Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is a credentialing body of American Dietetic Association (ADA). American Dietetic Association is the largest association of food and nutrition professionals in the world. Its objective is to educate consumers as well as dietetic professionals for enhancing health in nation. Its official website is a rich resource of information on food and nutrition. A number of articles, nutrition fact sheets and frequently asked questions are available at the website for knowledge enhancement and reference. ADA has been engaged in several research activities and preparation of reviews and reports which are published in its monthly journal.
ADA constituted Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) for credentialing of food and nutrition professionals. These certification exams have been successful in ensuring practice standards and serving as reliable documentation of skills and knowledge of professionals in food service industry. CDR certified individuals are trusted by the industry and do not find difficulty in getting placed. The credentialed professionals work as a part of health care or food service management teams. They are employed in nursing homes, community hospitals, fitness centers, public health clinics, HMOs, food industry, research, food management, schools and universities.
There are eight certification exams offered by CDR-
- Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR): – This is an exam developed for credentialing of dietetic technicians.
- Registered Dietitian (RD): – This is an exam developed for credentialing of dietitians.
- Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Nutrition (CSP): – This is a specialty exam developed for certification in pediatric nutrition. The experts of this specialty deals with food and nutrition problems of children and individuals below 18 years of age.
- Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition (CSO): – This is a specialty exam developed for certification in oncology nutrition. The professionals working in this specialty deals with food and nutrition issues related to treatment and prevention of tumors.
- Board Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition (CSR): – This is a specialty exam developed for certification in renal nutrition. The food and nutrition professionals working in this specialty deals with treatment of chronic renal dysfunction or failure, kidney transplantation, dialysis and other similar modalities in adults and children.
- Board Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD): – This is a specialty exam developed for certification in sports dietetics. The registered dietitians with this specialty deals with nutrition related issues of athletes and physically active persons.
Board Certified Specialist in Gerontological Nutrition (CSG): – This is a specialty exam developed for certification in gerontological nutrition. The professionals of this specialty deals with food and nutrition problems of adults.