What is a Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™?
A Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ (CDSP™) is a qualifying individual who will serve consumers, allied health professionals, supplement companies, retail outlets, and others with in-depth knowledge and resources on dietary supplements. A CDSP™ will meet the educational standards, code of ethics, and practice parameters set forth by the NANP. These skilled professionals are essential to the integrity, credibility, and protection of the dietary supplement industry.
CDSPs™ are in high demand among today’s sophisticated health consumers, as well as the numerous retail and professional outlets that serve millions of health-conscious Americans.
Becoming a CDSP™ is the right and responsible step toward building consumer confidence in a critical field for health.
Looking for a Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ Near You?
Boost Your Career by Becoming a CDSP™
The philosophy of Certified Dietary Supplement Professionals™ regarding dietary supplements is that well-formulated, evidence-informed products can significantly contribute to the public’s health and well-being. While not a substitute for a balanced diet, nutritional supplements play a crucial role in maintaining health. Having this credential demonstrates that you are at the top of your game, have considerable knowledge, and have received excellent training in the use of dietary supplements.
Benefits of Becoming a CDSP™
Credibility
Show others that you have met and continue to meet the educational and ethical standards required by a professional credentialing body.
Confidence
Give consumers, the medical community, and other complementary practitioners confidence in your abilities. Certification shows you conduct your business within the legal scope of service and adhere to professional conduct standards.
Validation
Certification provides validation of your educational and professional qualifications, enhancing your role in the industry and giving you a distinct advantage.
The CDSP™ Scope of Service includes:
- Presenting information, in a regulatory-compliant manner (including discussion and dissemination of printed or digital materials) about the science and/or traditional uses of individual nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to consumers.
- Advising consumers about the appropriate use of dietary supplements, which may help support their health and wellness goals.
- Referring cases outside of expertise and the scope of service to appropriate healthcare professionals.
Role Delineation:
There is value in taking high-quality dietary supplements to help maintain health and wellness, as well as address potential deficiencies or insufficiencies. The role of the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ is to assist interested consumers in selecting dietary supplements to meet their needs.
Certified Dietary Supplement Professionals™ (CDSP™) DO:
- adhere to NANP’s Scope of Service and Code of Ethics
- maintain compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines (in the United States, this includes adhering to DSHEA – the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act) when assisting consumers in selecting dietary supplement products
- refer to medical doctors, pharmacists or other qualified healthcare professionals for medical conditions and input regarding interactions between herbal, nutrient or other nutraceutical-based products with over-the-counter or prescription medications
- operate with the highest standard of accountability and integrity
Certified Dietary Supplement Professionals™ (CDSP™) DO NOT:
- practice Medical Nutrition Therapy, clinical nutrition or holistic nutrition, unless they are properly educated, licensed or certified in those fields of study
- discuss interactions between herbal, nutrient, or other nutraceutical-based products with over-the- counter or prescription medications
- diagnose, treat, cure, prescribe, manage or heal disease
- make unproven or otherwise unsubstantiated claims regarding the potential efficacy of a dietary supplement
- misrepresent training
- use unproven devices, assessments or therapies
Apply & Prepare for the Exam
Start Building Your Credibility
The CDSP™ exam is intended to test for entry-level knowledge and skill in dietary supplements.
Preparation for the CDSP™ exam can start as early as the day you enter a NANP-approved educational program. Two to three months of focused study time provides adequate preparation for most.
NANP PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS:
As a Professional Member of the NANP, you already meet the educational requirements needed to take the CDSP™ exam.
Professional members must submit the following:
- Completed online application along with the $50 (non-refundable) exam application fee
- Payment for the $100 examination fee
NOTE: Applicants have 12 months from the application date to take the exam.
NON-MEMBERS:
To apply to take the CDSP™ exam and subsequently become eligible for membership in the NANP, you must submit the following:
- Completed online application along with the $50 (non-refundable) exam application fee
- Payment for the $100 examination fee
- Copy of diploma(s) and/or certificate(s)
- Signed Declaration of Truthfulness and Intention and the Professional Conduct Agreement (both included in the online application)
- Copy of your driver’s license or state-issued identification
- Official transcripts from graduating institutions (must be mailed or emailed (info@nanp.org) directly from the school to the NANP at the address below), and or a copy of the Independent Educational Review (IER) from NANP
NANP Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 348028
Sacramento, CA 95834
United States
NOTE: Applicants have 12 months from the application date to take the exam.
Start Preparing Now!
There is no better way to prepare for the exam than by downloading the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ Study Guide. We suggest you start here.
The following program has met NANP’s educational standards. Graduates of this program are eligible to take the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ (CDSP™) exam and join the NANP as an Associate member upon passing the exam.
NOTE: Graduates from NANP-approved holistic nutrition programs and Professional Members of the NANP are not required to take additional coursework to qualify to take this exam.
American College of Healthcare Sciences
Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ (CDSP™) Exam Prep Program
This program offers 360 hours of training, covering all aspects of working with dietary supplements. It is ideal for nutrition professionals who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nutrition or have graduated from a NANP-approved school and wish to enhance their knowledge of supplements before taking the CDSP™ exam.
* Accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
The following program is designed for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in the area of dietary supplements. A foundational understanding of nutrition and nutraceuticals is recommended.
Designs For Health
Dietary Supplement Specialist Certification Program
The Dietary Supplement SpecialistTM (DSS) Certification Program is an accredited educational program that features a comprehensive curriculum on the science of nutrition and dietary supplementation. The program consists of 13 in-depth modules that explore essential aspects of biology, physiology, and nutritional biochemistry, as well as nutrients, herbs, and other compounds that support healthy function.
NOTE: This program is approved for Seven (7) NANP Continuing Education Credits.
Independent Educational Review
A person wishing to take the CDSP™ exam who has NOT graduated from an approved dietary supplement program may request an independent review to determine 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 (non-refundable)
- 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
Persons who do not meet the requirements mentioned above may be asked to complete one or more study courses before being approved to take the CDSP™ exam.
Request A Review
To inquire about an
Independent Educational Review (IER),
contact Andrea Grandson at andrea@nanp.org.
Educational Requirements
CDSP™ FAQ
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.
NOTE: Applicants have 12 months from the application date to take the exam.
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 educational 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 level of membership. 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 a NANP-approved program? Or are you still 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 your desire to take the CDSP™ exam
- a fifty-dollar ($50.00) review fee (non-refundable)
- 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 (non-refundable)
- 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?
The educational requirements that must be met to qualify to take the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ exam are:
Graduates of NANP-approved programs are eligible to take the Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ and become an Associate Member of the NANP.
Those who have not graduated from a NANP-approved dietary supplement program may request an Independent Education Review (IER) of their education and qualifications to determine eligibility to take the CDSP™ exam.
Dietary Supplement Educational Curriculum Requirements – 8 credits (1 semester credit=45 educational hours)
- Anatomy/Physiology/Biochemistry – 1 semester credit
- Macronutrients
- Micronutrients
- Nutritional Support of the Body – 2 semester credits
- Lifecycle Nutrition:
- Men’s health (pediatric & geriatric)
- Women’s health (pediatric & geriatric)
- Sports Nutrition
- Body Systems:
- Blood sugar
- Cardiovascular system
- Detoxification
- Digestion
- Healthy diet
- Immune system
- Liver
- Mental health/stress
- Skin
- Lifecycle Nutrition:
- Nutraceuticals – 2 semester credits –
- Vitamins & minerals
- Herbs
- Homeopathy
- Glandulars
- Mushrooms
- Legal Responsibilities* & Supplement Quality* – 3 semester credits:
- DSEA (Dietary Supplement Education Act)
- FALCPA (Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act)
- FDA (Food & Drug Administration)
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- Delivery form
- Disease treatment language
- Amounts/servings
- Excipients/other ingredients
- Health claims
- Health supportive language
- Marketing claims
- Proprietary blends
- Structure-function claims
- Supplement facts
- 3rd party literature
- Qualified Health Claims
- Ethics – Scope of Practice
- Supplement quality
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 designed to teach you everything 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 aside from 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 examine 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?
Although 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 accessing the online exam.
What is a passing grade?
An overall exam grade of 70% correct is required to pass the exam.
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 once your membership application is processed. Existing members – once you pass, you will receive your CDSP™ certificate. Please allow two (2) weeks.
Will the exam domains provide me with grades to indicate which areas I performed well or poorly in?
Overall Pass/Fail exam results and percentages scored per domain will display immediately upon completing your online exam. Also, you will be notified by mail within two (2) to four (4) weeks of exam completion. The NANP will contact each exam candidate with their exam results via email and U.S. Mail.
Can I re-take the exam if I fail?
A re-test fee of $50 will apply for each re-take. You may take the test up to three (3) times. You must pass the exam within six (6) months of the date of your first test.
If I fail the exam, do I need to re-take the entire exam or just the domains I failed?
You will need to re-take the entire exam.
What title do I use after passing the exam?
Please continue to use the title granted to 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 retake the exam. 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.
- Professional Members with the CDSP™ credential must complete two (2) additional continuing education credits (CECs) per year.
- Student Members with the CDSP™ credential are not required to submit CECs.
- Remain a member of the NANP in good standing.
About The Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ (CDSP™) Committee
The Certified Dietary Supplement Professional™ (CDSP™) Committee was established in 2020 by the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP), a non-profit 501c(6) organization. It is the mission of the NANP to enrich the journey of holistic and functional health professionals by advocating for and empowering a diverse community dedicated to the principles of whole-food and evidence-informed nutrition. We do this through curated educational opportunities, advanced certifications, essential resources, and peer-to-peer support to elevate and cultivate passion-driven careers within the industry.
The objective of the CDSP™ Committee is to provide a knowledge-based examination and certification to those working in clinical, retail, wholesale, and other settings where consumers seek advice regarding the effective use of dietary supplements. Through this certification, it is NANP’s goal to promote a nationally recognized, responsible, and credible body of Certified Dietary Supplement Professionals™ who serve as a knowledgeable resource for consumers, health care professionals, and the media.
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