Nutritional Counseling

    Nutritional counseling is based on the scientific findings of nutritional medicine and science. It imparts knowledge about nutrients, eating habits and the connections between nutrition, health and lifestyle, with the aim of developing individualised solutions that are suitable for everyday life.

    Nutritional counseling not only makes a preventative contribution to the avoidance of illness, but can also positively influence existing health risks and complaints and accompany therapy. In this way, it contributes to the long-term promotion of health, performance and well-being.

    Nutritional counseling is aimed at people of all ages - from children to senior citizens. It is carried out in one-to-one sessions or groups, on site or online, by qualified staff.

    to the application form

    Criteria

    Minimum requirements

    In principle, you must provide evidence of 400 hours of training in the subject areas listed under Training content . In addition, at least 200 hours of work experience/internship hours must be demonstrated.

    Training content

    The following training content must be covered for certification:

    • at least 60 h Basics of medicine & psychology: body functions & digestive system, diseases with nutritional relevance, psychological aspects of eating behaviour
    • at least 40 hours of nutritional physiology: macronutrients & energy balance, micronutrients & bioavailability, nutritional needs in special situations
    • at least 30 h food science: food groups & nutritional profiles, processing & storage, quality & sustainability of food
    • at least 60 h of counselling skills: conversation & coaching techniques, behavioural change & goal setting, counselling formats & ethics
    • at least 100 h nutrition therapy: nutrition planning for chronic illnesses, therapeutic nutrition in life phases, practical implementation & documentation

    Re-certification

    There are clear requirements for the successful re-certification of staff in the area of further training, which are checked by QualiCert. The number of training days to be verified is based on the following table:

    Number of area qualificationsNumber of training days
    1 area2
    2 areas3
    3 areas3
    4 and more areas4

    Proof of practical experience

    You must enclose proof of practical management experience with the certification application. This can be job references, payslips, AHV statements or comparable evidence. Practical experience proven only by self-declaration cannot be recognised.

    Health insurance recognition

    The certification of your qualification as a course instructor is part of the course provider certification.
    This alone is not sufficient for participants in your courses to be able to claim contributions towards the course costs from their health insurance providers. Certification as a course provider is also required for this.

    Questions and answers

    A course is deemed to be recognised if both the qualification of the course leader and the certification of the provider are available.

    In concrete terms, this means

    • The course leader has a valid certification as a course instructor.
    • The course provider is recognised as a provider by the relevant certification body.

    Only if both requirements are met can participants claim contributions towards the course costs from their health insurance provider.

    The initial certification fee primarily covers the work involved in checking your documents and qualifications. These services also apply if certification cannot be granted.

    If you are unsure whether you fulfil the requirements, please contact QualiCert in advance. We will be happy to provide you with guidance so that you are optimally prepared for the certification process.

    The further training does not necessarily have to be subject-specific - topics relating to prevention such as exercise, nutrition, relaxation or prevention concepts are also valid.

    However, BLS CPR training or further training courses and courses aimed at end consumers are not recognised. It is important that the further training is offered by an institution whose core business is professional training and further training.

    The detailed requirements for further training courses are set out in the further training regulations. You will automatically receive these with every initial or re-certification.

    No. You do not have to send in your training certificates on an ongoing basis. QualiCert will check them collectively as part of your re-certification.

    Persons who have reached the age of 60 before 1 January of the period of validity for which re-certification is requested are exempt from the continuing education requirement.

    However, QualiCert recommends that you continue to attend further training courses voluntarily even after reaching this age limit. In this way, you can stay up to date professionally and ensure the quality of your services in the long term.

    Yes, QualiCert reserves the right to reject an initial or re-certification even if the formal requirements and criteria are met. This applies in particular if there are indications that applicants do not offer a guarantee of irreproachable professional practice.

    Your question wasn't included? submit now

    We use cookies to optimally design our website for you and to continuously improve it. You can find more information about cookies in our privacy policy.