Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)

Certification Requirements

This page contains all the details you need to complete your certification.

Upon completion of the following criteria, you will be awarded your Certificate. Please direct any questions to inecourseadvisor@drritamarie.com.

We want you to feel confident in your submitted materials, so do not hesitate to ask questions during the Open Coaching and Support Calls. These calls are a place to get support and ask specific questions about your work.

Only two submissions (one revision if requested by your course advisor)will be allowed for each assignment in this certification process. Any additional revisions will only be reviewed for an administrative fee of at least $100.

Note: All documents completed for certification should be submitted via the Certification Uploader located under the “Certification” top menu.

Access a copy of requirements in PDF form: NEPT: Certification Requirements

#1: Module Exam/Post-Tests

#2: Health Topic Presentation

#3: Project 1

Option 1

Option 2

#4: Project 2 – Nutrient Report Assignment

#5: Project 3 – Food Principles Assignment

#6: Project 4 – Food Plan Assignment

#7: Case Studies with Feedback

#8: Coaching Practicum Hours

#9: Informal Exit Interview

All Materials To Submit

#1: Module Exam/Post-Tests

Pass All Exams from Level 1-3, plus the Level Exams

a. Pass the open-book comprehensive examinations covering each module in the NEPT Level 1-3 curriculums. You need to get 80% correct to pass, and you have 3 tries to achieve this. Only the end of the unit and module exams will count. The pre-tests are intended to mentally prepare you before proceeding through the content, therefore these are not graded.

1. b. If you cannot pass the exams after two attempts, we recommend you schedule a session with one of our certification coaches to review your concerns and get support for passing on the next try. After three failed attempts, you will be required to pay a retesting fee.

#2: Health Topic Presentation

This presentation must demonstrate your ability to teach a topic to a client. Choosing an approved topic, you should prepare a 15-minute presentation using visual aids (Powerpoint or other method) plus respond to a 5-minute Q&A session. You will present your health topic to your colleagues in the program. Please reach out to one of the course advisors at inecourseadvisor@drritamarie.com to determine your presentation date and receive approval on your topic. Here is a sample video with slides.

a. Choosing Your Topic

Choose one of the approved topics from the list below:

Adrenal Balancing
Balancing Acid and Alkaline
Blood Pressure Management
Keeping Hydrated
Keys to Strong Digestion
Leaky Gut
Meditation
Menopause Management
Nutrigenomics Made Easy
Overcoming Fatigue
Probiotics and Your Health
Reflux Strategies
Signs and Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity

Blood Sugar Balance
Brain Health
Heart Math
Simple Cleansing Strategies That Increase Energy
Strategies To Overcome Fatigue
Stress Management
Supporting The Immune System With Nutrition
The Importance of A Good Night’s Sleep
The Importance of Fats In The Diet
The Importance of Greens

How Food Allergies Impact Health
How To Tell If My Thyroid Is Out Of Balance
The Negative Health Effects of Sugar
The Truth About Protein
Thyroid Balancing
What is adrenal fatigue? How do I know if I have it?
What is a leaky gut and how to fix it?
Why when you eat is as important as what you eat

#3: Project 1 – Demonstrate Proficiency in Working With Clients

Demonstrate Proficiency in Working With Clients

To demonstrate your proficiency in working with clients, you need to walk one client through the steps below and submit as a case study to prove you know how to adequately take a case history, establish rapport, ask relevant and poignant questions. Please choose one of the below options for this project.

Option 1

a. Onboard a Client

Work with a client who is suffering from fatigue and/or other health concerns. The client can be an actual client, or if you are not yet seeing clients, it can be a family member or a colleague to whom you’ve offered coaching sessions.

ii. Post your video to YouTube and make it unlisted. You will ultimately turn in the link to this with your other certification materials.

iii. Have your client complete the insulin resistance assessment and any other assessments provided in Level 3 Module 1.

iv. Recommend the following blood tests if they are willing and able:

a. Fasting glucose

b. Fasting insulin

c. Hemoglobin A1C

d. Vitamin D

e. HDL

f. Triglycerides

b. Execute Your Findings and Plan To Restore Blood Sugar Balance

i. Use all of the information gathered in Step A to create a plan for your client. Make dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations using this template as your guide.

ii. Take your client through a 30-day metabolic reset as presented in Level 3 Module 1 and in the Sweet Spot Solution program. Use the charts provided as needed.

1. Use the Metabolic Reset food chart and indicate which foods they will be eating, their stress management regime, sleep patterns, fitness, etc.

2. Implement an elimination/provocation protocol and have the client track their blood sugar and symptom responses as they add food back in.

3. List supplements before, during, and after completion of the 30 day metabolic reset.

4. Track and provide weekly notes/records on your client’s progress. Include progression of symptoms, compliance with protocols, emotional state, sleep patterns, stress levels, ability to do mini-vacations, and other components of the stress management.

Option 2

a. Onboard a Client

Work with a client who is suffering from digestive, appetite, and/or other health concerns. The client can be an actual client, or if you are not yet seeing clients, it can be a family member or a colleague to whom you’ve offered coaching sessions.

i. Record a 20-minute audio or video segment of a session with a “client.” A zoom video from a computer is preferred so that we can see that you are picking up on the non-verbal cues. This session needs to demonstrate your capability to establish rapport.

Follow the comprehensive case history guidelines as taught in Module 3 for completing your intake session. This guide includes asking the right questions so you understand your clients’ concerns, when and under what circumstances the issues began, and all the contributing factors, including diet, exposures, family history, trauma and emotional stressors. Here is a sample and a short intro to the sample with explanations.
ii. Post your video to YouTube and make it unlisted. You will ultimately turn in the link to this with your other certification materials.
iii. Have your client complete the digestive scorecard assessment and any other assessments provided in Level 3 Module 2.
iv. Recommend the following testing if they are willing and able:

a. Stool Testing (Recommended: GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile)

b. Execute Your Findings and Plan To Restore Leaky Gut

i. Use all of the information gathered in Step A to create a plan for your client. Make dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations using this template as your guide.

ii. Take your client through a 30-day leaky gut/dysbiosis protocol as presented in Level 3 Module 2. Use the charts provided as needed.

1. Use the Candida Cleanse document and indicate which foods they will be eating, their stress management regime, sleep patterns, fitness, etc.

2. Implement an elimination/provocation protocol and have the client track their symptom responses as they add food back in.

3. List supplements before, during, and after completion of the 30 day leaky gut/dysbiosis protocol.

2. Collect and Present Your Case Study

a. Case Study Write-Up

i. Write a summary of their history, findings, and pertinent lab results using the provided standard case report template using everything you’ve collected through Steps 2 and 3. Compile the results of your plan execution into a report you can submit.

This format is a standard used by health professionals to communicate information about clients so that any colleagues or specialists the client is referred to can easily understand the issues and steps taken to assess and manage.

Your Case History portion should be 2 pages single spaced, Arial, size 12 font, with 1 inch margins. Please note that if your paper is more than 3 pages, it will be sent back to be revised.

ii. Using everything you’ve collected through Steps 2 and 3, create a case study write-up for your client. Include all the tracking forms used, and a summary of where they started and results achieved and next steps recommended. Your case study will be around 5 pages as it will include all your tracking and management notes, plus the case history report as in step i.

3. Case Study Presentation

Create and record a 10 minute presentation to demonstrate the case including everything in the intake, any pertinent labs, the plan, and the outcome of the steps above. The goal is to create a case study review that could be presented to and understood by another health and wellness professional.

#4: Project 2 – Nutrient Report Assignment

Nutrient Report Assignment

The Nutrient Report assignment will allow you to research and get to know one nutrient very well. Completion of this assignment will demonstrate your ability to communicate your understanding, your research skills, and your reporting skills. Once completed, you will have the option of presenting your findings on an Open Coaching call to your classmates. If you decide to present your assignment, please email inecourseadvisor@drritamarie.com to schedule time on one of the calls.

a. Choosing Your Topic

Choose a minimum of one nutrient from the list below:

Vitamin A
Vitamin B1 – Thiamin
Vitamin B2 – Riboflavin
Vitamin B3 – Niacin
Vitamin B5 – Pantothenic Acid
Vitamin B6 – Pyridoxine
Vitamin B7 – Biotin
Vitamin B9 – Folate/Folic Acid
Vitamin B12 – Cobalamin
Vitamin C
Vitamin D

Vitamin E
Vitamin K
Calcium
Choline
Chloride
Chromium
Cobalt
Copper
Iodine
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Molybdenum
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Sodium

Zinc
Alpha-Linolenic Acid
Arginine
Beta-Alanine
Histidine
Isoleucine
Leucine
Linoleic Acid
Lysine
Methionine
Phenylalanine
Sulfur
Threonine
Tryptophan
Valine

b. Research Guidelines:

Your report should include all of the following (if available):

The common name and any alternative names it might have.
Whether or not it is fat- or water- soluble (for vitamins), or whether it is considered a major or trace mineral (for minerals).
In detail, write the primary action/benefit of the nutrient.
Also include any other/secondary functions/benefits.
List food sources of the nutrient.

List any challenges to getting enough or the ability to get enough absorbed.
Discuss antagonizing factors, i.e., factors that decrease the absorption and utilization of the nutrient, including other nutrients, medications, dietary factors, and head or cold. For example: heat destroys Vitamin C.
Present hormone balancing and/or therapeutic uses.
List symptoms of excess, if any.
Special considerations or cautions.

c. Research Report Write-Up

i. Write in a way that is understandable by clients so it can be used as a client handout.

d. Report Criteria

i. The report should be roughly two pages (not including the reference page). Your reference section in APA format should list all the sources you’ve previously cited. Please note that if your paper is more than 3 pages, it will be sent back to be revised.

ii. Margins: 1″ margins all around

iii. Report title: Arial 20-point font, bold.

iv. Report body: Arial 12-point font, line-spacing: single (preferably set at 1.3 spacing)

v. Header: Report title on all pages – right-justified

vi. Footer: Include a document footer that includes “Prepared for the Institute of Nutritional Endocrinology (INE) by your name, credentials”. Please present page numbers in “Page X of X” format – centered.

#5: Project 3 – Food Principles Assignment

Food Principles Assignment

The Food Principles Research Report assignment will allow you to get to know one “food religion” very well. Completion of the assignment will demonstrate your ability to communicate your understanding, your research skills, and your reporting skills. Once completed, you will have the option of presenting your findings on an Open Coaching or Content Implementation call to your classmates. If you decide to present your assignment, please email inecourseadvisor@drritamarie.com to schedule time on one of the calls.

a. Choosing Your Topic

Choose one of the food plans from the list below:

Oxalates
FODMAPs
Ayurveda
Macrobiotic
Specific Carbohydrate Diet (SCD)
GAPS
Low-Carb – Atkins
Low-Carb – Ketogenic
Low-Carb – Autoimmune Paleo
Low-Carb – Zone Diet
Low-Carb – South Beach Diet

Low-Carb – Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine
Low-Carb – Body Ecology Diet
Paleolithic
Ancestrial
Hunter Gatherer
Primal
Weston Price
Anti-Candida Diet
Plant-Based Diet
Vegan
Ovo/Lacto Vegetarian
Raw Vegan Diet
80-10-10 Diet
Fruitarian

Esselstyn Diet
Ornish Diet
McDougal Diet
Elimination Diet
Engine 2 Diet
Feingold Diet
Failsafe Diet
Low-Phenol – Amines
Low-Phenol – Salicylates
Low-Phenol – Histamines
Low-Glycemic
Low-Sulfur
IIFYM – If It Fits Your Macros

b. Research Guidelines:

Your report should include all of the following (if available) on your chosen food religion:

The general pros
The general cons
The specific benefits to overall health (if any)
The specific benefits to particular conditions/symptoms (if any) may be appropriate for a specific individual.

The specific risks for particular conditions/symptoms (if any)
The foods to include
The foods to avoid
Criteria for knowing the circumstances under which this diet
Optional: Include a 1-week menu plan and some recipes

c. Research Report Write-Up

i. Write in a way that is understandable by clients so it can be used as a client handout.

d. Report Criteria

ii. Margins: 1″ margins all around

iii. Report title: Arial 20-point font, bold.

iv. Report body: Arial 12-point font, line-spacing: single (preferably set at 1.3 spacing)

v. Header: Report title on all pages – right-justified

#6: Project 4 – Food Plan Assignment

Food Plan Assignment

The Food Plan Assignment will allow you to use your newly gained knowledge about a specific food plan and determine whether your client from Project 1 is a good candidate. Completion of this assignment will demonstrate your ability to communicate your understanding, your research skills, and your reporting skills.

a. Using your Food Principles Research Report, decide whether your client/study buddy would be a good candidate. If yes, explain why and how’d you introduce the plan into their diet. If not, explain why and if another plan would be more fitting.

b. Client Write-Up

i. Write in a way that is understandable by clients so it can be used as a client handout.

c. Report Criteria

ii. Margins: 1″ margins all around

iii. Report title: Arial 20-point font, bold.

iv. Report body: Arial 12-point font, line-spacing: single (preferably set at 1.3 spacing)

v. Header: Report title on all pages – right-justified

#7: Case Studies with Feedback

NOTE: These sessions can not be scheduled until all above certification requirements have been submitted and approved.

You must schedule and complete two or three case studies (will include lab testing) with a course advisor. After the second session, the course advisor will decide if a third session is required. There will be at least a $1,500.00 fee if additional case studies are needed after the third session.

Please be aware that these case studies will be assigned at random and you’ll only have a week to prep for each. One week before the appointment date, a case study will be emailed to you.

You’ll be required to study the case and write a case study report using the below guidelines ahead of time. Then during the call you will present the information to a course advisor. This paper must be submitted at least 24 hours ahead of your appointment time in order to be reviewed. Each call will be 60-90 minutes with a course advisor to receive feedback on your work.

Be prepared to answer questions and justify your recommendations, specifically how you’d explain lab results to your client. These sessions are intended to help you master the NEPT course cumulative information.

Feel free to schedule these ahead of time and block off those weeks to complete the work. Choose your dates carefully since you can only reschedule one appointment up to two weeks beforehand without a penalty.

NOTE: If the appointment time is missed or the paper isn’t submitted in time, there will be a $1,000.00 rescheduling fee.

Write a summary of their history, findings, and pertinent lab results using the provided standard case report template using everything provided in the case study. Compile the results of your plan execution into a report you can submit.

This format is a standard used by health professionals to communicate information about clients so that any colleagues or specialists the client is referred to can easily understand the issues and steps taken to assess and manage.

a. Report Criteria

ii. Margins: 1″ margins all around

iii. Report title: Arial 20-point font, bold.

iv. Report body: Arial 12-point font, line-spacing: single (preferably set at 1.3 spacing)

v. Header: Report title on all pages – right-justified

#8: Coaching Practicum Hours

You must complete 75 hours of coaching / supporting friends, NEPT members, or clients. Please email inecourseadvisor@drritamarie.com for approval once you have a plan for completing your hours. If you don’t have your own practice, you must completely pass Level 1 before collecting any practicum hours.

In July, you may apply to the ERC program internship in order to get experience with Dr. Ritamarie’s coaches and work on your practicum hours. An email will be sent out to all active students when the internship is opened back up. Be aware that this internship only has a few spots available each year and Level 1 must be completed prior to applying.

Please Note: Members on payment plans must be up to date and in good standing to apply for practicum hours.

Coaching Practicum Hours Log Template

Some ways to get practicum hours: ERC Internship, submit a log of patients/clients you’re working with, volunteer hours at a chiropractic office, etc.

#9: Informal Exit Interview

Once all other certification requirements have been submitted and approved, schedule a 30 minute informal exit interview with Dr. Ritamarie. Once everything has been approved, you will receive an email with details to schedule this informal appointment.

All Materials To Submit

NOTE: All materials should either be submitted as an Unlisted Youtube Link for videos or a PDF for documents. These are the documents and recording links to be submitted:

Project 1 – Demonstrate Proficiency in Working With Clients

YouTube unlisted link to interview – 20 minutes

Case history report in standard case report format (PDF)

All assessments completed by client (PDF)

Lab tests submitted by client (PDF)

Client plan (PDF)

Tracking forms used during 30 day protocol as described above (PDF)

Case Study Writeup (PDF)
YouTube unlisted link to recording of case presentation – 10 minutes

Project 2 – Nutrient Report Assignment

Nutrient Report Assignment (PDF)

Project 3 – Food Principles Assignment

Food Principles Assignment (PDF)

Project 4 – Food Plan Assignment

Food Plan Assignment (PDF)

Case Study with Feedback Sessions (3 Total)

Case Study Report Writeup (PDF)

Coaching Practicum Hours

Log of hours completed (PDF)

Nutritional Endocrinology Practitioner Training (NEPT)

Certification Requirements

Table of Contents

#1: Module Exam/Post-Tests

#2: Health Topic Presentation

#3: Project 1 – Demonstrate Proficiency in Working With Clients

#4: Project 2 – Nutrient Report Assignment

#5: Project 3 – Food Principles Assignment

#6: Project 4 – Food Plan Assignment

#7: Case Studies with Feedback

#8: Coaching Practicum Hours

#9: Informal Exit Interview

All Materials To Submit