500 pass national exam to certify as dietitians

China's first group of registered dietitians gained their professional certifications on Monday, as experts called for even more to meet demand and help guide people's daily diet for a healthier life.

Nearly 1,500 people took the first national exam for dietitians in July, and about 500 passed, according to Yang Yuexin, director of the China Nutrition Society.

This year's testing centers were in Beijing and Shanghai, and in Guangdong, Jilin and Sichuan provinces. An estimated 10,000 people are expected take the exam in the next three years.