DIETITIAN PRACTICE TEST

[WpProQuiz 13]

Registered Dietitian Practice Test

Dietitians are an important part of the medical field. These are the professionals who help you make good choices about the foods you eat in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It’s a satisfying profession because you help people in so many ways, including nutrition care and food management, and teaching people ways healthy food can prevent disease. The Commission of Dietetic Registration plays a big part in the accreditation process to become a registered CDR dietitian because it has created the test — the Registered Dietitian — you have to pass to get this coveted designation. It’s also a good time to consider this career, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates job growth in this field at 15 percent through 2026, a pace that’s far more robust than many other professions. If you’re interested in becoming accredited in this field, there are several things you should know.

 

Which group administers the test for becoming a Registered Dietitian?

The Commission of Dietetic Registration.

Are there educational requirements to take the test?

Yes. Candidates can meet the education requirements in one of four ways:

Option 1:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree
  • Complete an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) accredited didactic program in dietetic and complete an internship of at least 1,200 practice hours.

Option 2:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree
  • Complete the ACEND coordinated program

Option 3:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree
  • Complete the ACEND didactic program in dietetics (DPD)
  • Complete ACEND DPD supervised practice requirements (1,200 hours minimum)

Option 4:

  • Hold a doctorate degree
  • Complete ACEND doctorate level supervised practice requirements (1,200 hours minimum)

Great. I meet the requirements. What’s next?

Once you’re certified by the Commission of Dietetic Registration, you can take the test.

When can I take the test?

The test is administered year-round at one of 250 testing centers across the United States. That means there should be one within an easy commute.

What topics are covered on the Registered Dietitian?

For dietitians, the test covers four areas:

  • Nutrition care for individuals and groups (40% of the grade)
  • Principals of dietetics (25%)
  • Management of food and nutrition programs and services (21%)
  • Foodservice systems (14%)

How many total questions are on the exam?

There is a minimum of 125 questions on the multiple-choice exam; each question has four possible answers. One hundred questions are scored, and 25 questions are pretest questions that are not scored. The maximum number of questions total 145 — 120 scored, 25 not scored. If a student fails to complete at least 125 questions, the student will fail the test.

How long does the test take?

The total examination time is 3 hours — 2.5 hours to take the test, 20 minutes to complete a tutorial and 10 minutes to finish the post-examination survey.

Is there a fee to take the exam?

Yes. The fee is $200.

How long does it take to get authorization to take the Registered Dietitian?

It takes between two and three weeks from the time the Commission of Dietetic Registration reviews candidate qualifications, and the candidate receives the examination application.

Once I receive the authorization to take the exam, how long do I have to take it?

The authorization is good for one year.

Can I use calculator during the exam?

Yes, but it must be the online calculator included with the exam, or a calculator provide at the test center. You cannot use your own calculator.

When will I get my test score?

When you leave the testing center.

What if I fail the Registered Dietitian? Can I retake it?

Yes. You can re-take the test after a 45-day waiting period, provided you get reauthorization from the Commission on Dietetic Registration. There is no limited on the number of times a candidate can re-take the test.

What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?

Any changes must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled test time.

What identification will I need on test day?

A government ID that contains a photo and signature. Workplace, college or university ID’s will not be accepted.

What else will happen at check-in?

Eyeglasses will be examined before entering the testing room, and candidates will have their palms scanned to confirm identity.

Can I bring personal items into the room when I’m taking the Registered Dietitian?

No. The basic rule of thumb is no electronic devices of any kind are allowed, including cell phones, hand-held computers/personal digital assistants (PDAs) or other electronic devices. These must be turned off and placed in a secure area before entering the testing room.

What about jewelry and other personal items?

You can’t bring those in either. Watches, purses, coats, bags, and hats are among the items not allowed.