BCNS-CNS Exam Information and Guideline
Board Certified Nutrition Specialis
Below are complete topics detail with latest syllabus and course outline, that will help you good knowledge about exam objectives and topics that you have to prepare. These contents are covered in questions and answers pool of exam.
Our certifying board, the Board for Certification of Nutrition SpecialistsSM (BCNSSM), sets the standard for advanced personalized nutrition practitioners via our Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®) credential.
We certify practitioners in specialty areas of advanced personalized nutrition.
We designate as Fellows those who have distinguished themselves in the area of nutrition science and research.
We partner with universities to instill curriculum standards that equip the next generation of nutrition professionals.
The CNS designation demonstrates to colleagues, clients, employers and the public at large that certified individuals have the knowledge and proficiency required of the professional nutrition practice. BCNS has established qualifying pathways for Nutritionists, APRNs, DCs, DDSs, NDs, PAs, PharmDs, MDs, DOs, and other advanced-degreed health professionals who wish to demonstrate competence as advanced clinical nutrition professionals and/or obtain a potential pathway to state licensure for nutrition practice and Medical Nutrition Therapy. The Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) is formal recognition for nutrition professionals who have met rigorous and demanding eligibility requirements, including postgraduate education, subsequent supervised practice in professional nutrition and demonstration of a depth and breadth of knowledge appropriate for effective practice in the profession of nutrition.
The BCNS paper and pencil examination contains 200 multiple-choice, single answer questions, and will cover the broad spectrum of basic and applied nutritional science. Themes such as fundamental principles on nutrition, nutrients and human health, nutrition assessment, clinical intervention and monitoring, professional issues, epidemiology, biochemistry and integration of these areas, are threaded throughout the examination. Detailed information may be found within the published Examination Content Outline. Candidates have four hours to complete the examination.
BCNS complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will provide reasonable and appropriate testing accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities who request and demonstrate the need for accommodation as required by law. BCNS requires verifiable documentation to ensure the individual qualifies under the ADA as a disabled individual, and to allow accommodations to be specifically matched with the identified functional limitation to provide equal access to all testing functions.
The information provided by candidates and any documentation regarding such disability and special accommodation, will be treated with strict confidentiality and will not be shared with any source, with the exception of BCNS authorized testing consultants and proctors, without the candidates express written permission.
Candidates requiring special accommodations must complete the Special Accommodations Request form, and the Documentation of Disability-Related Needs form before scheduling the examination. These forms must be submitted with the CNS or CNS-S Certification Application to the BCNS by the deadline posted on the BCNS website. Arrangements for special accommodations may take up to 45 days to coordinate.
Requests for accommodations are reviewed by the Executive Administrator to ensure the request can be processed without jeopardizing the integrity or security of the examination. The Executive Administrator, or staff designee, will personally communicate with the candidate to ensure all processes and procedures are explained and that a testing appointment is scheduled to accommodate their needs accordingly, if feasible.
On Examination Day
Testing Sites
BCNS examinations are administered at testing sites located throughout the Unites States. Testing sites have been selected to provide accessibility to the most candidates in the most controlled, secure and consistent environments possible. To ensure that examination results for all candidates are earned under comparable conditions and represent fair and accurate
• Failure to adhere to testing site examination restrictions
• Creating a disturbance, being abusive or being otherwise uncooperative
• Bringing restricted materials into the testingarea
• Using electronic communication equipment such as cellular phones, PDAs or communicating calculators.
• Gaining unauthorized admission into the examination testing area
• Attempting to take the examination for another individual
• Recording or attempting to record examination questions or making notes
• Eating and smoking