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How to Study for the RD Exam

7/7/2014

6 Comments

 
For the most up-to-date information on the RD exam, including information on the 2022 exam update, and help with passing the exam, head over to my website www.studysmartermethod.com.

POST UPDATED 11/8/2017
​

I've said it before and I'll say it again - the RD Exam has 
a lot on it!

I spent a lot of time as a TA in undergrad, where I hosted study sessions for students, helping them hone in on their best study method, how to think like the test writer, etc. and I also spent a lot of time writing hard exams.

I reached back into the depths of my experiences pre-dietetic internship to come up with a study method for tackling the RD Exam.
Studying for the RD Exam - Bailey DeBarmore
There are four steps to make sure you are as prepared as you can be:

1) Know what's on the test
2) Use your best study method
3) Focus on what you don't know
4) Review before the test

Let's talk about the RD exam in general, and then dive in to studying.



About the RD Exam

The RD Exam is a computerized test that you take at a testing center, similar to how the GRE is administered. It is a specific type of testing format, called computer adaptive testing. This means that each candidate's exam has a different number of questions, but each person will receive at least 125 questions - 100 scored and 25 pilot questions (unscored). You will not know which questions are piloted. You can receive maximum 145 questions (120 scored).

You will have 3 hours: 2.5 hours for the exam, and 30 minutes for introductory material and a post-exam survey to familiarize you with the computer program, nondisclosure agreements, and surveys.

Each question is multiple choice, with 4 answer options. Once you answer a question, you cannot go back and change it. You cannot skip questions and flag them for later. You cannot move on until you have answered the question.

You find out if you passed right after taking the test - it will have your scaled score and scaled sub-scores. The scaled score to pass is 25 on a scale of 1 to 50.

Know What's on the Test

Go through the full CDR outline to familiarize yourself with what topics are on the test.

Use Your Best Study Method

If you've made it to studying for the RD exam, you've been successful in school. You probably have some idea of what type of learning style you have and what study methods work best for you. If you're not positive, though, here are some resources for you.

Take this quick (2-5 minute) learning styles quiz, and then learn more about which one you are.
Edutopia Multiple Intelligence Self Assessment
Here's a quick summary of each learning style and the best study methods for each.
Remember, you're likely a combination of different learning styles.

1) Kinesthetic learning: you think in movements and retain information better when it's associated with an activity.
> Show the action of the idea you're trying to learn, make a skit or a game, apply concepts to practical examples, stay active while studying -- squeeze a stress ball or walk around while reading.

2) Interpersonal learning: you retain information better when you are interacting socially.
> Form a study group, talk out concepts.

3) Intrapersonal learning: you are great at self-management and setting goals for yourself, and retain information better when you are able to connect with yourself.
> Create a quiet study place that you can go to.

4) Logical learning: you ask questions and find solutions, but also enjoy the problem-solving process on the way.
> Think about your concepts as a puzzle or equation, ask yourself questions and work through the solutions, create an outline to make logical sense of the concepts.

5) Musical learning: you enjoy listening to and making music, and you often retain information better when associated with music.
> Listen to music while you study, and replay that song before the test.
> Create rhymes or songs for material you are trying to memorize.

6) Naturalistic learning: you feel in touch with nature, and find yourself yearning to be outside.
> For studying, try to think about the topics as an ecosystem, and connect each part together.
> Apply your ability to recognize and classify different plants and animals to your studying, but classifying different materials together.

7) Verbal learning: you are a good writer, fast reader and good listener.
> Ask questions particularly through the Socratic method whether with someone else (if interpersonal) or with yourself via practice quizzes or flash cards. Make a story out of the material to better remember it.

8) Visual learning: you can see and manipulate things in your mind without having it in front of you.
> Use projects to represent what you're learning, draw related images and charts summarizing the facts, organize with color, and imagine the concepts you are learning in a practical and everyday setting.
No matter what learning style you have, utilize active learning techniques while you study to make your studying more efficient. Want some ideas? Check out my 8 study tips.
My RD exam study resources utilize a variety of active learning techniques. You can find out at www.studysmartermethod.com

Review Before the Test


You want to plan your study schedule so that you aren't learning new material the week before the exam. For that week, either give yourself time of from studying, or limit yourself to lightly reviewing key topics. Spend 30-60 minutes per study session maximum when reviewing during the week befrore.

If there are key formulas or facts you need to memorize and will be writing own on your note page after the exam starts, bring only those materials to the testing center. You'll need to leave them in the locker outside of the testing area. 

Focus on What You Don't Know

Maybe from skimming the CDR outline you already have an idea of some topics you may need to spend extra time on. If not, I promise a few topics will come to light as you start studying. Whether it's memorizing food borne pathogens or types of foodservice systems, it's important to give them the time they need.

(1)   Keep a sheet of paper or computer document with a running list of topics to focus on.

(2)   Make a document with equations and definitions you'll need to remember for the test. Organize them by domain so it will be easy to go back later.

(3)   Depending on Your Learning Style: Use or make flashcards that ask sample quiz questions for tough concepts. Take practice quizzes on that topic. Rewrite your notes, make charts or pictures. Explain the concept to someone else.

Picture
Questions? Leave me a comment.

-Bailey
6 Comments
Riza
9/21/2016 05:42:36 am

Hi Bailey,
I have tried to take this exam 3 times and still have not been able to pass. I guess I don't do well on standardized exams. I know the pass rate the 4th time around is low, however, I'm hoping with your assistance, I can do it this time. I would like to know how to go about utilizing the CDR study guide as best as possible. I have read through it multiple times, however, I do not understand how to approach it. What are your suggestions?



Thank you!

Reply
Bailey
9/21/2016 11:29:53 am

Hi Riza,
Go ahead and send me an email, bailey.debarmore@gmail.com.
Thanks,
Bailey

Reply
Alexandra
5/4/2017 05:49:43 pm

Hi,
I am in the same situation. Took it 3 times and did not pass. Have you passed it yet?

Reply
Yendi Caraballo
5/17/2017 11:17:30 pm

Hello,

I am in the same situation, have taken the exam 4 times already and not passed. Sometimes I feel like I'm never going to! It makes you feel discouraged...do you have any suggestions?

Thank you!

Reply
Shreyasi
6/24/2020 10:38:19 am

Hello Bailey,

I have taken the RD Exam three times in the last year and have not been successful. I find it difficult to retain the information. Since. a few days, have also started to loose my focus and going low with motivation to study since I have not been able to pass this test. Will you be able to help me in this.. ??

Thank You.

Reply
Bailey
6/24/2020 02:22:21 pm

Hi Shreyasi,

You can find all of my RD exam materials at www.studysmartermethod.com.

Bailey

Reply

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