Dietary Educator Certificate (DEC)

This CNELM award is an excellent adjunct for a range of existing practitioners who wish to include dietary education in their practice.

Students studying on the degree in nutritional science or personalised nutrition with or without the CNELM Personalised Nutrition Practice Diploma have the opportunity to gain this award part-way through study subject to meeting all requirements for the Certificate.

Graduates of the DEC work with clients without diagnosed chronic disease or taking complex medication to help them make informed choices about their diet. Writing about food and giving talks about food and health to the public is an anticipated outcome of this course.

The Dietary Educator Certificate is accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) and successful graduates can apply to register with the FHT and gain insurance to use the qualification.

Entry Requirements:

  • ‘A’ levels A-C or equivalent in Human Biology & Chemistry (or similar subjects), OR CNELM’s Bioscience Entry modules: Chemistry & Human Biology
  • GCSE in mathematics, or equivalent, OR CNELM’s Maths Foundation module
  • GCSE in English Language or equivalent
  • IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL equivalent is the standard requirement for applicants where English is not their first language
  • Basic computer skills including word processing, internet browsing and use of email

Please Note: GCSE and ‘A’ level, or equivalent qualifications accepted within a 5-year currency or demonstrating continued application in the workplace.

Course Overview

For further information regarding entry requirements, course content and fees, please refer to our full Prospectus.

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t: 0118 979 8686
f: 0118 979 8786
e: info@cnelm.ac.uk
a: Centre for Nutrition Education & Lifestyle Management (CNELM) | PO Box 3739 | Wokingham | Berkshire | RG40 9UA

CNELM is a collaborative partner of Middlesex University (MDX). The undergraduate and postgraduate courses we teach are validated and  quality  assured by MDX. You will receive an MDX award on successful completion and be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at their campus.

The NTEC accredits courses for nutritional therapy. The BSc (Hons) Nutritional Science and the MSc/PG Dip in Personalised Nutrition combined with CNELM’s Personalised Nutrition Practice Diploma (PNPD) are accredited by NTEC.

The CNHC is the voluntary regulator for complementary therapists including Nutritional Therapists. Following successful completion of one of our accredited routes to nutritional therapy practice you will be eligible to apply to register with CNHC as a Nutritional Therapist.

BANT is a professional body for Nutritional Therapists that have completed NTEC accredited courses, or have demonstrated having met the NTEC Core Curriculum and National Occupational Standards set by Skills for Health for nutritional therapy. Practitioner members of BANT are required to register with the CNHC.


The Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT) has accredited CNELM’s Dietary Educator Certificate. On successful completion of this course you will be eligible to apply to register as a Dietary Educator with the FHT.

Students that meet verification standards for the ‘NLP Practitioner Certificate’ can apply to register with the Association for Neurolinguistic Programming ANLP.

Students registered with Qualifi that meet the outcomes of the Personalised Nutrition Practice Diploma (PNPD) Course assessed up to Level 6 will receive a Qualifi Endorsed Certificate. Qualifi is a recognised UK awarding organisation regulated in England by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual).