Get your free report

Q1. What is the NANP?

The NANP is a non-profit business league representing and advocating on behalf of holistically trained food and nutrition professionals. NANP members are nutrition professionals working in a variety of settings who are recognized for their knowledge and expertise in the area of whole foods nutrition and the safe and effective use of dietary supplements. Our members work as independent consultants, alongside other practitioners, such as MDs, DOs, NPs, RNs, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists etc., natural foods chefs, marketing representatives, consumer and community educators, staff educators, authors, teachers, retail buyers, and store owners/managers.

Q2. Why become a member of NANP?

When you are a member of NANP you are joining with other like-minded nutrition professionals to support the growth and development of the holistic nutrition industry. While there are many benefits to becoming a member, one of the most important is that we help keep you informed of changes in the industry, legislative issues, and continuing education opportunities. In addition, your membership helps support such efforts as establishing educational standards, consistent titles and credentials, and a process for self-governing the profession. All of this leads to improved credibility for the profession and opens up new opportunities for nutrition professionals.

NANP acts a liaison for gathering and disseminating information about the holistic nutrition industry. We provide regular communications on changes in our industry, updates on legislative and licensing issues, continuing education opportunities, and national job postings. Membership also connects you with a national network of holistic nutrition professionals who are committed to the support and growth of the industry.

Q3. What are the benefits of Membership?

Visit the membership benefits page for more information.

Q4. What are the membership dues?

• Professional membership - $225 per year or $395 for two years (a $55 savings!)
• Student membership - $95 per year or $170 for two years (a $20 savings!)
• Associate membership - $175 per year or $295 for two years (a $55 savings!)

Click here to learn which level of membership is right for you.

Q5. Where does my membership money go?

Your membership fees go to support the daily operations of the NANP and the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB), which work to advance the profession of holistic nutrition. That includes supporting staff who write policies, organize committees, file legal documents and consult with attorneys, organize and consult with the advisory council; as well as pay for phone bills, legal fees, meeting expenses, website maintenance and improvements, newsletter/trade publication, organizing and approving comprehensive educational programs and continuing education programs, consistent titling and credentials, and a process for self-governing the profession. All this leads to improved credibility for the profession and creates new opportunities for nutrition professionals. Choosing membership with NANP is choosing to support its mission.

Q6. What is the board exam in holistic nutrition?

The National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) is a professional association that has created a national credentialing board for holistically-trained nutrition professionals, the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB). This new board offers a national board exam that confers the title, “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®” to those who pass the exam and credentialing requirements.

The HNCB, the credentialing arm of the NANP has created one title/designation, “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®” that is based on the NANP’s stringent educational standards, provides a credentialing process that mirrors that of other types of health professionals, and requires passage of a national board examination.

In addition, the philosophy the NANP board exam is based upon includes:

• Biochemical individuality (everyone is unique and has unique nutritional needs)
• Whole, naturally grown foods are the best source for optimal nutrition
• There are no miracle nutrients that will cure all ills
• Dietary supplementation may be health promoting when used in the appropriate form, dose and frequency, and is not a substitute for a good diet
• Nutritional well-being comes from the balance between an individual’s health promoting diet and lifestyle habits, and the nutritionally negating environmental and lifestyle influences

Q7. How is the NANP working to strengthen the holistically-oriented nutrition industry?

The NANP is:

• Establishing consistency in educational standards by working cooperatively with schools for the purpose of unifying the profession
• Creating a credentialing board and national board exam that will document and validate the academic and professional skills of holistically-trained nutrition professionals
• Offering a variety of continuing education programs. These programs include those presented by reputable product companies, researchers, authors, and nutrition practitioners
• Defending the consumer’s right to choose in matters of health care by working cooperatively with legislators, consumers, grass-roots organizations, and like-minded corporations

Q8. What are NANP’s goals for the future of the nutrition profession?

Our goals are to unify the profession, strengthen the professional, serve our members and protect the consumer’s right to choose. We aim to accomplish this by building integrity and credibility through a national registry based on educational standards, continuing education requirements, and a rigorous code of ethics; and by providing members with business tools and resources, legislative representation and expanded opportunities for professional growth.

Q9. Can an organization join NANP?

Yes, organizations are encouraged to join and support NANP and its mission. To learn more, click here and download our Supporting Member Agreement

Q10. What if I did not graduate from a NANP-approved education program, but believe I have met the educational requirements for professional membership?

A person wishing to establish professional membership with NANP, who has not graduated from a NANP-approved nutrition program, may request an Independent Review of his/her education and qualifications to determine eligibility for professional membership.

Requirements for the Independent Review include:

1. a cover letter stating the desire to become a professional member
2. a one hundred fifty ($150) dollar review fee (USD)
3. official transcripts from all relevant educational institutions
4. course description materials (i.e. catalog, etc.)
5. a telephone interview

Q11. How do I join?

You may join online by completing our membership application.

© 2013 NANP.  Legal Disclaimer