Candidacy for Non-U.S. Based Programs

Introduction

Non-US Based programs applying for ACEND^® accreditation status have two options:

• Programs that prepare graduates to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration's credentialing exam to receive the registered dietitian nutritionist credential must apply for accreditation using the 2022 Accreditation Standards for Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Programs. The program director must be credentialed as a RDN by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CP Standard 1, Required Element 1.5c2).
• Programs that meet the needs of the host country and graduates would not be eligible to take the Commission on Dietetic Registration's exam to become RDN must apply for accreditation using the 2022 Accreditation Standards for Foreign Dietitian Education Programs. A Program director credentialed as a RDN by CDR is not a requirement of the FDE Standards per Standard 1, Required Element 1.5c2.

Procedures for applying for ACEND accreditation can be found in ACEND Policy and Procedure Manual.

Inquiries

The ACEND staff at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois, USA responds to inquiries and provides assistance to organizations before, during and after the accreditation process. For more information, call 312/899-0040, ext. 5400 or email ACEND.

Eligibility Applications for Programs Seeking ACEND Accreditation

To be eligible to apply, programs must be in operation and have graduated at least one class of students that has completed all ACEND requirements for the program and degree stated. Programs seeking eligibility may submit a digital copy of the eligibility application and fee . The application must be submitted electronically as one PDF file.

• Nutrition and Dietetics Foreign Dietitian Education Programs Application
• Nutrition and Dietetics Coordinated Program Application

ACEND uses a tiered fee schedule for international programs based on the World Bank Country Classification. See the ACEND fee schedule page for more information.