Registered Dietitian Exam FAQ

POST UPDATED 11/8/2017

Are you midway through your dietetic internship and starting to worry about the RDN exam? Or maybe you're a few years out from your internship and are trying to brush up on material? I have devoted time, space, and energy to including information on the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Exam on my website through posts, study materials, and tips. I get comments and emails with questions, and wanted to provide a place for you to reach out to me and ask comments in one spot. 

Learn about my Study Smarter Method for the RD exam to revamp your study strategy. 

I have answered FAQ below. If you have a question about my experience prepping, studying, or taking the exam, please leave a comment on this post. 

My Experience with the RDN Exam

I completed a traditional dietetic internship that ran from September 2013 to June 2014. I studied from May 2014 to August 2014 while working, and took the exam in early August before I started graduate school. I passed the first time. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions about my experience? What section did I think was the hardest? How did I stay organized with so much study material? What about questions for a certain topic on the exam? What sort of resources would you like to see here? Leave a comment on this post. In the meantime, I've answered some frequently asked questions below.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Bailey

What format is the test?

• The RDN Exam is a computer adaptive test that you take at a Pearson Vue test center.
• Here is a fact sheet from CDR on the switch from between testing vendors (ACT to Pearson Vue). 
• You must answer all questions, and you cannot flag questions to come back to.
• Questions are multiple choice, with 4 answer options. 
• The format is the same for the 2017 test update. 

Who gives the exam?

• The accrediting body for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). CDR also overlooks Dietetic Technician Registered (DTR) exams as well as some specialty certifications such as CSO (oncology), CSP (pediatrics), CSG (gerontology), CSSD (sports nutrition) and others. They also run the weight management programs. 
• The CDR website is www.cdrnet.org 
• There will not be a representative from CDR at your exam. The proctor is employed by the testing center.

How does the scoring work?

• You can receive minimum 125 questions (100 scored, 25 piloted) to maximum 145 questions (120 scored, 25 piloted). You won't know which questions are piloted.
• Because the number of questions may vary from candidate to candidate, the exam uses a scaled score out of 50 points. 

What score do I need to get to pass?

• You need a 25 out of 50 to pass.

When do I find out if I passed?

• As soon as you are done with the exam! Your score sheet will print out at the front desk, and you pick it up on your way out.

What material is on the exam?

• There are four domains on the exam, each with subtopics.
  
  

1. Principles of Dietetics (25%) 
2. Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (40%)
3. Management (21%)
4. Foodservice Systems (14%)
   
   

• Look at the most up-to-date CDR outline. The exam has been updated in 2007, 2012, and most recently 2017. Be aware of materials published before January 1, 2017 as they will be current with the previous 2012 exam. The main differences are a shift in focus on Principles of Dietetics (12% -> 25%) and the trickle down effect of reducing percentages of other domains. 
• For dietetic students and new graduates, see the RD Handbook from CDR.

• Here is a link to the NEW 2017 CDR Outline. 

How much does the exam cost?

• The application for testing is $200 for RDN-eligible candidates.

When can I sign up for the exam?

• You will fill out forms with your dietetic internship director to submit for RDN-eligibility. Completing the information online instead of by mail is typically faster. It should take maximum 3-4 weeks for you to receive the email that you are eligible to sign up for the exam. This expires 1 year later.
• Here is a 4 Step guide to signing up from the Student Forum at FNCE 2014. 

What if I don't pass the first time?

• Don't worry! You are eligible to retake the exam in 45 days. You should contact CDR to be re-authorized and pay the exam fee again (you are not automatically signed up). You can retake the exam as many times as you need to, as long as there is 45 days between testing sessions. 
• Standardized testing can be frustrating. If you had trouble with the SAT or GRE testing style, you may consider hiring a tutor who can help you navigate the nuances of standardized testing. It may seem unfair that the test may test your testing skills more than your knowledge, but remember that it protects our profession and maintains our credibility. If you are at a loss as to what you should do next, consider my Study Smarter Method resources. Learning how to develop and apply your critical thinking skills can help you pass the exam. You can also find my study guides, planners, and  topic sheets at www.studysmartermethod.com 

How many people pass the first time?

In 2016, 3,407 RD2Be's took 3,786 tests. Overall:

• 87.3% passed on the first try (2,617/2,997)
• 56.5% passed on the second try (226/400)
• 43.8% passed on the third try (63/144))
• 30.2% passed on the 4th+ time (74/245)

​
Giving an overall pass rate in 2016 of 78.7% (2,980/3,786). 

​I've illustrated these pass rates broken down by pathway in the graphs below.​

So if you're coming from an ISPP pathway, does that mean you're doomed to take the exam a gazillion times? No! These numbers are to orient you to the landscape. If you're already on your second or more attempt, these numbers should show you that you're not alone. 

CDR publishes exam pass/fail statistics here. CDR does not publish average scores for exams, and this doesn't matter much. Besides passing, your score reflects more how well you take the test than knowing the information as our profession is incredibly practice based and an exam can only test that so well. 

​-BD