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.

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 Resumption of Accredited Practising Dietitian (RoAPD) pathways.

Direct entry

Step 1
Join Dietitians Australia

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

Step 2
Apply online

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
Step 3
Start using your APD credential

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.

Get in touch

If you have questions about becoming an APD, contact us at apd@dietitiansaustralia.org.au or call 02 6189 1200.

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