Why become an AASDN Nutrition Specialist? The decision to pursue professional credentialing is an important step in being recognized as a competent practitioner in one’s chosen discipline. Earning the AASDN Nutrition Specialist Certification provides more than a credible level of expertise; it signifies an aptitude and commitment to one’s profession.

The Nutrition Specialist Certification Program is specifically designed for health, allied health and fitness/wellness professionals who wish to incorporate a nutrition component into their wellness programming. Nutrition Specialist programs adhere to state licensure laws and ADA guidelines.


Become an AASDN Nutrition Specialist! Join top professionals in your field that are incorporating nutrition services.

The theme of the Nutrition Specialist Certification Program is to provide sound, scientific, and life saving nutrition information to professionals—health and fitness professionals, athletic trainers, coaches, physical therapists, physicians, hospital ancillary staff, and educators. These professionals can then disseminate this information to patients, clients, and students. These professionals provide the link between the scientific research community and the general public.

The main goal of this program is to educate professionals in the science of nutrition, its role in health and weight management and to provide the necessary tools for professionals to be able to incorporate nutrition into their fitness/wellness programs. These tools include:

  • Caloric needs evaluation document
  • Legal documents
  • Administrative documents
  • Ten session educational sheets
  • Menu plans
  • Scripted one-on-one program, group program and a youth program
  • "In The News" website that lists the latest scientific nutrition research

    AASDN provides preparation training materials and several training options. However, candidates are not required to purchase, enroll, or participate in any AASDN educational offerings. Candidates may purchase the AASDN Nutrition Specialist Certification Exam without purchasing any AASDN materials or programs. Dowload a copy of the Candidate Handbook for a description of the exam content.

    The AASDN-NS Job Analysis Study defines the current knowledge, skills and abilities that must be demonstrated by AASDN Nutrition Specialist Certification holders to safely and successfully practice the profession. Five areas of expertise defined by the appointed advisory committee include:

    1. The Science of Nutrition
    2. Incorporating Nutrition Programs
    3. Communication/Coaching Skills
    4. Nutrition Research (Applications and Methods)
    5. Professional and Legal Practices

    The official Textbook for the AASDN Nutrition Specialist Certification is Nutrition for Professionals Textbook.

    Begin your Nutrition Specialist Training Today. You have several options to choose from.