The CNA offers professional registration to qualified Clinical Nutritionists throughout New Zealand. Please verify that your qualification meets the requirements below before submitting your application and paying the membership fee.

If you are unsure whether your qualification meets the CNA requirements, please email us a full course outline document or link, and we will assess this for you.

Qualification Requirements for Practitioner Membership

Nutrition qualification Level 6 NZQA or above. Equivalency to Level 6 NZQA will be assessed for all international qualifications.

Qualification must include 2400 notional hours or more, equivalent to two years full time study.

Course content must cover and include the following: nutrition, anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, biochemistry, research, clinical practice and holistic practice.

300 hours formal clinical training and practice covering a varied scope of practice, through an approved tertiary institute which includes: Consultation Skills, Health History Assessment, Nutritional Assessment, Clinical Examination, Contraindications, Appropriate Functional and Diagnostic Testing, and Developing Health Plans.

Evidence of holistic nutritional practice will be required, which will involve a review of:

a) Your qualification plus academic transcript; and

b) A full redacted client intake form, plus food and nutrition focused redacted case-take and health plan. 

Membership Fees

The annual Practitioner Membership fee is $125. The initial amount you will pay upon application may be pro-rated depending on how close it is to our annual renewal date of 1st August, and will include a one off $40 admin fee.

Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

To retain membership, continued education and achievement of 15 CPE points within an annual year is required. Documentation to support your CPE needs to be submitted  to your online profile by 1st July each year, in time for our annual review.

Please visit Membership Renewals for more information about the renewals process, CPE points and pro rata arrangements for those who join partway through the renewal year.

Clinical Training for Nutrition Degree Graduates

Do you have a degree in nutrition, but lack the clinical training and experience to meet the CNA Clinical Nutritionist registration requirements? Click here for information about The Holistic Performance Institute’s Clinical Nutritionist Upgrade program.  Students of this program are eligible to join the CNA as student members, where they can start to enjoy some of our member benefits.

Online Application Form

Please complete the online application form below carefully, as incorrect or missing information may result in processing delays. Please allow up to 20 working days for the full application process.  If you need further clarification about anything, please contact us.