This policy sets the validity, timelines, fees and conditions for renewing the Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist (RDN) Credential, and replaces the previous Credential Renewal Policy from the date of its publication on the official BDC website.
Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
Issuing authority | Board of Dietetic Certification (BDC), Pakistan Food and Nutrition Organization (PFNO) |
Applies to | All holders of the RDN (BDC-PFNO) Credential |
Supersedes | Previous Credential Renewal Policy |
To be read with | Fee Policy, Code of Ethics for RDNs, Legal Disclaimer |
1. Purpose and Scope
This policy governs the renewal of the RDN Credential issued by the Board of Dietetic Certification (BDC) so that Credential holders maintain continued professional standing and ethical practice.
It applies to every holder of an RDN (BDC-PFNO) Credential, whether the Credential is current, expired or lapsed.
2. Definitions
In this policy, the following terms have the meanings given below.
Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
Board | The Board of Dietetic Certification (BDC), the credentialing agency of the Pakistan Food and Nutrition Organization (PFNO) |
Credential | The Registered Dietitian / Nutritionist (RDN) Credential (BDC-PFNO) issued by the Board |
Holder | A person to whom the Credential has been issued |
Expiry Date | The last day of the three (3) year validity period of the Credential |
Renewal Window | The period beginning ninety (90) days before the Expiry Date and ending on the Expiry Date |
Late Renewal Period | The period of thirty (30) days beginning on the day after the Expiry Date |
Lapsed Credential | A Credential that has not been renewed by the end of the Late Renewal Period |
3. Validity of the Credential
The RDN Credential is valid for a period of three (3) years from the date of issuance.
Validity ends on the Expiry Date shown on the Credential and in the Board's verification system. An expired Credential must not be presented as current until its renewal has been approved by the Board.
4. Renewal Timeline and Fee Schedule
Renewal costs PKR 5,000 when applied for on time and PKR 8,000 when applied for after the Expiry Date. The Late Renewal Fee is payable in place of, and is inclusive of, the Standard Renewal Fee; the two are not added together.
Category | Application submitted | Fee (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
Standard Renewal | Within the Renewal Window, up to and including the Expiry Date | 5,000 |
Late Renewal | After the Expiry Date, within the Late Renewal Period | 8,000 |
Lapsed Credential | After the Late Renewal Period | As per Section 7 |
5. Requirements for Renewal
A Holder seeking renewal must satisfy all of the following requirements.
a) Renewal Application. Submission of a complete renewal application form with updated professional information, including current name, contact details and place of practice.
b) Professional Practice Declaration. A signed declaration confirming active involvement in nutrition, dietetics or related professional practice during the validity period of the Credential. Where the Board requests supporting evidence, any one of the following is acceptable:
- Employment or experience letter
- Letter from a hospital, clinic or organization
- Professional self-declaration (for private or freelance practice)
c) Ethics Reaffirmation. A written reaffirmation of the Holder's commitment to uphold the Code of Ethics for RDNs, the professional standards and the responsibilities prescribed by the Board.
d) No Misconduct Declaration. A declaration that the Holder has not been involved in any professional misconduct, ethical violation or disciplinary action during the validity period of the Credential.
e) Payment of Renewal Fee. Payment of the applicable fee under Section 4. Processing of the application begins only after the Board confirms receipt of payment.
6. Late Renewal
An application submitted after the Expiry Date but within the Late Renewal Period is accepted on payment of the Late Renewal Fee of PKR 8,000. All requirements under Section 5 continue to apply.
During the Late Renewal Period the Credential is shown as expired in the Board's verification system, and the Holder must not use the RDN title as a current Credential until renewal is approved.
An approved late renewal takes effect from the date of approval. The period between the Expiry Date and the date of approval is not covered by the renewed Credential.
7. Lapsed Credential
A Credential that is not renewed by the end of the Late Renewal Period is treated as lapsed and can no longer be renewed.
A Holder of a Lapsed Credential must apply afresh for registration as a new applicant. The application is subject to the eligibility criteria, examination process and fees applicable to new applicants at the time of application, as set out in the Fee Policy.
Until a new Credential is issued, the Holder must not use the RDN title, and the Board may record the previous Credential as lapsed in its verification system.
8. Renewal Procedure
Renewal is processed through the Board's official channels in the following order.
- Obtain the renewal application form from the Board.
- Complete the form and sign the declarations required under Section 5.
- Pay the applicable fee through the payment method notified by the Board and keep the proof of payment.
- Submit the application, declarations and proof of payment through the channel notified by the Board.
- The Board verifies the documents and the payment, and may request additional information.
- The Board communicates its decision and, if the application is approved, issues the renewed Credential.
9. Approval and Reissuance
On successful review, the Board issues a renewed RDN Credential with updated validity dates and updates the verification record.
The renewed Credential is valid for three (3) years. For a Standard Renewal, the new term begins on the day after the previous Expiry Date. For a Late Renewal, the new term begins on the date of approval.
Renewal confirms continued registration status only.
10. Withholding or Refusal of Renewal
The Board may withhold or refuse renewal where the application is incomplete, the fee has not been paid, or the Holder has made a false or misleading statement.
Renewal may also be withheld while a misconduct or disciplinary matter involving the Holder is pending before the Board. A Credential obtained or renewed on false or misleading information is liable to revocation.
11. Fee Conditions
The following conditions apply to every renewal fee.
- Fees are non-refundable once paid, including where an application is rejected, withdrawn or left incomplete.
- Fees are non-transferable.
- Payment of a fee does not guarantee approval of renewal.
- Payment must be made only through the methods notified by the Board. Payments made through any other method will not be recognised.
- Fee amounts are subject to revision by the Board with prior notice. The fee published on the official BDC website on the date of application applies.
12. Amendments and Final Authority
The Board may revise this policy from time to time. The version published on the official BDC website on the date of application applies.
The decision of the Board of Dietetic Certification (BDC), PFNO on any matter arising under this policy shall be final and binding.
13. Disclaimer
Renewal of the RDN Credential confirms continued professional registration with the Board of Dietetic Certification and does not constitute government registration or licensure, nor reassessment of academic qualifications.