Which membership type includes practitioners in healthcare or sports/fitness or culinary with a valid US certification?

• A. Active
• B. Student
• C. International Student
• D. Associate

Answer: (D)

Think about how professional groups categorize members by what they do and what credentials they hold. Associate membership is designed for professionals who have recognized certifications in related fields and are part of the health, fitness, or culinary sectors, even if they aren’t practicing as a registered dietitian or in the exact full-practice track required for active status. A practitioner in healthcare, sports/fitness, or culinary who holds a valid US certification fits this category because their credential demonstrates professional expertise and they can still engage with the organization’s resources, education, and networking.

Active membership typically requires the specific professional credential to practice in the core field (for example, being a registered dietitian or dietetic technician in good standing). Student and International Student are for those in training or outside the US, respectively. So the Associate option best matches professionals with a solid US credential in related fields, even if their primary role isn’t as an RD or NDTR.