Registered Dietitian Exam FAQ

2/19/2015

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.

Check out my RD exam resources, read what past students have to say, and explore other blog posts about the test.

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 RD Exam - Bailey DeBarmore

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.

What is "Computer Adaptive Testing"?

Computer adaptive testing means the questions you get are based on previous answers. Basically, you may get different questions than someone else, but every person gets at least 125 questions.

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.

Principles of Dietetics (25%)
Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (40%)
Management (21%)
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 (like many others before you). You can also find my study guides, planners, and topic sheets on the Resources tab.

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.

If you have more questions, or would like some help on your preparation journey for the exam, don't hesitate to comment, email me, look through my resources, or sign up for a tutoring slot.

-BD

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16 Comments

Stephanie

5/1/2015 03:38:22 am

I first took and passed the RD exam in 1988. Due to some family adversity I let my RD expire in 2008. Now I wish to reactivate my RD but to do so must retake the exam. I do not even know what or how to study in order to pass it this time given given I took it 27 years ago. Your advice would be appreciated.

Bailey

5/1/2015 03:49:15 am

Hi Stephanie! I'd love to chat with you. Please email me via the contact form! (I can't see your email from comments)

Thanks
Bailey

April

8/19/2015 12:22:32 pm

hey! How did you study for the clinical portion of exam? Domain II is the hardest part for me. Having trouble passing exam. What do you suggest?

10/3/2015 02:36:33 pm

Hi April, thanks for the comment. The clinical portion of the exam was definitely my strong suit since my DI was so clinically focused and always seemed to "click" with me. Domain II is really what "being a dietitian" is all about. Check out the Academy website for resources on NCP and ADIME and go from there. Think about the types of questions you're struggling with, examine the answers, and try to figure out their line of thought.

Bailey

Sandy Mitchell

10/2/2015 11:08:52 am

My daughter is trying to pass her RD exam. She is having trouble and we are looking for a tutor. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa. Do you have any suggestion on a tutor? She struggles with math and also the "what would you do" questions were hard for her.

10/3/2015 02:34:59 pm

Sandy,

I highly suggest you run a Google search for "registered dietitian exam tutor". You should find a number of persons listed online through various services, and you should be able to find someone online or in your town.

Good luck!
Bailey

Emily Price

10/3/2015 11:31:51 am

Hi Bailey,

I finished my DI August 28 and I recently started a job part-time. I also have an 11 month old, but she's in daycare, so I do have time to study.

I am just starting now as I traveled and was originally working FT. Do you know how I can get a tutor? I am going to need help with the math questions and also just general help.

Thank you,

Emily

10/3/2015 02:34:29 pm

Hi Emily,

I highly suggest you run a Google search for "registered dietitian exam tutor". You should find a number of persons listed online through various services, and you should be able to find someone online or in your town.

Good luck!
Bailey

Bridget

9/17/2016 06:54:15 pm

Hi there, I took the RD exam in 1994 and passed. I've had three kiddos w special needs and now feel ready to jump back into the nutrition world. What steps do I need to take to take the RDN exam? I originally had done an MP4 master's and internship combined. Thank you

9/18/2016 01:29:34 pm

Hi Bridget, thanks for reaching out!

There have been a lot of changes in the credentialing process just in the past 5 years. Your best bet to find out how to proceed is to give the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) a call at 1 (800) 877-1600 Ext. 5500 and find out what sort of materials (proof of previous credential, etc.) you need to provide in order to retake the exam.

You can also email them at cdr@eatright.org.

I scoured their website to find out about re-certification, but they haven't addressed that topic in their FAQ it seems.

Keep us updated!
Bailey

Karen

5/1/2017 04:47:56 pm

Hi Bailey-
This is my last week of my DI internship and I'm trying to get organized as I start studying for the RD exam. There's a lot of resources and different advice online that it can be overwhelming! So my first question is what was your style of studying and what did you find helpful? My second question is whether the RD exam is transferable? I plan to move states within the next few months and wanted to make sure that if it is not transferable to just wait and take it in the state I'm moving to. I scoured the internet, but wasn't able to find information regarding this matter. Thank you!

5/1/2017 05:38:53 pm

Hi Karen -

I'm a bit concerned that you're almost done with your DI and they haven't mentioned to you that the RD/RDN exam is for national accrediation. It is licensure that is state-specific, and does not require additional testing. After you pass your exam through CDR, you show proof & pay a fee to your state specific licensing board (if they have licensure).

You can read about my approach to studying by jumping off the main RD Exam page. I've linked below to some specifics.

My study tips: http://www.baileydebarmore.com/journey-back-to-lean/rd-exam-study-tips

Making a study schedule for the RD exam: http://www.baileydebarmore.com/journey-back-to-lean/rd-exam-making-a-study-schedule

Let me know if you have any specific questions at bailey.debarmore@gmail.com

Thanks for stopping by!
Bailey

Rob link

5/12/2017 03:37:03 pm

Hi Bailey, I think you put together some great information here! I am sure that you have helped many individuals acquire their credentials. I wanted to point one thing out from your otherwise awesome presentation of materials. While the CDR test is adaptive, it does NOT rely on the previous question to present you with your next one. It does not supply a harder question when you get one right or an easier one if you get one incorrect. It is an classification test, meaning that the questions are already set when you start. This link explains it all.

https://www.cdrnet.org/vault/2459/web/files/computeradapttesting.pdf

Once again, your blog provides such good ideas and details as compared to so many others. You are doing a good service here!

Thanks for helping so many future fellow RD's out!

Rob

1/8/2018 05:09:31 pm

Rob - Thank you so much for pointing this out. I know I didn't reply immediately but I did make the change to my post. Again, thank you!

Bailey

Catherine

6/15/2018 10:55:37 pm

I failed the examination in 2009 and was not able to retake. I now want to take a chance again but I'm not sure if I am still eligible - given the long time frame I did not retake. Can I still take it?

Kate

4/16/2019 04:42:47 pm

Hi Bailey,
I noticed that your post still mentions the incorrect information that Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT) means that exam questions change based on how exam takers answer previous questions (as Rob previously pointed out). I know that this is a common misconception, so just wanted to mention it again in case you still intend to change the information you provide.
I also echo Rob's sentiments of "thank you!" for providing information for future test-takers!
Kate