Do You Need the 3rd or 4th Edition of the ASPEN Core Curriculum for the CNSC Exam?
Many students have been asking whether they need the 3rd or 4th edition of the ASPEN Core Adult Nutrition Support textbook for the upcoming 2025 CNSC Exam. Here’s the answer:
I have been in contact with the Chair of the CNSC Exam Committee, and I can confirm that the 3rd edition of the ASPEN Nutrition Support Core Curriculum will be used for the 2025 Spring and Fall CNSC exams. However, it’s important to note that the 3rd edition is now only available as an eBook, as the print version is no longer in circulation (you can still get used copies, though).
The 4th edition of the ASPEN Core is now available. I recommend you purchase this if you’re planning on taking the CNSC exam in 2026 or beyond.
If you are preparing for the CNSC exam, I highly recommend becoming an ASPEN member. Membership includes a $100 discount on the CNSC exam and a $60 discount on the textbook. Graduate students can join ASPEN for just $50, making it a fantastic opportunity for those working on their Master’s Degree. Additionally, new practitioners (within their first 2 years of RDN licensure) can join for only $100, which provides a $100 discount on the exam. For example, if you became an RDN in June 2023, you can activate your New Practitioner ASPEN membership before June 2025, and your membership will be valid until June 2026.
Do you need the ASPEN Pediatric Core Curriculum to study for the CNSC exam?
I don’t recommend purchasing this, as it will likely overwhelm you. If you have access to it, it’s a great item to peruse, but the CNSC exam is largely based on adult nutrition support content.
🤔 What about pediatric exam content areas, though? I recommend using a study guide and flashcard sets to learn pediatric exam content. This will help structure your study time, and ensure you don’t have gaps in knowledge. I’ve taken the CNSC exam twice and condensed my pediatric notes down to only what you need to know for this difficult and highly technical exam.
