Board Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics (CSSD)

After a few years of working as a clinical RD (PRN) while also working as a registered and licensed dietitian specializing in sport nutrition, I was finally eligible to apply and take the Board Certification exam in Sport Nutrition from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With two application and exam window periods available every year, I applied to take my exam back in February 2015 and spent all of the spring and early summer studying to take my exam in the late June 2015 testing window.
This has been a big goal of mine for several years. 

I'm a big believer in higher education and I enjoy advancing my knowledge in specialty areas. Certifications and advanced degrees also force me to stay educated in my specific areas of practice. 

The CSSD (or Board Certified Specialist in Sport Dietetics) focuses on fueling athletic performances. Unlike other nutrition certifications, the CSSD is a highly credible specialty certification. 

Content area for the CSSD exam include: 
Energy metabolism and weight management
Macronutrients and micronutrients of active individuals and populations
Nutrition assessment
Training, competition and recovery
Disordered eating and eating disorders
Nutrition for specific populations

After several months of intense studying, I took the 3-hour, 140 question exam on 7/17 at a testing center in Spartanburg, SC and then after many weeks (over 5 weeks!) of waiting and waiting and waiting for the results to be mailed to my house..... 

I recently found out that I passed!!

I'm a Board Certified Sport Dietitian! 

Marni Sumbal, MS, RD, CSSD, LD/N
 

I'm so honored to now be part of a select group of dietitians who hold the CSSD credential.
With this credential, I will continue to focus on my specialty areas of practice which include;
Fueling endurance athletes (ex.triathletes and runners) before, during and after workouts
Fueling endurance performances (race week/day nutrition)
Helping athletes maintain/create a healthy relationship with food and the body
Fueling vegetarian/plant-strong athletes
Helping endurance athletes keep the body in good health while training for endurance sports

Additionally, I now meet the criteria to apply to be part of the USOC (United States Olympic Committee) sport dietitian registry which is an available roster of pre-screened sport dietitians as resources for National Governing Bodies of Olympic, Paralympic and Pan American Sports. I plan to submit my application in the next few months. 

I look forward to helping many more endurance athletes fuel smart for training and performance all while keeping the body in good health.