About NBNSC

Certification is the process, often voluntary, by which individuals who have demonstrated the level of knowledge and skill required in the profession, occupation, role, or skill are identified to the public and other stakeholders. (Source: The National Organization for Competency Assurance 2004 Standards Glossary).

The CNSC^® Certification Program:

• Establishes the body of knowledge necessary for certification;
• Tests, through written examination, the common body of knowledge necessary to deliver parenteral or enteral nutrition support;
• Recognizes specialty knowledge by granting certification to successful candidates; and
• Promotes continual professional development of individuals delivering nutrition support services.

NBNSC currently certifies nurses, physicians, pharmacists, advanced practice providers (physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners), dentists, and dietitians who demonstrate they have attained the skills necessary to deliver quality nutrition support care. 

Nutrition support is an inter-professional field. After conducting extensive research, NBNSC developed the Certified Nutrition Support Clinician^® (CNSC^®) credential that is fair and valid for all professional disciplines involved in nutrition support. The dietitians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, advanced practice providers (physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners), and physicians who provide care share a common body of knowledge and expertise that NBNSC has captured in the exam format. The content of the exam reflects the tasks that healthcare professionals provide on a daily basis.

NBNSC certification provides an avenue to demonstrate that you have attained the skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality nutrition support care. We have determined the body of knowledge needed for an understanding of nutrition support and developed a fair and valid means to test care providers including physicians, dietitians, pharmacists, advanced practice providers (physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, nurse practitioners), dentists, and nurses.

Certified professionals are recognized as quality providers of nutrition support by the public, their colleagues, other members of the healthcare team, and administrators. The Certified Nutrition Support Clinician^® (CNSC^®) certification can provide job mobility, open up job opportunities, and, in some cases, lead to promotion and monetary gain.

Objectives of Certification 

To promote enhanced delivery of safe and effective care through the certification of qualified clinicians in nutrition support by:

• Recognizing formally those individuals who meet eligibility requirements of the National Board of Nutrition Support Certification, Inc. and pass the certification examination for nutrition support clinicians.

• Encouraging continued professional growth in the practice of nutrition support.

• Establishing and measuring the level of knowledge required for certification by a nutrition support clinician.

• Providing a standard of minimum knowledge deemed appropriate for clinicians practicing nutrition support; thereby assisting the public, healthcare professionals, and employers in the assessment of nutrition support clinicians.

• Download and review the Candidate Handbook. 
• Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements or develop a plan to meet the eligibility requirements.
• Apply to take the exam.
• Prepare and take the exam.

Visit the CNSC Exam FAQs or CNSC Certification FAQs for frequently asked questions about the NBNSC certification examination.