CDSP™ Exam FAQs
The CDSP™ exam is only available online.
What are the costs associated with taking the exam?
- $50 exam application fee (NOTE: The exam application fee is non-refundable.)
- $100 examination fee
- Membership in the NANP:
- New members who pass the CDSP™ exam will be eligible for Associate Membership.
- Existing members have already paid for membership, so there is no extra membership fee.
I'm not an NANP member yet. Can I take the CDSP exam?
Yes! Passing the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ exam is the first step. Once you pass the exam, you must join the NANP as an Associate Member to receive your certificate and start accessing all your member benefits.
NOTE: If you are not a Professional Member of the NANP or do not qualify for Professional Membership, be sure to consult your scope of service/practice to ensure your legal ability to recommend dietary supplements.
I'm already a Professional Member of the NANP; what do I need to do?
- As a Professional Member of the NANP, you already meet the education requirements needed to take the CDSP™ exam. The next step is to apply for the exam and start studying.
- Professional Members will remain at this membership level. Their CDSP™ credential will be added to their existing Professional Member profile.
I'm already a Student or Associate member; can I still take the exam?
It is possible!
If you’ve graduated from one of our approved programs, you already qualify. The next step is to apply and start studying.
Have you graduated from a program that is not listed as NANP-approved? Or you are still currently enrolled in a program but believe you’ve already completed all the requirements for this exam? If so, you may request an Independent Educational Review (IER) to determine your eligibility.
Requirements for the independent review include:
- a cover letter stating the desire to take the CDSP™ exam
- a fifty-dollar ($50.00) review fee
- official transcripts from all relevant educational institutions
- course description materials (i.e., catalog, etc.)
- may also include a telephone interview with the NANP Educational Programs Specialist
To inquire about an Independent Educational Review (IER), contact Andrea Grandson, Educational Programs Specialist at andrea@nanp.org.
NOTE: If you are not a Professional Member of the NANP or do not qualify for Professional Membership, be sure to consult your scope of service/practice to ensure your legal ability to recommend dietary supplements.
My school is not listed on NANP's list of approved schools. Can I still take the exam?
If you graduated from a program that is not listed as NANP-approved, you may request an Independent Educational Review (IER) to determine your eligibility to take the CDSP™ exam.
Requirements for the independent review include:
- a cover letter stating the desire to take the CDSP™ exam
- a fifty dollar ($50.00) review fee
- official transcripts from all relevant educational institutions
- course description materials (i.e., catalog, etc.)
- may also include a telephone interview with the NANP Educational Programs Specialist
To inquire about an Independent Educational Review (IER), contact Andrea Grandson, Educational Programs Specialist at andrea@nanp.org.
What are the educational requirements?
Click here for the educational requirements that must be met to qualify to take the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ exam.
Where can I get the education I need for this certification exam?
If you’ve graduated from one of our approved holistic nutrition programs, you already qualify. If you graduated from a program that is not listed as NANP-approved, you may request an Independent Educational Review (IER) to determine your eligibility to take the CDSP™ exam.
Don’t have a nutrition education yet, but you’re interested in pursuing the CDSP™ certification? Great news! Click here for a program that is designed to teach you all you need to know for the CDSP™ exam.
How should I study and prepare for the exam?
The education you’ve earned thus far is the foundation of knowledge needed to pass the exam. The study guide and the recommended study materials are designed to further direct your studies for the exam’s successful passage.
Where can I find the CDSP Study Guide?
Click here to download the CDSP™ Exam Study Guide.
Is there anything else I should be studying other than the recommended books?
DEFINITELY! Listed in the free downloadable CDSP™ Exam Study Guide alongside the recommended books are the other materials you’ll need to study to succeed on this exam. Failure to study these free materials in conjunction with the recommended books will significantly disadvantage applicants when taking the exam.
When can I take the exam?
Please allow a minimum of two (2) weeks for the NANP to process your application.
We must receive your completed application and required documents at least two (2) weeks before your exam date, giving us time to review your records.
Exam applicants who do not allow the requested two (2) weeks may be required to reschedule the exam for a later date.
Is the exam open note/ open book?
Yes, but the exam is timed – two (2) hours to answer 100 questions. We highly recommend you study well (at least three (3) months of intense study) to be fully prepared for the exam.
How much time is allotted to take the exam?
While this is an open-book exam, it will be timed as follows, so please be prepared.
- Two (2) hours to answer 100 questions:
- Domain I – Nutritional Health & Body Systems – 25 minutes to answer 20 questions
- Domain II – Fundamentals of Dietary Supplements – 60 minutes to answer 50 questions
- Domain III – Legal Responsibilities & Supplement Quality – 35 minutes to answer 30 questions
Will this exam be proctored?
No. Since the exam is open note/ open book, a proctor is not necessary. Once you are approved to take the exam, you’ll be provided with instructions on purchasing and accessing the online exam.
What is a passing grade?
How long will it take to get exam results?
Exam results will be available immediately following the completion of your exam. New Members – once you pass, you will be eligible to join the NANP as an Associate Member and receive your CDSP™ certificate when your membership application is processed. Existing members – once you pass, you will receive your CDSP™ certificate. Please allow two (2) weeks.
Will I be given grades by exam domain to know in which areas I did well or poorly?
Can I re-take the exam if I fail?
If I fail the exam, do I need to re-take the entire exam or just the domains I failed?
What title do I use after passing the exam?
Please continue to use the title granted you by your school of study, the company where you work, or any other title bestowed upon you. In addition, you may use “Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™” or “CDSP™.”
Do I need to renew my certification?
You will NOT need to sit for the exam again. However, you will be required to provide the following each year to renew and maintain your certification:
- Associate Members with the CDSP™ credential must complete five (5) continuing education credits (CECs) per year. (See NANP Continuing Education).
- Professional Members with the CDSP™ credential must complete two (2) additional continuing education credits (CECs) per year. (See NANP Continuing Education).
- Student Members with the CDSP™ credential are not required to submit CECs.
- Remain a member of the NANP in good standing.
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