What Members Are Saying

"Not only does NANP support us as Nutrition Professionals as a whole, but the community and resources that we can use in our day to day business are all there for us in one place."

~ NANP member

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Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs:

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.

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

Our mission is to advocate for and empower a flourishing of professionals dedicated to the principles of holistic nutrition.  We strive to unify and strengthen our profession, serve our members and protect the consumer’s right to choose. We aim to accomplish this by building integrity and credibility through national board certification, 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.

Can an organization join NANP?

Yes, organizations are encouraged to join and support NANP and its mission. Click here to learn about becoming an Advocate Member.

Membership FAQs:

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 as 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.

What are the benefits of Membership?

Visit the membership benefits page for more information.

What are the membership dues?
  • Professional membership – $249/ $448 for two years (a $50 savings!)
  • Student membership – $99/ $178 for two years (a $20 savings!)
  • Associate membership – $199/ $348 for two years (a $50 savings!)

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

How do I join?

You may join online by completing our membership application.

How long will it take for membership approval once I’ve submitted my payment and documents?

Due to the volume of membership applications we receive and the amount of time it takes to ensure all documents and membership criteria are met, it may take up to six weeks for membership approval. Providing all required documents at the time of application will speed up the process.

What if the school I’m attending or want to attend is not on your list of pre-approved schools?

The schools listed on our website have passed our rigorous review to ensure that the program(s) meet our educational standards. However, we realize there are many great programs out there. If your school is not listed on our site as a pre-approved school, you can go through an Independent Education Review (IER) to find out if your education will qualify you for professional membership and to apply to take our Board Exam in Holistic Nutrition.

IER requirements/process – We will need the following:

  • A cover letter stating your desire to become a professional member of the NANP;
  • Official transcripts from all relevant educational institutions;
  • Course description materials (i.e. catalog, etc.); and
  • A two hundred ($200) dollar review fee.

Send cover letter & review fee to:
NANP
P.O. Box 348028
Sacramento, CA 95834-8028
Attn: Educational Programs Specialist

To send the other required documents, please contact Andrea Grandson, NT at andrea@nanp.org

What if my school is interested in submitting a program for review by the NANP?
Schools offering holistic nutrition & natural chef training programs that would like their program(s) reviewed can download the review applications by selecting one of the following:

Click here for the Program Review Application

How do I upgrade my membership from a Student to a Professional Membership, now that I have graduated? And if my student membership is still active, can I apply that to my membership upgrade?

First of all, congratulations on graduating from your program! Once you have received your diploma, contact us at info@nanp.org so that we can let you know what we may need from you. If you still have time left on your student membership, we will be able to pro-rate the membership fee.

How do I get listed on the “Find a Nutrition Professional” listing?

The FREE directory listing is a benefit offered to our Professional members, who can log into their member account, and click on “Manage My Directory Listing.” Once updates are saved, the changes can be viewed on our website immediately.

Where does my membership money go?

Your membership fees go to support the daily operations of the NANP, the Legislative Affairs Division, and the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board (HNCB), which work to advance the profession of holistic nutrition. That includes supporting the team 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.

What is the NANP's NEW Membership Refund/Cancellation Policy?

The National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) reserves the right to refuse/cancel a membership in the NANP at any time and for any reason.

NEW MEMBER APPLICATIONS


At-Will Cancellations:

We want you to be happy with your membership in the NANP. Therefore, if you decide to cancel your membership within twenty-four (24) hours of submitting your application, you will receive a full refund. Membership cancellation requests must be received via e-mail to info@nanp.org within the twenty-four (24) hour timeframe.

We invest considerable time and effort in reviewing and approving your membership application. If you decide to withdraw after the twenty-four (24) hour deadline, for any reason whatsoever, you will remain fully responsible for the total cost of your membership, and no refund will be provided.

Non-Qualifying Applicants:

If you do not qualify for any other member level, you will receive a full refund.

NOTES:

  • The applicant or credit cardholder must make all refund requests.
  • Refund requests must include the name of the applicant and/or transaction number.
  • Refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment. Refunds for check payments may take longer to process.
  • The above policies apply to all NANP memberships.
What is the NANP's RENEWING Membership Refund/Cancellation Policy?

The National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) reserves the right to refuse/cancel a membership in the NANP at any time and for any reason.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

At-Will Cancellations:

We want you to be happy with your membership in the NANP. Therefore, if you decide to cancel your membership renewal within seven (7) days of submitting your renewal application, you will receive a refund less:

  • A $50 service fee for Professional Members
  • A $35 service fee for Associate Members
  • A $25 service fee for Student Members

Requests to cancel a membership renewal must be received via e-mail to info@nanp.org within the seven (7) day timeframe.

We invest considerable time and effort in reviewing and approving your membership renewal application. If you decide to withdraw after the seven (7) day deadline, for any reason whatsoever, you will remain fully responsible for the total cost of your membership renewal, and no refund will be provided.

Non-Qualifying Applicants:

If you do not qualify for the member level you are renewing, you may either select a different member level and receive a refund of the difference or receive a full refund. The refund request must be received within seven (7) days of your application in either case.

If you do not qualify for any other member level, you will receive a full refund.

NOTES:

  • The applicant or credit cardholder must make all refund requests.
  • Refund requests must include the name of the applicant and/or transaction number.
  • Refunds will be credited back to the original credit card used for payment. Refunds for check payments may take longer to process.
  • The above policies apply to all NANP memberships.

Legislative Affairs FAQs:

What does Scope of Practice mean?

Scope of Practice refers to the procedures, actions, and processes that a practitioner is permitted to undertake. The Scope of Practice of a Holistic Nutrition Professional prevents us from diagnosing, treating, preventing, prescribing, healing, or curing any disease. We make science-based nutrition recommendations to our clients and do not practice medical nutrition therapy unless we are a licensed health care professional.

What is the difference between a Health Coach and a Holistic Nutrition Professional?

While there is some commonality in the scope of practice for health coaches and holistic nutrition professionals (HNPs), it is limited to motivational interviewing techniques (MIT). Holistic nutrition professionals gain extensive clinical education and knowledge that broadens their Scope of Practice beyond the limitations of health coaching. For more information, NANP recommends reading the Comparative Analysis of the two professions.

I live in an Exclusive Scope of Practice State which requires a license to provide nutrition advice. What will I be able to do when I graduate?

Each state has different laws and exemptions, but holistic nutrition professionals may provide “general nutrition advice” in these states. General nutrition advice applies to the generally healthy public and can be found on the internet, in a book, in a published medical journal, etc. You may not “individualize” or “assess” your clients’ needs, as that is seen as Medical Nutrition Therapy. Many Exclusive Scope of Practice States allow you to work under a licensed professional as a W2 employee and hold a position in the local, state, or Federal Government, nursing home, or health food store. 

My state has an Exclusive Scope of Practice law, can I just work with clients online?

Telehealth or online practice follows the laws of the state in which you reside. In these states, you may not provide telehealth to clients in your state or other states.

Can I work in a Title Protection State when I graduate from my program/school?

Holistic Nutrition Professionals may work in Title Protection States within their scope of practice. You must be cautious and not use the protected titles of “dietitian” or “nutritionist” in these states, nor may you imply that you are licensed or certified by the state. 

Continuing Education Credits (CECs) FAQs:

I was told that I need to submit CECs in order to renew my membership. What do I need to do?

NANP Professional Members are required to earn ten (10) CECs annually for membership renewal. 

Members who are Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® are required to earn fifteen (15) CECs per year to maintain board certification.

Click here for more information about CECs.

To submit your CECs, click here.

How can I earn CECs?

There are several ways to earn CECs, several of which can even be earned from the comfort of your own home. Of course, we recommend attending HEALCon, our annual national conference. And, best of all, our annual conference provides all ten (10) required CECs to renew your Professional Membership. A complete list of how to earn CECs can be found here.

Members who are Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® are required to earn fifteen (15) CECs per year to maintain board certification.

Board Exam FAQs:

Most of the frequently asked questions can be found in the HNCB Study Guide (download your FREE copy here); however, a brief overview of our most commonly asked questions is offered below.

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
How do I find a school or program that allows me to sit for your Board Exam?

You can find a list of NANP-approved schools on our website.

How do I know if I’m qualified to take the HNCB exam?

If you attended one of our recommended educational programs listed on our website, you will be eligible for Professional membership and to apply to take the board exam. If you did not attend one of our pre-approved programs but would like to sit for the exam, you may request an Independent Education Review to find out if you are eligible (see Q9 above).

I want to become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®. What do I need to do?

The first step to becoming Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® is to become a Professional Member of the NANP. Next, download your FREE copy of the Board Exam Study Guide, which contains all the information you need.

What are the Contact Hours that are required, and do I have to turn them in with my exam application?

The Contact Hours are the clinical and preparatory hours of experience you have in holistic nutrition. To become Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®, you must provide documentation of 500 contact hours, which includes a minimum of 250 direct contact hours, and up to 250 hours of indirect contact hours. More information on what qualifies for these hours can be found in the Board Exam Study Guide.

*Exception for New Graduates: New graduates may apply to sit for the exam without providing documentation of the 500 contact hours if they have applied to take the exam within 12 months of graduation from a NANP-approved program. The candidate will be allowed two (2) years from the date of his/her exam in which to provide this documentation. Upon passing the exam and until that time that the documentation requirement is satisfied, the candidate may use the title “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition® (Candidate).”

When/where is the next Board Exam being offered?

You can take the exam at the time of your choosing using our online proctoring service, ProctorU. More information can be found in the Board Exam Study Guide.

What can I call myself after passing the HNCB exam?

You will continue to use the title you earned from the school from which you graduated. Once you pass the board exam and our credentialing process, you may add “Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition®” or “BCHN” to your credentials. Be sure to check the laws in your state to ensure you are practicing legally. 

Those who also meet the requirements for the Certified Nutrition Professional may use the title of “Certified Nutrition Professional” or “CNP.”

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