APD accreditation stands for Accredited Practising Dietitian and is the national credential for dietitians in Australia. It is administered by Dietitians Australia, the peak professional body responsible for setting professional standards and ensuring safe, evidence based nutrition care.
Dietitians who hold the APD credential have completed an accredited university degree in nutrition and dietetics, undertaken supervised practical training, and meet strict professional standards.
To maintain accreditation, APDs must participate in ongoing continuing professional development and adhere to a formal Code of Professional Conduct and ethical guidelines.
Accredited Practising Dietitians:
• Provide evidence based, individualised nutrition advice
• Meet nationally recognised competency and practice standards
• Complete mandatory continuing professional development each year
• Are subject to audit and complaints processes to ensure quality care
The APD credential is the only nutrition qualification recognised by the Australian Government, including Medicare, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA), NDIS, and most private health insurers, which means clients may be eligible for rebates depending on their funding pathway.
Importantly, while anyone can call themselves a “nutritionist,” only dietitians with APD accreditation meet the regulated national standard for medical nutrition therapy and clinical dietetic care in Australia.
In simple terms, seeing an Accredited Practising Dietitian means you’re receiving safe, trusted, and scientifically backed nutrition advice from a highly qualified professional who is accountable and continuously up to date with best practice.
