Utah's Certified Dietitian Credential

Utah regulates dietitians through certification under the Dietitian Certification Act, Utah Code Title 58, Chapter 49. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL) issues the certificate. Utah's law is built around titles. But Utah's list of protected titles includes the national ones, and that changes the analysis for out-of-state RDNs.

Which titles does Utah protect?

Utah Code 58-49-9 says no person, "without first being certified under this chapter," may assume or use the title or designation "dietitian," "certified dietitian," "registered dietitian," "registered dietitian nutritionist," the letters "C.D." or the letter "D.," or anything else indicating or implying that the person is a certified dietitian, including the spelling "dietician." Nor may anyone represent, "whether orally, in writing, in print, or by signature, directly or by implication," that they are a certified dietitian. A violation is a class B misdemeanor (58-49-10).

Compare that with California, which protects "registered dietitian" for people who meet RD-level criteria, or Wisconsin, which expressly lets CDR-registered dietitians use "registered dietitian" without the state certificate. Utah's text lists "registered dietitian" and "registered dietitian nutritionist" among the titles that require Utah certification. An RDN who signs messages to Utah clients with "RDN" should read 58-49-9 closely and decide with that in mind. See California and the dietitian title and Wisconsin's certified dietitian credential.

How does Utah define dietetics?

The act defines dietetics as applying the sciences of food to develop, manage and provide dietary services for individuals and groups, including evaluating a person's dietary status, advising and educating people on dietary needs, and maintaining standards of quality in food and dietary service in licensed institutional facilities or private office settings (58-49-2(3)). The same section treats "failing to maintain a level of professional practice consistent with all initial and subsequent requirements by which certification is achieved or maintained" as unprofessional conduct (58-49-2(4)). If your Utah certificate rests on your CDR registration, that is one more reason to keep the registration current.

Medicare is another reason RDNs get the certificate even where the title question is settled. Its medical nutrition therapy rule looks to licensure or certification "by the State in which the services are performed" in states that provide for one (42 CFR 410.134), and Utah provides certification.

What does the Utah certificate require?

Under 58-49-4, an applicant shows DOPL that they:

1. hold a bachelor's or higher degree, from a school the division approved at the time, with a major in the sciences of food, dietetics, food systems management or an equivalent;
2. completed an internship or preplanned professional experience in a dietetic program, supervised by a dietitian certified in Utah or certified, registered or licensed in another state or territory;
3. passed a competency exam the division approves; and
4. paid the fees set by the Department of Commerce, which the statute says must be "fair and reasonable" and reflect the cost of services.

Is there an exam waiver for RDNs?

Yes. Under 58-49-6, DOPL "may waive the examination requirement" for an applicant who, at the time of application, holds a valid dietitian license or certificate from another state or territory whose qualifications meet Utah's, or "is registered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration." That is the route built for RDNs. The waiver is discretionary, so the application should show the CDR registration clearly. See license by endorsement.

How does the certificate work after it issues?

Each certified dietitian must display the certificate "in an appropriate, conspicuous, and public manner" and keep the division informed of their current address (58-49-7). Certificates are issued on a two-year renewal cycle set by rule, and expire on the date shown unless renewed under Utah's general renewal statute (58-49-8). Grounds for denying or disciplining a credential follow DOPL's general provisions (58-49-11).

The fee amounts and any continuing education are set outside chapter 49, through DOPL and Department of Commerce rules, so confirm them with DOPL before applying or renewing.

Is Utah's compact membership useful yet?

Utah enacted the Dietitian Licensure Compact in 2025. No state issues compact privileges yet, and CDR expects the first ones sometime in 2027. Until then, an RDN outside Utah who wants Utah certification applies to DOPL in the usual way. See when Dietitian Compact privileges will start.

How can we help with Utah certification?

Our License by Endorsement (RDN) service, $599 per state, prepares the DOPL application with your CDR registration documented for the exam waiver, confirms the current fee, and tracks the file. If you serve Utah clients by telehealth and are unsure whether your titles call for Utah certification, the Dietitian Licensing Readiness Review ($149, one time) covers Utah alongside your other states. You sign, pay DOPL and submit. State fees are separate. The Utah state page has the summary.