Self-Study Program Guidelines

Definition and Philosophy of Continuing Professional Education

CDR defines continuing professional education (CPE) as education beyond that required for entry into the Profession.* CPE participation is mandatory for maintenance of registration. The dietetics practitioner engages in lifelong development to maintain and improve knowledge and skills for competent practice. This includes continuous self-assessment to identify professional strengths and learning needs, establishment of short-and long-term goals for individual professional development and selection of appropriate CPE to meet these goals.

Self-Study Program Approval Instructions for Registered Dietitians and Dietetic Technicians, Registered

1. The program must meet the following content criteria for continuing professional education (CPE):
   
   
   1. Content should relate to the field of nutrition and dietetics.
   
   
   
   2. Dietetics related is defined as the integration and application of principles derived from the sciences of food, nutrition, management, communication, and biological, physiological, behavioral, and social sciences to achieve and maintain optimal human health.
   
   
   
   3. The CPE activity should not be designed for the lay public.
   
   
   
   4. CPE activities may be designed to accomplish the following goals:
      
      
      • Update or enhance knowledge and skills required for competent performance beyond entry-level;
      
      
      
      • Assess knowledge and skills;
      
      
      
      • Provide opportunities for interdisciplinary learning; or
      
      
      
      • Provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
   
   
   
2. The program must be refereed by content experts. "Refereed" refers to a review by a minimum of three professionals with demonstrated expertise in the content area. The individuals should not be involved in the development of the program.
   
   
3. The program must address one specific subject in depth.
   
   
4. The program must be a minimum of one (1) contact hour in length.
   
   
5. Test items must accompany the program and be based on its content. Professional test item writers or individuals with demonstrated capabilities in evaluation/assessment or item writing are required to develop the test items.

* The CDR Dietetics Practice Audit defines entry-level and skills.

Required Documentation

1. Completed Continuing Professional Education Prior Approval Request Form for Self-Study Programs indicating title, name and address of program provider and number of CPE hours requested.
   
   
2. Self-study program in printed form including objectives of the program stated in operational behavioral terms.
   
   
3. A bibliography for reference and further reading. Complete references must be cited. Controversial or disputed issues must be presented as such, with documentation from current and reputable refereed scientific journals.
   
   
4. Three letters from content experts. Letters should attest to the CPE content appropriateness for Registered Dietitians/Dietetic Technicians, Registered with specific comments. The letters should also attest to the length of time required to complete the program. A resume or vita must be included for each content expert.
   
   
5. Documentation of the background in test item development of the item writers (i.e., participation in class, workshop on item writing techniques including sponsoring organization's name).
   
   

Evaluation Process

Requests for prior approval of self-study programs should be submitted to CDR for review. Please allow four weeks for review. The approval status will be effective for three (3) calendar years from date of approval. Approval status will expire after the third year, and the entire program along with documentation must be resubmitted for review prior to the expiration date.

Reporting Procedures

Self-study program providers must provide each participant with a certificate of completion verifying completion of each program. Providers must also maintain a list of participants who completed their programs for at least seven years.

The certificate of completion must include:

• Self-study program provider's name
• Title of program
• Date participant completed the program
• Participant's name and registration number
• Number of hours awarded

May 31 of each year should be used as the final postmark deadline for program completion. Program providers should provide the certificate of completion by June 15.

Click here for the prior approval form for self-study programs which is also available in PDF format (38KB). (Click here for more information on PDF format.)