Board Certified Clinical Nutrition Specialist (BCCNS)

The Board Certified Clinical Nutrition Specialist (BCCNS) credential recognizes healthcare professionals with advanced knowledge and competence in clinical nutrition. The certification exam assesses foundational principles of general nutrition, enteral and parenteral nutrition, and evidence-based nutritional management of chronic diseases. This board aims to promote high standards in clinical nutrition practice and ensure safe, effective nutritional care across diverse healthcare settings.

Exam Outline

Domain 01: Foundations of Human Nutrition (20%)
Covers the scientific principles of nutrition, including the structure and function of macronutrients and micronutrients, digestion and absorption, energy metabolism, fluid and electrolyte balance, and nutrient needs across the life span.

Domain 02: Clinical Assessment and Nutrition Diagnosis (15%)
Focuses on nutrition-focused physical exams, anthropometric measurements, biochemical indicators, dietary intake analysis, and the identification and diagnosis of malnutrition using standardized tools and criteria.

Domain 03: Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition (20%)
Assesses competence in prescribing, formulating, and monitoring enteral and parenteral nutrition therapy. Includes indications, access devices, complication management, and evidence-based guidelines for safe implementation.

Domain 04: Nutrition in Chronic Diseases (20%)
Covers medical nutrition therapy for chronic conditions including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, cancer, and liver diseases, with a focus on clinical guidelines and outcome-based planning.

Domain 05: Nutrition in Special Populations (10%)
Addresses unique nutritional considerations for pediatric, geriatric, pregnant/lactating, and critically ill populations. Includes nutrient requirements, risk factors, and feeding approaches tailored to each group.

Domain 06: Monitoring, Evaluation & Interdisciplinary Care (10%)
Covers tools for tracking nutrition-related outcomes, modifying interventions, and documenting progress. Also includes interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations, and integration of care plans within healthcare teams.

Domain 07: Professional Practice & Evidence-Based Guidelines (5%)
Focuses on the application of evidence-based practice, appraisal of scientific literature, use of national and international clinical guidelines, cultural sensitivity, and understanding of scope of practice in various clinical settings.

Recommended Resources

Recommended Core Texts:

The ASPEN Adult Nutrition Support Core Curriculum, 3rd Edition – Published by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN). This authoritative resource covers adult nutrition support in depth, including clinical principles of enteral and parenteral nutrition.
Krause’s Food & the Nutrition Care Process, 15th Edition – By L. Kathleen Mahan and Janice L. Raymond, published by Elsevier. A widely used reference offering comprehensive coverage of the Nutrition Care Process, medical nutrition therapy, and disease-specific nutrition management.
Clinical Nutrition, 4th Edition – Edited by Michael J. Gibney, Marinos Elia, and Olle Ljungqvist. This academic text provides evidence-based approaches to clinical nutrition with global perspectives and interdisciplinary contributions.

Supplemental Resources:

Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology, 3rd Edition – By Marcia Nelms and Kathryn Sucher. Combines in-depth pathophysiological concepts with their nutritional management, using clinical case studies.
Manual of Clinical Nutrition Management – Published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. A practical handbook for inpatient and outpatient nutrition management, including tools and templates for clinical use.
ASPEN Clinical Guidelines and Position Papers – These documents offer current best practices and recommendations for safe and effective nutrition support across a range of clinical situations.