Passing the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) exam is a major achievement, and the test has gotten substantially harder in the past few years. But, with the right preparation, you can succeed!
I passed my CNSC exam in Fall 2019 and completed my 5-year recertification in Fall 2024. Over the years, I’ve discovered some excellent resources to help you study for the CNSC exam effectively. In this step-by-step guide on how to study for the CNSC exam, I will share these invaluable tools and tips to ensure your success.
If you’re new to the CNSC Exam, and not sure if you’re ready to start studying yet, download my free Readiness Checklist.
Step 1: Start with the NBNSC Handbook
When you’re preparing for the CNSC exam, the NBNSC Handbook is your best starting point. This comprehensive guide covers the fundamental concepts and lays a strong foundation for your study plan. Make sure to read it thoroughly before diving into other resources.
Step 2: Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge with Clinical Nutrition University
Clinical knowledge is crucial for the CNSC exam, and Clinical Nutrition University is a fantastic resource for reviewing the clinical concepts you’ll need to know. Their courses and materials can help you strengthen your understanding of nutrition support.
Step 3: Take the ASPEN Nutrition Support Fundamentals Course
The ASPEN Nutrition Support Fundamentals course provides a solid overview of the key nutrition support principles and is designed to reinforce the concepts covered in the exam. If you need more of a tailored, self-paced course experience, check out my Nutrition Support Skills Course.
Step 4: Explore ASPEN’s Clinical Practice Library
Next, dive into ASPEN’s Clinical Practice Library for detailed and up-to-date clinical guidelines. This library is a valuable resource for mastering the more complex aspects of nutrition support, which are heavily tested in the CNSC exam.
*Note: you will find journal articles and other resources from ESPEN (the European Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition). These are excellent, and worth a read. But, keep in mind, ASPEN’s Clinical Practice Guidelines are the final authority for the CNSC Exam.
Step 5: Review the ASPEN Adult Nutrition Support Core Curriculum
This textbook will help you cover a wide range of clinical topics and ensure you’re well-prepared for all aspects of the exam.
Which version of the ASPEN Core do I need for the exam?
Do I need the adult and pediatric textbooks?
Step 6: Join the Dietitians in Nutrition Support Practice Group
The Dietitians in Nutrition Support dietetic practice group offers numerous resources to support your CNSC exam preparation. Their YouTube channel is filled with valuable content, and their forum and Support Line are excellent for connecting with fellow nutrition support professionals. Keep an eye out for their newsletter (Academy and DNS membership required) for additional tips and insights. The thing I love about Support Line is that it is so practice. You can read journal articles all day, and still not know how to apply guidelines to patient care. Support Line articles focus on practical, real-life scenarios for clinicians, and will help you prep for the CNSC exam. Renewing your Academy membership is worth it for this resource alone.
Step 7: Get a Copy of My CNSC Exam Study Guide
To further help you on your path to success, I’ve created a CNSC Exam Study Guide and Course that compiles everything I used to prepare for the exam, plus additional resources for the new exam format. This study guide is a fantastic way to structure your preparation and stay focused on the key areas of the exam. In my study guide & course, I also reveal what not to study, so you don’t waste your time.
Step 8: Join a Study Group
You can organize a local group of students in your area for study meetups. This is especially helpful as you get toward the end of your study window. When you purchase my CNSC Exam Study Guide and Course, you’ll get to Zoom with me and dozens of other test takers just before the exam window opens, to drill in any last-minute topics, get your questions answered, and work on practice questions.
Step 9: Watch My YouTube Video for Additional Tips
Want more tips on how to study for the CNSC exam? Check out my YouTube video, where I go over common pitfalls to avoid, what to focus on, and how to maximize your study time for optimal results.
