The RD exam: Ins, outs and everything in between
By Elisa Garza, MBA, DD Internship Graduate/DD Graphic Designer
A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and internship - whew that’s a lot! After countless hours studying the Kreb’s cycle, completing case studies, and nailing down the NFPE, you're almost at the finish line. You just have one last hurdle to conquer - the RD exam.
You may be wondering…Why an exam? How will this validate my knowledge and skills? Why do I need to know ice cream scoops?
The RD exam as a whole helps maintain the integrity and professionalism of the dietetics field. We know it may seem intimidating, but don’t fret! You put in the work and know the material, and the results will speak for themselves. While we don’t have an explanation for every type of question asked on the exam, we can give you the tea on what our interns and DD community have done to pass the exam.
RD Exam Breakdown
If you’re nervous and perhaps overwhelmed by what the exam entails, it may be helpful to learn more about its structure. The RDN exam is produced by the Commission for Dietetic Registration and is updated every 5 years, the most recent update was in 2022. This exam is a tool to determine if someone has the knowledge and skills to practice as an entry-level RD.
The exam is computer-based and is scored on a scale of 1-50 with a 25 being the minimum passing score. While this may seem like 50%, each question is actually weighed differently. You will know your results immediately following the exam. If you do not pass the exam on your first try, you may take the exam 45 days after the original test date.
Now, let’s get to what you have likely been waiting for…The exam is made up of 4 domains which include:
Principles of Dietetics (21%)
Food, Nutrition and Supporting Sciences
Education, Communication, and Technology
Research Applications
Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (45%)
Screening and Assessment
Diagnosis
Planning and Intervention
Monitoring and Evaluation
Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services (21%)
Functions of Management
Human Resources Management
Financial Management
Marketing and Public Relations
Foodservice Systems (13%)
Menu Development
Procurement, Production, Distribution, and Service
Sanitation and Safety
Equipment and Facility Planning
Registering for the RD Exam
Registering for the exam may seem long and tedious, but by following the steps on the CDR website (and summarized below), you will successfully register for the exam. There is an opportunity to reschedule the exam, so before you panic and think, “But when should I schedule?” just pick a date in the future. If needed, you can change the exam date directly on the Pearson VUE website, at least 48 hours in advance. Limitations and fees may apply.
Your internship program director will send the supervised practice completion authorization to CDR, then the email will be sent from Pearson. Pearson cannot issue an email before that authorization is sent from the intern’s/student's dietetic internship program. To schedule your Registration Examination for Dietitians, start by checking your email for your Pearson VUE account details after receiving authorization. Once you have this information, visit Pearson VUE and log in with your credentials.
After logging in, your homepage will display the exam you are eligible to take. Make sure to review the CDR testing policies before proceeding to the next step. You'll need to select up to three test centers based on availability, so choose the ones that work best for you.
Next, pick a suitable date and time for your exam. It’s important to confirm that your name matches the identification you will present at the test center and review your selections carefully. Once you've done that, agree to the exam policies.
If you have any promo codes, enter them before completing your payment information. After ensuring all details are correct, click “Submit Order” to finalize your scheduling. Lastly, don’t forget to print or save your confirmation page for your records.
The registration process for the exam is subject to change, please review the CDR website regularly for the most up to date information.
Registering for the exam will set you up for success and let’s face it, if you don’t schedule the exam now, when will you? Like Nike says, “Just Do It!” Prioritize planning some time before the exam or the day before to relax and destress if possible.
ICYMI: RDN Exam Updates
The CDR recently announced some changes for individuals who may need more time on the exam or would like to save money if they are uncertain they will pass the first time.
Extended Examination Time: Starting March 15, 2024, the exam will include an additional 30 minutes to the test time for all candidates. This means the test duration will increase from 2.5 to 3 hours (with total appointment time increasing from 3 to 3.5 hours including agreement, tutorial, testing time, and survey).
CDR's Test Bundle Voucher: Starting March 15, 2024, this optional program provides candidates with a second attempt to pass their RD or DTR exam at a discounted rate, should they have an unsuccessful first attempt. For $325 (RD) or $215 (DTR), candidates receive a voucher valid for two test attempts.
You may be hesitant on buying the bundle because you may want to pass the exam the first time, who wouldn't?! Make an informed decision and outline your pros and cons. Ask yourself a couple of questions - have you made time to study? Do you have sufficient funds?
Adjustment in Exam Fee: Beginning June 1, 2024 the cost of the RD exam will increase from $200 to $225.
All information was shared by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), learn more at https://www.cdrnet.org/RDExamOverview.
Affording the RD Exam
Saving up money for the RDN exam can be overwhelming, but here are some ideas to make money fast:
Find a local thrift store that buys clothes. Clean out your closet to make some $ (Plato’s Closet, Clothes Mentor, Buffalo Exchange, etc).
Walk dogs or become a pet sitter. Check out apps such as Rover, Wag or create an advertisement on Canva and share on social media.
Tutor peers or students at a local school/within your community. Post fliers at your local library, around a campus and/or on social media.
Provide resume feedback or make resumes.
Find gigs at a local farmers market, at times the vendors may need staff to support their businesses.
Are you a baker? Sell baked goods and promote on social media!
Do you have any craft or creative skills? Start a seller's account on Etsy.
While it may seem like the end of the world, you are innovative, creative and have willpower -- you made it through the RD pathway so this is just one more hurdle to get past. You’ve got this!
Some entry level RD jobs also accept provisional licenses, and may even pay for someone to take the RDN exam.
Study Tips for the RD Exam
There is a quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry that sums up the importance of having a plan: “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” You can dream it and wish to have the RD credential, but if you do not create a plan to study, the chances of passing the exam are likely very slim. You have had to plan your life all the way up to this point, so this shouldn’t be any different. Inhale, one, two, three…now get to planning.
1. Schedule time
You are a future RD, of course you have a plan and are going to use a calendar! By creating a schedule you will alleviate stress, set yourself up for success and increase content retention. Whether it is a physical planner, dry erase board or digital planner — use what works best for you.
2. Use flashcards
Save yourself time, hand cramps and money by utilizing digital flashcards such as Quizlet and Study Stack. Create your own, use premade ones and practice, practice, practice.
3. Find an Accountability-buddy
Study smarter, not harder. You have an amazing community of RD2BEs that are in the same position as you. Reach out, create a meeting date and get to studying. You may learn a new way of understanding a concept, sharing strategies and may even make a new friend!
4. Find a program or develop a content study guide
There are many programs out there with various approaches, price ranges and experiences. Find one that works best for you. We asked around and here are a few that our DD community has used:
Pass the Dietitian Exam (app) * - $
Chomping down the RD Exam *
RD Exam Made Easy (podcast) *
eatrightPREP for the RDN Exam $$
Quizlet *
Dietitians on Demand * https://shop.dietitiansondemand.com/collections/all
Dietetics with Dana $$
Price Code:
$ : $50-$100
$$ : $120-$200
$$$: $250+
* : FREE
5. Take Breaks
We all know that being sleep deprived and running on empty is no way to be set up for success. Plan to take breaks, nourish your body and get moving. Caffeine may be your bestie during this time, but we can’t forget about old faithful, H2O. If you need reminders, set alarms every 30 minutes for a 5 minute break. For those that need a bit more structure, try out the Pomodoro method, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxdLBxNMbtw.
Tips from the DD Community
We have a diverse and supportive community that can’t wait to celebrate this achievement with you. They have been in your shoes and we asked them for their experiences leading up to the exam, including what worked and what didn’t.
One of the main takeaways from reviewing the DD community's answers is that everyone’s experience is different. What works for one person may not work for you. You may need to explore a little bit of everything to curate a study plan while utilizing the learning styles that work best for you.
Things that weren’t helpful during studying
Study groups: While study groups have benefits, it may not be a good idea to do every day especially if you’re a social butterfly or if you are prone to distractions as it can take up some of your precious study time. However, getting out and being around people in your situation every once in a while can definitely be what your brain needs.
Memorizing: Don’t feel like you have to memorize everything you’re studying. While it can feel like this is what you need to do sometimes, it’s often unrealistic and not helpful to successfully pass the exam. Do your best studying each of the domains and spend time on the domains you feel least confident with. The exam will test your critical thinking skills more than anything else, so you don’t have to know every answer but know enough to do the process of elimination to choose the best answer.
Certain study apps: Some study apps will have hundreds of questions. Don’t let these questions overwhelm you. As we mentioned above, you don’t have to know every answer.
Helpful study tips
Solo studying: Independent studying can allow you to focus on your areas of strength and growth. This can also help you from comparing yourself to others.
Using different study resources: If you rely on reading/using Jean Inman only, be open to trying other study resources or techniques, perhaps flashcards and/or a podcast to expose you to different types and forms of information.
Study plans: Create a study plan to set yourself up for success. While some people may like cramming, others may need structured time to also have opportunities to socialize, exercise and work.
Keep in mind that what you studied in school is not always relevant to the exam. There will be some deep textbook and note diving to brush up and strengthen your confidence in the domains. If you would like to simulate the exam, EatRightPrep offers an online practice exam.
Length of time the DD community studied for the exam
We asked our DD community what time frame they allotted for studying for the CDR examination. The pie chart above shows their responses. Essentially time frames for studying varied.
The majority of registered dietitians either took one month or 2-3 months to study. The differences depending on whether they were able to study full time (in which case they needed less time to study) or part-time due to needing to work, having families or prior commitments (in which case they needed more time to study). So make sure to consider this when planning a study schedule and selecting your exam date. The time spent studying will vary for each person, try not to compare yourself to others.
Program directors really encourage interns to take the exam within 3-4 months of finishing their internship. It’s easy to forget a lot of what you learned during your Dietetic Practice Program (DPD), especially since that info might have been covered years ago. By taking the exam sooner, you keep everything fresh in your mind, which can help boost your chances of success!
Consider your learning style
A learning style is a method of understanding educational content in a manner that is best suited for an individual. Here are some examples on how the learning styles may reflect your study method:
Auditory: Using word association to remember facts, listening to podcasts, repeating facts with eyes closed and participating in group discussions/study groups
Tactile: Studying in short blocks of time (check out the Pomodoro Method), using memory games such as flashcards and drawing pathways on a whiteboard.
Visual: Making outlines, watching videos, color coding and using visuals in your notes.
By identifying your learning style, you can customize what study method will be most effective for you. Consider taking this learning style quiz.
Accommodation considerations
Do you have a learning or cognitive disorder, psychological disorder, physical disability or a chronic health condition? Did you know that you can submit a request for accommodations for the RD exam? An accommodation may include but are not limited to: breaks, extra time or a private testing room. If you think you may qualify, submit a request using the following steps at least one month in advance.
Identify the need for accommodations and review the guidelines for the documentation that will be needed.
Create an account on Pearson Vue and request the accommodation. You will be prompted to print a form that must be completed by your provider.
Collect the documentation from your provider - this provider must be able to identify your diagnoses and support for accommodation. Your provider may be but is not limited to a mental health counselor, physician, psychiatrist, etc. You may need to schedule an appointment with your provider.
Submit all documents to Pearson Vue.
Once approved, schedule your exam.
Notes:
→ Accommodations cannot be applied to a previously scheduled exam.
→ Each individual is assessed on a case by case basis and the processing may take up to 10 business days.
Favorite Study Fuel
As a dietetic student, you may already have your well-balanced study snack game down. But we couldn’t help ourselves and had to ask the DD community what their go-to study snacks were. Here are a few examples:
Coffee with protein bar and fruit
Parfait with yogurt, berries, granola and PB
Adult lunchable made up of salami, cheese, crackers, grapes, dark chocolate
Trail Mix with walnuts, craisins, almonds, chocolate chips, pretzels
Popcorn, pickles, and dark chocolate
You’ve got this!
Now that you have made it this far in this post, you have all the info you need to start preparing for the exam. You have your learning style that works best for you, exam prep resources, information on how to schedule the exam, and tips from the DD community. Take your time studying and when you feel ready, schedule the exam. We are here cheering you on and can’t wait to welcome you as an RD! You are more than capable of passing, so…get to studying!