BCNS forms & resources

Candidates

1. Supervised Practice Experience

We recommend that candidates begin their supervised practice experience prior to sitting for the exam. Our data shows that candidates who have begun their practice experience score higher on their exam.

• Submit Supervisor Approval Application
• Submit Supervisor Approval Application Addendum – Pre-approved supervisors must complete this one page addendum for each new candidate and email to applications@nutritionspecialists.org. All supervisors must be approved by the BCNS

Upon completion of the Supervised Practice Experience, the following forms must be submitted:

• Candidate’s Report – for Candidates ALREADY tracking hours (before Sept 2022) – they may continue using this document
• Candidate’s SPE Report · CNS Candidate SPE Report Tutorial – Part 1 · CNS Candidate SPE Report Tutorial – Part 2
• Supervisor’s Report – Supervisors can send reports directly to the BCNS at applications@nutritionspecialists.org
• Supervisors in an academic institution where SPE hours have been approved by BCNS may use: Supervisor’s Report for Academic Institutions

For RDs

• Submit documentation of completion of dietetic internship (RD registration will fulfill this requirement)
• Submit one PN Case Data Collection
• Submit CE Report – 75 continuing education credits (CE) in personalized nutrition obtained in the last 5 years

2. Examination

Once you have completed your Eligibility Requirements (Degree and Coursework) Complete the Exam Application

For Nutritionists & Healthcare Pros

• Exam Application for Nutrition Professionals
• CNS Exam Application Examples
• CNS Exam Example Questions
• CNS Candidate Portal Tutorial
• Re-exam Application

All Candidates

If applicable: To request accommodations for testing, you must submit these forms with your application:

• Disability Related Needs Form
• Special Accommodations Request Form

Current certificants

Current CNSs

• Recertification Application within CNS Portal
• Continued Education Tracker
• Become a CNS Emeritus (Retired)
• Intent to Reinstate
• Request for CNS Verification (for State Licensure)
• CNS Portal Tutorial

Current CKNSs

• CKNS Recertification Application (not available)

Resources

CNS Exam Resources

• Application Instructions
• Exam Content Outline
• How to Prepare for the Exam
• Regionally Accredited Graduate Programs & Courses in Nutrition (partial list)
• CNS Exam Application Examples

CNS Supervised Practice Experience (SPE) Resources

• Supervised Practice Experience Competencies
• PN Case Data Collection
• PN Case Review Form (for Supervisors)
• Complaint Against Supervisor Form

CKNS Exam Resources

• CKNS Exam Content Outline
• CKNS Exam Registration
• CKNS Re-Examination Registration

CNGS Exam Resources

• CNGS Exam Content Outline
• CNGS Exam Registration
• CNGS Re-Examination Registration

Certified Personalized Nutrition Professional (CPNP) Resources

• CPNP Exam Registration
• CPNP Re-Examination Registration

CNS Resources

• Recertification Policy
• Code of Ethics
• BCNS Certifications Handbook – Updated June 2026