Membership frequently asked questions

From how to update your contact details, to how to join the APD Program, here we answer some of our most asked membership questions.

Personal details

How do I update my contact details?

Go to your profile and click the grey pencil to edit details. For more information refer to this step-by-step guide.

How do I update my user name?

You can change your username on the settings tab within your profile.

How do I change my name?

You are unable to change your name yourself. Your account needs to be in your legal name.

If you have legally changed your name, please complete the Name Change Request form including submission of your government-issued evidence of your legal name change such as a marriage certificate, name change certificate, or divorce order which must be certified by an authorised officer.

If you are reverting to a name previously used in our system, changing your informal name, or changing your prefix (e.g. Miss, Mrs, Mr, Dr) without an accompanying legal name change, please email [email protected] or call 02 6189 1200 and select option 1.

You will not need to supply additional paperwork to change to a previously used name if we already have records of the change on file.

Why do I have two ID numbers?

If you joined Dietitians Australia before June 2020 you will have 2 member numbers. This is because of a membership software upgrade. You can quote either number when contacting Dietitians Australia.

Please note that Practice-based Evidence in Nutrition (PEN) does not use your Dietitians Australia ID (format DA ID #####). It uses the ID number that appears directly under your name in the top banner of your profile.

Medicare uses the APD registration number on your APD certificate.

Membership category and deferring

Who is eligible for membership?

We offer 3 types of membership:

Full:

for graduates of an accredited Australian dietetic course and
for non-Australian qualified dietitians who have completed the skills recognition and assessment process

Students:

for those enrolled in an accredited Australian dietetics program

Affiliate:

for Australians and international health professionals, and
friends of nutrition

Learn more about our membership categories.

How do I change my membership category?

Learn more about changing your category due to a change in work situation. Then email details of your situation to [email protected].

To upgrade from student to full member, you will need to complete and submit our student upgrade forms. Please note, this option is only available to those with an Active Student Membership. If your Student Membership has lapsed, you will need to submit a Full Membership Join form.

To upgrade from affiliate to full member, you will need to complete and submit our affiliate upgrade forms. This option is only available to those who have completed Dietetic Skills Recognition (DSR) or Mutual Recognition process.

I'm having a baby, what are my options?

If you’re going on parental leave, we offer flexible membership options to support you during your time away:

Need to maintain your membership and APD credential?
Switch to the Reduced Hours category anytime during the membership year to keep full member benefits and your APD status. A pro rata credit will be applied to your account.
Don't need your APD but want stay connected?
Move to the Non-Practising Dietitian category to retain your membership while deferring your APD credential. A pro rata credit will also apply.
Taking a full break from membership and APD?

Submit a membership deferral request once your leave begins. This pauses both your membership and APD status until you’re ready to return. If you’re paying by instalments, any remaining payments will be waived once your deferral is approved.

Learn more about changing membership categories. Or find out what’s involved with deferring your membership.

How do I defer?

Only Full Members are eligible to defer. Student and Affiliate Members are not eligible for deferral. When your membership is deferred, your APD status is automatically deferred as well. If you choose to defer only your APD (and not your membership), you will still be required to pay the membership fee and will continue to have access to membership benefits.

Learn more about deferring your membership and/or APD status.

I'm graduating this year, what are my options?

If you are are an active Student member with us, you can:

upgrade to the Graduate membership category, which includes access to the APD program, or
If you don’t wish to access the APD program immediately after graduation, you can first upgrade to the Non-practising dietitian category, and then move to the Graduate category when you're ready to access the APD program.

Please note, your eligibility to access the Graduate membership rate expires on 31 December of the year you moved from Student to Full membership.

If you are not a member with us or your Student membership has lapsed, you will not be eligible for the Graduate rate. You will need to select a  membership category that reflects your need for the APD credential and your hours of employment.

APD Program

Where is my APD certificate?

Go to your profile. Your APD certificate will be on the banner near your name if you are part of the APD Program.

How do I become an Advanced APD (AdvAPD)?

Details on how to become an AdvAPD can be found in the APD Handbook.

I've been on a break. How do I reinstate my APD?

If your break is less than 3 years you just need to reinstate your membership. Once processed, you will be provided with instructions on how to reinstate your APD.

If your break is over 3 years you will need to rejoin the APD Program via Resumption of Accredited Practising Dietitian.

Details on Resumption of Accredited Practising Dietitian can be found in the APD Handbook.

Member benefit questions

Why can't I find myself on the 'Find a dietitian' search?

You may not have an active profile. Go to your profile and click on the ‘Directory profiles’ tab. Click on the grey pencil and check the box next to ‘Display my record in the public Find a Dietitian directory’. Check and update your personal details. Click save.

How do I log into PEN?

Find out more about PEN, including how to log in, on the PEN page.

Where can I see jobs?

Find the latest positions vacant in our jobs board. Open roles are also listed in our weekly member update, sent on Monday afternoons.

Where can I advertise a job?

Members can list the details of positions vacant for free, whilst a $200 fee applies for non-members. Post your ad online.

Where can I find a locum

Find a locum on our Find a locum or consultant directory

Other questions?

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