How to Become an RD/RDN

1. DPD Verification Statement

• Issued after completing an ACEND‑accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics (DPD).
• Required to apply to a Dietetic Internship (DI).
• DIs cannot accept applicants without a DPD verification statement.

2. Dietetic Internship (DI) Verification Statement

• Issued after completing an ACEND‑accredited DI and holding a graduate degree.
• Grants eligibility to take the RD/RDN exam.

3. Coordinated Program (CP) Verification Statement

• Issued after completing an ACEND‑accredited Coordinated Program.
• Includes both coursework and supervised practice.
• Grants eligibility to take the RD/RDN exam.

• Must be from a regionally accredited institution.
• If you did not complete an ACEND‑accredited DPD as part of your bachelor’s degree, you cannot apply to a Dietetic Internship (DI).
• Students without a DPD can still become RDs/RDNs through a Coordinated Program (CP).

A‑State BS Program Note:
A‑State’s BS in Nutrition & Dietetics is not an ACEND‑accredited DPD program. However, it prepares students to apply for admission to A‑State’s ACEND‑accredited Graduate Coordinated Program.

A‑State BS in Nutrition & Dietetics

ACEND now requires all programs providing supervised practice (DI and CP) to use DICAS for admissions.

DICAS Portal

Two Pathways to Becoming an RD/RDN

Note on Graduate Degrees: Currently, the graduate degree may be in any field. This will change with the ACEND 2027 standards.

ACEND Program Directory

• Administered by CDR
• Computer‑based exam
• Eligibility granted after receiving a DI or CP verification statement

Exam Information

• Licensure requirements vary by state.

State Licensure Map