The American Board of Physician Nutrition Specialists (ABPNS) was established by IPNEC to provide a credential that recognizes physician expertise in clinical nutrition. The ABPNS certificate is the premier comprehensive credential for physicians who wish to identify nutrition as an area of expertise. It is equally accessible to physicians with backgrounds in any of the specialties relevant to clinical nutrition, as described in the Definition of Physician Nutrition Specialist®. During the first five years in which it is offered, physicians may take the ABPNS examination without having completed specific training in nutrition. Beginning with the 2006 examination, at least 6 months (1000 hours) of mentored clinical nutrition experience and formal instruction in inpatient and outpatient settings will be required, either as part of a fellowship in a related subspecialty or as a free-standing nutrition fellowship.
