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How to Get Certified

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Given the prevalence of nutritionally related chronic diseases in American society, physicians must play a leadership role in educating the public on the relationship of diet to disease and incorporating best practice nutrition therapy in the prevention and treatment of disease.

Upcoming deadline for examination applications: October 2, 2024

Testing period:   November 02 – 16, 2024  |   More information and application

The National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (NBPNS) maintains credentialing standards for assessment and certification of physicians seeking recognition as a Physician Nutrition Specialist (PNS)®. Certification as a Diplomate of the NBPNS signifies a physician as having achieved a high level of competency and understanding in scientifically sound, evidenced-based medical nutrition.

  • A Physician Nutrition Specialist is a physician board certified in a specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) with additional training or extensive clinical experience in nutrition therapy.
  • Physician Nutrition Specialists are recognized not only for their nutrition expertise, but their skills in leading nutrition-focused multidisciplinary care teams, teaching best nutrition practices in academic health centers and medical schools, as well as integrating evidenced-based medical nutrition therapy in clinical practice.
  • Physician Nutrition Specialists support scientifically rigorous research into nutritional approaches to the prevention and treatment disease in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
  • Physician Nutrition Specialists have diverse backgrounds and training in numerous medical specialties including but not limited to internal medicine, surgery, gastroenterology, critical care and endocrinology, but all are recognized by their peers as experts and leaders of nutrition in their field of practice.

Exam Overview:

The National Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (NBPNS) exam covers a broad range of nutrition related topics including in depth knowledge of the fundamentals of nutrition, cardio-metabolic disease, obesity, knowledge of nutrition throughout the lifecycle, nutrition and disease, nutrition support for both the inpatient and outpatient setting. The test is designed to ensure that our Diplomates have mastered a high level of baseline knowledge across essential evidenced-based medical nutrition topics.