CCN Certified Clinical Nutritionist Practice Tests

The CCN Certified Clinical Nutritionist exam is administered by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board (CNCB). The CNCB is a non-profit organization that certifies clinical nutritionists.

The CCN exam is 2.5 hours long and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 70%.

Topics include:
* Research Methodology
* Nutrition in Health and Disease
* Nutrition Counseling
* Nutrition Assessment
* Nutrition Across the Lifecycle
* Micronutrients and Nutraceuticals
* Integrative and Functional Nutrition
* Health Promotion & Business Management
* Ethics and Regulations
* Clinical Biochemistry

CCN certification indicates expertise in evidence-based clinical nutrition principles and competent nutrition therapy practice. It can help nutrition professionals advance their careers. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates a 15 percent job growth for nutritionists and dietitians from 2016 to 2026, which easily outpaces most other occupations. Demand is increasing as baby boomers age and health care providers become more aware of the importance of nutrition in preventing and treating disease.

To sit for your CCN certifications, you’ll need to acquire a Master of Science Clinical Nutrition and have a certain number of supervised practices. To qualify for this master’s program, you will need to make sure that your undergraduate course work contains the following:

• At least one course in biochemistry
• At least one course in physiology
• At least one course in nutrition
• At least one course in statistics

Factoring all of this, part-time students pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition (CCN) generally graduate in three to five years. A full-time student pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition can usually complete a program in 18 months. Most master’s degree programs have a limit of around five years to finish the degree.

From there, graduates have the option of becoming a CNS, which requires 900 hours of supervised practice and passing an exam administered by the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists.

What is a clinical nutritionist?

Clinical nutrition specialists provide individual counseling and develop meal plans that can change lives and help patients who are dealing with diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or obesity-related cancers. Generally speaking, it is the study of how food can be used to improve patient outcomes at all stages of their health and medical journey.

What is the difference between clinical nutritionist vs registered dietitian?

While the terms "nutritionist" and "dietician" are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences between the two professions:

Education and Credentialing:
Dietitians must complete a bachelor's degree in dietetics, nutrition, or a related field from an accredited university, complete a supervised practice program or internship, and pass a national registration examination to become a Registered Dietitian (RD) or Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Nutritionists, on the other hand, have varying levels of education and training. Some states have licensure requirements for nutritionists, while others do not. In states without licensure, anyone can call themselves a nutritionist, regardless of their educational background.

Scope of Practice:
Registered Dietitians are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT), which involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating nutrition-related health conditions. They often work in clinical settings, such as hospitals or long-term care facilities. Nutritionists typically focus on general nutrition advice and education for healthy individuals. They may work in various settings, such as schools, fitness centers, or in private practice.

Insurance Coverage:
Nutrition services provided by Registered Dietitians are more likely to be covered by health insurance plans, as they are recognized as healthcare professionals. Nutrition services provided by nutritionists may not be covered by insurance, depending on the provider's qualifications and the state's regulations.

In summary, while both nutritionists and dietitians aim to help people improve their health through nutrition, dietitians have a more standardized and rigorous educational path and are qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy. Nutritionists may have varying levels of education and focus more on general nutrition advice for healthy individuals.

How often is the CCN exam offered?

The CCN exam is typically offered twice a year, in the spring and fall. However, this may vary depending on the year and demand for the exam.

What is the best way to prepare for the CCN exam?

The dude says "take our practice exams!"

How long is the CCN certification valid?

The CCN certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, CCNs must complete continuing education requirements and pay a recertification fee every five years.

What is clinical nutrition?

Clinical nutrition is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic diseases and conditions leveraging the power of nutrition. It’s the study of how food can be used to improve patient outcomes at all stages of their health and medical journey. Clinical nutrition is the practice of determining if a person is receiving proper nutrition based on a host of data points such as family and medical history, lifestyle, medical testing, and underlying conditions.

What is the role of a clinical nutritionist?

Clinical nutritionists help patients address their health concerns by formulating nutrition and lifestyle strategies tailored to their needs and goals. Their job isn't isolated to prevention either. Specialists keep current on the latest advances in nutrition science and translate them into an easily digestible message to help people, or even entire populations, get healthier. They help prevent and treat chronic diseases — such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes — in a variety of settings, from health care clinics and schools to at-home consultation.

How long does it take to become a clinical nutritionist?

The short answer is it depends. The amount of time it takes to become a clinical nutritionist varies based on each person’s unique situation. Some may be able to take on a considerable amount of credit hours per semester while others will need to lessen their workload to balance family and work schedules.

To sit for your certifications, you’ll need to acquire a Master of Science Clinical Nutrition and have a certain number of supervised practices. To qualify for this master’s program, you will need to make sure that your undergraduate course work contains the following:

• At least one course in biochemistry
• At least one course in physiology
• At least one course in nutrition
• At least one course in statistics

Factoring all of this, part-time students pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition generally graduate in three to five years. A full-time student pursuing a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition can usually complete a program in 18 months. Most master’s degree programs have a limit of around five years to finish the degree.

Why should I consider pursuing a career in clinical nutrition?

Competitive salary

The average annual salary of nutritionists and dietitians was $59,670 as of May 2017, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Salaries can vary greatly based on experience, location and specialty. The top 10 percent of earners in the field average more than $83,000 per year.

Embrace your interest in food

People are paying more attention to what they’re eating, where their food comes from and how food plays a crucial role in health. A career in nutrition allows people to turn their curiosity into a career that can help others. 

Strong job growth

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates a 15 percent job growth for nutritionists and dietitians from 2016 to 2026, which easily outpaces most other occupations. Demand is increasing as baby boomers age and health care providers become more aware of the importance of nutrition in preventing and treating disease.

Help patients

Clinical nutrition specialists provide individual counseling and develop meal plans that can change lives and help patients who are dealing with diseases, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease or obesity-related cancers.

Broad career opportunities

There is no shortage of opportunities when it comes to a career in clinical nutrition. Here are just some of the interesting ways they are utilized throughout the healthcare industry. Nutritionists work in health care settings ranging from large medical centers to community clinics and private practices.

Food and nutrition management is needed in industry settings, where nutritionists help organizations meet food regulation standards. Nutritionists also participate in product development, and translate science for marketing, communications and sales departments.

Public health nutritionists work in community settings such as government or schools, providing nutrition assessments for large populations and developing interventions to change policy and improve nutrition.
Nutritionists often work as faculty in universities and colleges, where they teach and perform research.
The media is employing nutritionists to keep pace with increasing public interest in food and nutrition. Nutritionists with strong communications skills help newspapers, magazines and broadcast media digest and publish the latest nutrition research.

What are typical salaries like? 

Here are different types of nutritionists that get paid the highest annual salaries.

• Director Food Nutrition: $91,807 to $117,050
• Clinical Nutrition Manager: $63,224 to $79,180
• Remote Nutritionist: $65,050 to $78,468
• Nutrition Coordinator: $49,451 to $59,697