Category A: RD/RDN Pathway

Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist (LDN) Application

Legal Citation: N.C.G.S. § 90-363


All RD/RDNs apply under Category A, regardless of whether you are licensed in any other states. There will be a place on the application for you to list other state licensure details that you hold at the time of application in NC. Third-parties should NOT be filling out applications on someone else’s behalf; the applicant must answer legal questions independently and the Board may deny or refuse to renew a license, may suspend or revoke a license, or may impose probationary conditions on a license if the licensee or applicant for licensure has engaged in fraud, deceit or misrepresentation in obtaining or attempting to obtain a license, or the renewal of a license.

Qualifications

Legal Citation: N.C.G.S. § 90-357.5(a)(2)


The applicant has a valid, current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration that gives the applicant the right to use the term “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist” or “RDN.”

Apply Online

Legal Citation: 21 NCAC 17 .0104(f)


Our application process takes place through the NCBDN Gateway. The Gateway provides a single, secure portal for prospective licensees to access all license applications and upload required documentation. Applications are only valid for four months, after which incomplete applications will be canceled.

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Application Documents
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  • You will need to provide all of the following documents:
    • Details of each out-of-state license you previously held or currently hold;
    • Copy of government-issued photo ID;
    • Copy of your CDR card or online CDR certificate;
    • Form C-2 (if reporting a conviction);
    • Background Check Authorization Form and complete fingerprinting process per Board instructions.

Fee Information
Legal Citation: 21 NCAC 17 .0113
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Timing & Renewals
Legal Citation: 21 NCAC 17 .0109(c)
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All licenses issued in a calendar year are issued through March 31st of the following year, regardless of date of issuance. Annual renewal is $95 and renewal applications must be submitted online between January 1st – March 31st of each year.

Use of Third Parties in Licensure Applications
Third Party Guidance Document
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What You Need to Know

  • You are responsible. Even if you get assistance from an employer or administrator, applicants must personally complete, review, and sign their applications.
  • No one else can submit for you. The NCBDN does not endorse or recommend that third parties complete, sign or submit applications on behalf of applicants. Your electronic signature confirms that everything is true and complete.
  • The Board communicates only with you. All official communication will go to the email address you provided. Others will not be contacted unless you copy them yourself.
  • You are accountable. If false or misleading information is included—whether by you or someone assisting you—the Board will hold you responsible under North Carolina General Statute § 90‑363.

Statutory Requirements
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  • The applicant has completed an ACEND-accredited academic program at a regionally accredited institution, an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program, and successfully completed the registration examination for dietitian nutritionists administered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • The applicant is credentialed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) and can be verified as in good standing with the CDR.

Additional Resources

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Category A Application Guidance

Please use this tutorial to assist in understanding what will be asked on the online application and get familiar with the process. 
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Form C-2 (if applicable)

Applicants answering “yes” to the legal question involving pending criminal charges and/or convictions (and you have not previously reported the action) must complete this form and provide supplemental documents as requested.
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Criminal Background Check Information

All new applicants for any category of licensure are subject to a criminal background check.
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Code of Ethics

All active licensees of this Board are subject to the Code of Ethics.