Becoming a registered dietitian is a significant milestone for any student in the field of dietetics. What’s the final step after your bachelor's degree, your master’s degree, AND your internship? The registered dietitian exam.

The Registered Dietitian (RD) exam is a significant hurdle to conquer in order to practice as a dietitian and to have a successful career. It is really common to feel intimidated and overwhelmed with where to even begin (and how to balance test prep with everything else going on in your life).

Preparing for this crucial exam requires dedication, strategy, and the right resources. Good news: we’ve got you covered.

This guide is here to provide you with everything you need to know to effectively prepare for the RD exam, ensuring success and confidence on exam day.

About the RD Exam

The exam will assess everything you learned over the course of your schooling and your internship. It covers a wide range of competencies necessary for a career in dietetics that are divided into four “domains” as follows:

• Principles of Dietetics (21%)
• Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (45%)
• Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services (21%)
• Foodservice Systems (13%)

The RD exam is managed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). The test specifications are updated every five years, ensuring that the exam remains relevant to current practices in the field. Familiarizing yourself with the exam guidelines and requirements can significantly boost your confidence and performance.

If you would benefit from any sort of accommodation for when you take your test, please click here for more information.

When you sit for the RD Exam, you’ll go to one of 250+ approved testing centers in person. You’ll be given between 125 and 150 multiple-choice questions. Each test question has four answer options. You can’t go back to earlier questions. Altogether, you’ll have three hours to complete the exam.

Of the questions that you answer, 25 will be questions that are being validated and won’t count toward your score (but you won’t know which questions count when taking the test). The test is scored in a range of 1-50, with a 25 needed to pass. However, the questions are weighted, so it doesn’t mean you only need to get 50% of the questions correct.

As you’ll be taking the exam in person, you’ll know what your score is as soon as you’re done. If you don’t pass, you will be allowed to retest after 46 days.

Be sure to download the CDR Guidebook for the most detailed information about preparing for the exam: RD Exam Handbook For Candidates.

Registered dietitian exam pass rate

The pass rate for all candidates who took the exam for the first time in January through June of 2024 was 62.2% (SOURCE).

This pass rate is lower than in previous years.

How much does the exam cost?

According to the CDR the update cost to take the exam is $225. Check here for the latest pricing.

If you wish to purchase a bundle of two exam attempts, you can do so for $325 (SOURCE).

How to prepare for the exam

Creating an effective study schedule is important, but it may already come as second nature to every intern who has balanced a constantly changing internship schedule, course work, paid work, and the occasional social activity.

Balance is key—make sure to allocate time for work, study, and personal life.

Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN, emphasizes the importance of understanding the “why” behind answers rather than merely memorizing facts. This approach helps you apply your knowledge to different scenarios on the exam.

“Make a study schedule. Consistent, focused study sessions are more effective than cramming marathons.

Even if you're working full time, block out 15 minutes each morning or evening to review key concepts. Those short bursts of study time add up!”

Dana J. Fryer, MS, RDN, CNSC offers these tips:

“Much like when it comes to nutrition, there is no one-size-fits-all plan when it comes to studying for the RD Exam. The study schedule should be realistic and work around your life. Many students make the mistake of over-studying for the exam and this leads to increased stress and burnout.

I often discuss with my students that they want quality over quantity studying. It is much better to have a focused hour or two vs. an all-evening study session that you are not fully alert for. When they will be ready for the exam should be based on their availability to study and the projected timeline to study all the exam topics. For the first attempt, this will vary for each student. For students who are retaking the exam, I typically recommend taking it within 6-8 weeks as I tend to see prolonged studying result in worsened outcomes.”

Do your best to create your home environment to support your study goals. It can be tricky to focus at home, and it can be just as hard to turn your brain off and give it permission to relax when you’re worried or stressed. Here are 22 Work From Home Tips To Boost Your Productivity.

Exam Prep Resources

Ready to invest in some RD exam prep support? Here are our top picks.

Dana J. Fryer Exam Prep

Dana J. Fryer, MS, RDN, CNSC, founder of Dana J. Fryer Nutrition LLC, offers this advice:

“For students who are interested in learning more about how to successfully prepare for the RD Exam, I invite them to enroll in my free RD Exam Preparation Masterclass. This masterclass includes my RD Exam Prep Workshop and Test Taking Strategies Workshop.”

If you’re ready to enroll, Dana offers several different course options with a range of prices based on how long you’ll be accessing the materials.

Click here for more information and to enroll.

MyRDguide

One of several great options to support your exam prep efforts is MyRDguide, created by Ingrid Soto, MS, RDN, CPT. She shares, “At MyRDguide, we understand that each student is unique in their needs, and thus, we tailor our tools and tutoring to cater to individual requirements. Our comprehensive program equips students with the knowledge and skills to enhance their critical thinking, time management, and decision-making abilities.

We know that passing the exam is a significant milestone that opens doors to a world of

opportunities and a successful career. That's why we're here to help students achieve their

goals and succeed in dietetics.

Our mission is to empower aspiring dietitians with comprehensive RD Exam prep material and mentorship that enhances their understanding and critical thinking skills, ensuring they not only pass the RD exam but also excel in their careers.”

MyRDguide offers three tiers of support, ranging in cost from $597 to $1,480.

Click here for more information and to enroll.

All Access Dietetics

Pass Class, the exam prep program offered by All Access Dietetics, has three levels of support available to help you pass your RD exam, ranging from $437 to $947 for the option that includes tutoring. Hot tip: scroll down to the page containing coupon codes to save yourself $100.

Click here for more information and to enroll.

“I took the exam 3 times. I got a 24 the first time just using my school notes and free online resources. Then, the second time, I opted to get the Inman guide to help me study. I got a 24 AGAIN! This was SO frustrating! Finally, I purchased All-Access and easily passed on the third try. All-Access is a bit of a pricey investment, but I always recommend it. It was 100% the switch that allowed me to pass.” - Lauren Klein, MS RDN PMP founder of The Michigan Dietitian.

RefreshExams

RefreshExams® tutors have been helping dietetic students pass the RD exam since 2015. Their signature 12-week program, The KEY Strategy® Dietetics Exam Success System, is available for $1,497 or for three monthly payments of $549.

Ilene Cohen, MS, RDN, CDCES, C-IAYT, CEO of RefreshExams, LLC, offers this advice:

"Preparing for the RD exam goes beyond memorization; it requires a comprehensive approach that integrates knowledge, strategy, and well-being. Through our program, The KEY Strategy® Dietetics Exam System, at RefreshExams, LLC, we emphasize the '5 Ss to Success': Strengthen your knowledge, Stabilize your strategy (with The KEY Strategy®), reduce Stress, employ Strategic Timing, and achieve Success. This holistic methodology ensures our students are not only well-prepared academically but also equipped to face the exam's challenges with confidence and resilience."

Click here for more information and to enroll.

Inman's Review Course

Inman's intensive course has been held nationwide for over thirty years. It is available as a two-day class that is held live, which is helpful to cover a lot of material in a short amount of time, or as a self-directed course with a printed guidebook and USB drive containing all of the lectures.

This program includes over 1,000 practice test questions.

Click here for more information and to enroll.

eatrightPREP for the RDN Exam

Created by the Academy, this training program costs $199 for three months of access. This program keeps track of your answers and helps you to strengthen your weakest knowledge areas.

In addition to the flashcards and other resources, ​​the course includes three practice tests and two simulated tests with multiple-choice questions based on the real testing format.

Click here for more information and to enroll.

Pocket Prep

For anyone who is on a tighter budget, Pocket Prep offers practice questions right on your phone for a low-cost monthly membership. This app offers questions of the day from its bank of 1,000 questions and tracks which subjects are your strongest and weakest so that you can focus on your biggest gaps.

Click here for more information and to enroll.

RD exam practice questions

​Free practice test questions are available on the CDR website. Click on the RD Examination Practice Questions link, and you’ll be able to download a 15-page PDF with practice questions, the correct answers, and an explanation of why.

Most of the paid exam prep services will also include practice questions.

Squash Imposter Syndrome

This test is a big deal - there’s no denying that - but it is also important to keep it in perspective. Practice helpful mantras to keep your imposter syndrome and anxiety in check as you do your due diligence to prepare (and pass!) the exam.

Dana J. Fryer, MS, RDN, CNSC, offers this encouragement:

“Beyond studying the topics, I also recommend my students also work on their confidence and

stress/anxiety while they are preparing for the exam. For those students who know they have test-taking anxiety, they want to make sure they have methods to decrease stress on exam day. Common techniques that have been helpful to my students in the past have been talking with a therapist or friend/family about the stress of the exam, taking breaks during the exam, and taking practice exams that are timed or also in slightly distracting locations (such as a coffee shop). If there is a concern for the 3-hour exam block not being enough time, I recommend they apply for test-taking accommodations.”

To kick imposter syndrome to the curb, we’ve rounded up some helpful tips here: How to Beat the Impostor Syndrome.

Don’t wait to apply for jobs

Lauren Klein, MS RDN PMP founder of The Michigan Dietitian, encourages all RDs-to-be to start applying for jobs ASAP. “Don't wait until you pass to apply to jobs. You can get a job prior to passing! Many roles will allow a grace period.”

That’s a wrap

Preparing for the RD exam is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. By following the strategies outlined in this guide, you can approach your exam preparation with confidence and focus. Remember, passing the RD exam opens doors to numerous opportunities and a fulfilling career in dietetics.

And hey, don’t sleep on that job search! While your dietetics program taught you a LOT, it might not have given you the latest strategies for crafting a winning resume, LinkedIn profile, or how to search for your next job. I cover all of that and more in my courses! Check them out and enroll today: your dream job is waiting for you.

Search for Jobs on NutritionJobs

Are you looking for a new job or just want to see what else is out there? Browse all jobs on NutritionJobs today. Also, check out the Featured Jobs on NutritionJobs. Share with a friend in need, as well!

About the Author

Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS, RDN, is the Founder Owner of NutritionJobs and DietitianSalaries.com and is an established dietetic career expert. She helps steer dietetic and nutrition professionals to a successful job search process with the top-ranked dietetic job board platform, NutritionJobs.com. Stacey is the author of The Dietetic Resume Guide and numerous dietetic career action-ables. She gives the tools to create a modern standout dietetic resume to land that job interview, help with job interview prep, and with creating Compelling LinkedIn profiles. Stacey has interviewed and hired many dietitians. Since running NutritionJobs in 2000, she has reviewed thousands of dietetic resumes. She works closely with dietetic hiring managers and recruiters to know the standout elements on a resume that land a job interview. Stacey speaks on successful compensation negotiation at professional conferences and frequently consults with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at FNCE and co-created the webinar series, Dietetic Career Hack: The Complete Networking and Resume Guide and Dietetic Career Hack Part II: Interviewing Tips and Tricks. Her previous dietitian jobs have been in clinical, nutrition support, and research.

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