Recertifying for the CNSC Exam: What you Need to Know in 2025

Are you due to recertify your Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC) credential? You’re not alone! The CNSC exam requires recertification every 5 years, and staying current offers serious advantages in today’s competitive healthcare landscape.

In this post, I cover everything you need to know about CNSC recertification, including recent exam changes, and how you can prepare with confidence.

Why Recertify Your CNSC Credential?

Letting your CNSC certification lapse is always an option—but keeping it active comes with major benefits:

Continued use of the CNSC credential
Increased visibility and respect in clinical nutrition and dietetics
Improved job competitiveness in a saturated healthcare market
Higher earning potential (Yes—CNSC-credentialed dietitians earn more)
Earn 75 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits

⭐ While the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) has reduced CPE credit values for many credentials, the CNSC remains at 75 CPEs

CNSC Exam Recertification: What’s Changed?

If you last took the CNSC exam five years ago, you might be surprised by how much it’s evolved:

Pass rates have dropped. In 2020, pass rates were above 90%. Since then, the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification (NBNSC) made the exam more challenging to maintain its credibility
NBNSC hasn’t released pass rates since Spring 2022, making it harder to gauge current exam trends
Students and professionals agree: the 2024 exam was significantly harder than in previous years

Are You Prepared for the Updated CNSC Exam?

My CNSC Exam Study Guide & Course is designed specifically for:

First-time test takers
Dietitians and clinicians recertifying their CNSC
Busy professionals looking for a structured, time-saving approach

If you’re working in a specialized field (oncology, pediatrics, trauma, or ECMO), you may not feel fully prepared for comprehensive nutrition support content. This is why my study guide & course is so helpful.

Final Thoughts

Recertifying your CNSC credential may feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to go it alone. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can feel confident and prepared for exam day.

Whether you’re recertifying or taking the CNSC exam for the first time, my study guide and course are built to support you every step of the way.

Meet The Author

Sara Griffin, MS, RDN, CNSC is a currently practicing clinical dietitian specializing in critical care and nutrition support.

She has precepted dozens of interns, and has received accolades for her precepting work. Sara was selected as Colorado Dietitian of the Year, has been nominated for an Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Excellence in Practice award, and holds her ASHP/ASPEN Nutrition Support Certificate. She is a CDR-certified CPEU provider.