What is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS)?

A Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is a person who has met the certification requirements set by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS). According to the BCNS, the CNS “is the most advanced certification for personalized nutrition practitioners. Certified Nutrition Specialists practice science-based personalized nutrition therapy to power people to health. They are spearheading the transformation from population-based to personalized nutrition, and from disease care to authentic health care”.

While there are several pathways to earn this credential, the most common is through completing a master’s degree in nutrition, after which candidates must earn a minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised practice experience under the supervision of licensed nutrition practitioners, as well as pass a comprehensive exam. Depending on the state in which they intend to practice, earning the CNS often qualifies individuals to become licensed nutritionists.

As mentioned in the BCNS description above, a CNS will typically focus on the individual. This means that in working with a CNS, you can expect recommendations to be tailored to you, rather than one-size-fits-all advice. Additionally, the work is aimed at achieving, maintaining, and optimizing health, and a CNS will seek to understand the root cause of any presenting symptoms. While nutrition care certainly involves dietary analysis and recommendations, a CNS will also consider other factors that influence health status, such as current and past medical conditions, drug-nutrient interactions, lifestyle factors, and more. A CNS will take the time to get to know you, your history, your preferences, and your barriers, making your nutrition care as unique as you are.