1. I already hold a current Delaware certification. How do I transition from certification to licensure?
2. I don't have Delaware certification. How do I obtain licensure under the new law?
3. What is the application fee?
4. Am I required to complete continuing education?

Question: I already hold a current Delaware certification. How do I transition from certification to licensure?

Answer: Effective June 21, 2009, the Delaware Dietetics/Nutrition law requires anyone practicing in the Diet/Nutrition field in Delaware to hold an active license. During the certification renewal, your renewal application, whether paper or online, will be considered as an application for licensure. If you renew your certification by the expiration date of May 31, 2009, your active certification will automatically become a license effective on June 21, 2009. This means that you will be able to continue practicing as a licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist. For more information about the upcoming renewal, click here.

Question: I don't have Delaware certification. How do I obtain licensure under the new law?

Answer: You should apply as soon as possible. However, since the new licensure law for Dietetics/Nutrition does not go into effect until June 21, 2009, you cannot be licensed until the effective date. When your application is approved, you will have two options:

1. If you choose certification now , you will receive a certificate that will be effective immediately and will expire on May 31, 2009. Several weeks before the expiration date, you will receive a renewal notice. You may complete the renewal application online or request a paper renewal application. The renewal fee will be waived. The renewed certification will then automatically become a license effective June 21, 2009 with an expiration date of May 31, 2011.

Why choose this option? Until June 21, 2009,the law does not require you to be certified in order to practice as a Dietitian/Nutritionist in Delaware. However, certification entitles you to hold yourself out as a certified Dietitian/Nutritionist and to use the title CDN. You would select this option if an employer or insurer requires certification.

2. If you choose to bypass certification , you will receive a license that will become effective June 21, 2009 (the effective date of the new law) and will expire May 31,2011. You will receive this license after March 1, 2009.

Why choose this option? By bypassing certification, you avoid filing a renewal application.

Question: What is the application fee?

Answer: See Fee Schedule.

Question: Am I required to complete continuing education?

Answer: Yes. See Section 4.0 of the Rules and Regulations.