status.
If your assignment start date is within 5 weeks, apply immediately and call the board at (360) 236-4700 to confirm current processing times.
Note: Washington does not offer a standard provisional license, so your license must be issued before your first day.
Renewal Requirements
Washington dietitian licenses renew annual (on birthday) + no state ce requirement. Renewal fee is $61.
Washington Dietitian FAQ
How much does a Washington dietitian certification cost?
The initial application fee is $81 ($65 application + $16 mandatory HEAL-WA surcharge). Annual renewal is $61 ($45 renewal + $16 HEAL-WA surcharge).
Are there continuing education requirements for Washington dietitians?
Washington State does not require continuing education for state certification renewal. However, to maintain the CDR registration that is a prerequisite for certification, you must complete 75 continuing professional education units every five years through the CDR.
When does the Washington dietitian certification need to be renewed?
Certification must be renewed annually on or before your birthday. As of May 2025, the DOH no longer sends printed renewal notices; all notifications are electronic through the HELMS portal.