Apply for a License
- Apply online
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Getting started
Online Application Instructions
Online application instructions are on our website.
Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.
- Apply on paper
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Accordion
The following forms are required for completing the application process. Please download and print forms.
Fee Schedule
- See fee information below
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Non-Refundable Fee Type Fee Amount Application $81* Renewal $61* Late renewal penalty $45 Expired certification reissuance $50 Duplicate certification $30 Verification of certificate $30 * Includes the $16 fee to access the University of Washington HEAL-WA health resources website.
WAC 246-12-340 – Refund of fees
Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession are non-refundable.
Licensing Requirements
Dietitian
- Credentialing requirements
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Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree or higher in major course of study in human nutrition, foods and nutrition, dietetics or food management. Applicants must have evidence of completion of 900 hours, accumulated over a maximum of 36 months, of continuous preprofessional experience or coordinated undergraduate program in dietetics under the supervision of a qualified supervisor. Written examination with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
- Verification documents required
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Official transcript and date posted, received directly from applicant's program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation. Official transcripts showing completion of 900 hours of supervised competency based practice in the field of dietetics accumulated over a maximum of 36 months. Verification of current registration status with the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
Nutritionist
- Credentialing requirements
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Meet the requirements for dietitian.
Or
Master's or doctorate degree in one of the following subject areas: human nutrition, nutrition education, foods and nutrition or public health nutrition
- Verification documents required
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Documentation that the applicant meets the requirements for dietitians as listed above.
Or
Official transcript with degree and date posted, received directly from applicant's program. Transcripts not in English must have an official translation. The college or university must be accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, or by a national or regional body recognized by the Council on Post-Secondary Education.
- State licensure verification
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Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form. Applicant sends form to jurisdiction for completion. The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.
- Personal data questions
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Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. An appropriate explanation and required documentation must be sent with positive answers. If there is a positive answer to the professional liability claims history question, the applicant must send an explanation of the nature of the case, data and summary of care given, copies of the original complaint and the settlement or final disposition. If the case is pending, applicant must indicate status.
- Process for approving/denying applications
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We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.138 RCW and chapter 246-822 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can't verify the applicant meets all requirements. We'll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.
- Renewal requirements
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Dietitians and nutritionists must renew their certification every year on or before their birthday. They're required to submit the appropriate fee and renewal card. Please keep your address updated to receive courtesy renewal notices.
- Avoid an expired license
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Do not let your license expire. You must make sure we have your renewal before it expires. Otherwise, you will not be allowed to practice. A timely postmark on your renewal will not prevent an expired license. Renewal sent by mail take about two weeks to process.