The Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) credential recognises you as an expert in dietetics. For the credential, you need to join our APD Program.
How you join the program depends on when you graduated, and if you've been working as a dietitian.
Keep reading to find out how to apply to the APD Program.
About the APD Program
The APD Program is the national credentialing program for dietitians. It gives dietitians recognition and guidance for their:
- professional qualifications
- ongoing training
- practice standards
The APD Program supports high-quality dietetic services in Australia.
Most dietitians will become a Provisional APD when they first join the program. You must be an APD for at least 1 year and finish all the provisional requirements to become a Full APD. You have up to 2 years to complete the provisional period.
Learn more about the APD Program.
Eligibility to join the APD Program
You can join the APD Program if you either:
- Hold an accredited Australian dietetics degree.
- Hold a mutually recognised dietetics degree from New Zealand.
- Have passed our Dietetic Skills Recognition (DSR) process.
You must agree to meet the ongoing requirements of the APD Program and follow our professional standards.
To learn more about eligibility, read our APD Policy.
Direct entry to the APD Program
You can apply for direct entry into the APD Program if you either:
- graduated from your accredited dietetics degree in the past 3 years.
- completed our DSR in the past 3 years.
- have been an active Full APD at some point in the past 3 years.
If you can't apply for direct entry, you might qualify for an alternate pathway to the APD Program.
Applying for direct entry
Become a member of Dietitians Australia. Your membership level must be eligible for APD status.
If you're a student member, you'll need to upgrade your membership before applying to the APD Program.
Find a membership type to suit you and join.
If you want to become an APD without being a member, send an email to membership@dietitiansaustralia.org.au
Once you've become a member, you can apply for direct entry to the APD Program via our member portal.
After you apply, we'll assess your application and let you know the outcome.
Join the APD Program
Once you have APD status, you can start using your APD credential right away.
If you're new to the APD Program, you'll become a Provisional APD. If you've been a Full APD at some point in the past 3 years, you'll immediately return to Full APD status.
Alternate pathways to the APD Program
If you don't meet the criteria for direct entry, you might qualify for an alternate pathway to the APD Program.
This might suit your situation if you:
- graduated with an accredited dietetics degree more than 3 years ago.
- haven't been active in the APD Program in the past 3 years.
- haven't practised as a dietitian for more than 3 years.
Applying for an alternate pathway
Before you apply to join the APD Program, you must send us an initial application.
This will help us check if you're eligible and decide which entry pathway best suits you.
Your initial application must include:
- alternate pathways application form
- APD Application Form
- your current CV or resume
Please complete these forms and prepare your CV.
When you're ready, email your initial application to apd@dietitiansaustralia.org.au.
An invoice will be emailed upon receipt for the non-refundable $50 fee to proceed with the assessment.
Once we review your initial application, we'll let you know which alternate pathway you should follow.
Your alternate pathway to the APD Program might include extra fees and paperwork.
We offer 3 alternate pathways.
Alternate process
This pathway might suit you if you've had more than 4500 hours of dietetic work experience over the past 5 years. If successful, you can enter the program as a Full or Provisional APD, depending on your situation.
Delayed entry
This pathway might suit you if you've had at least 150 hours of dietetic practice per year over the past 3 years. If successful, you'll enter the program as a Provisional APD.
Resumption of Accredited Practice
This pathway might suit you if it's been more than 3 years since you practised as a dietitian. When you apply, you'll prepare a Resumption of Accredited Practice (RoAP) plan. If successful, you'll enter the program as a Provisional APD.
If it's been more than 5 years since you practised as a dietitian, you may need to take our Dietetic Skills Recognition (DSR) exam. Once you pass DSR, continue with your RoAP application to enter the APD Program.
Find out more about our RoAP program.
Once you have your APD status, you can start using your APD credential right away.
Get in touch
If you have questions about becoming an APD, contact us at apd@dietitiansaustralia.org.au or call 02 6189 1200.