4 answers
4 answers
Updated
Madison’s Answer
Hi Victoria,
Great question. I'm a Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Nutritional Sciences, so I've taken and passed the RD credentialing exam.
It isn't too soon to start studying for the RD exam, but your time may be managed better by preparing for your masters and internship before starting exam prep. Your masters degree and internship will also prep you for the exam. To give you my timeline:
>The summer before my combined masters and internship, my program required me to complete extensive study guides for each rotation type and the major nutrition-related diseases. Those really helped prepare me for internship.
>I started studying for the RD exam in the last semester of my masters and combined internship program. I used Visual Veggies and pocket prep. Visual Veggies is a great resource to make sure you have a good base knowledge of the 4 exam domains. Pocket Prep is a great way to practice questions that are similar to those on the exam. I gave myself 14 weeks to study and passed the exam on my first try. To be honest, I think this was too long of a prep time, as I got burnt out. But everyone is different.
Best of luck in your future!
Great question. I'm a Registered Dietitian with a Masters in Nutritional Sciences, so I've taken and passed the RD credentialing exam.
It isn't too soon to start studying for the RD exam, but your time may be managed better by preparing for your masters and internship before starting exam prep. Your masters degree and internship will also prep you for the exam. To give you my timeline:
>The summer before my combined masters and internship, my program required me to complete extensive study guides for each rotation type and the major nutrition-related diseases. Those really helped prepare me for internship.
>I started studying for the RD exam in the last semester of my masters and combined internship program. I used Visual Veggies and pocket prep. Visual Veggies is a great resource to make sure you have a good base knowledge of the 4 exam domains. Pocket Prep is a great way to practice questions that are similar to those on the exam. I gave myself 14 weeks to study and passed the exam on my first try. To be honest, I think this was too long of a prep time, as I got burnt out. But everyone is different.
Best of luck in your future!

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7221
Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Victoria!
Is it too soon to study for the dietetics exam?
Studying for the dietetics exam while still being a junior in your program can be a strategic move, but it requires careful planning and consideration of several factors.
1. Understanding the Exam Structure: The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in various areas of nutrition and dietetics. It typically covers topics such as food science, nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, and community nutrition. Familiarizing yourself with the content outline provided by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is essential.
2. Timing Your Study Plan: As a junior, you are likely still completing foundational courses that will be critical for your understanding of advanced topics covered on the exam. While it may not be too early to start studying, you should balance your current coursework with your preparation efforts. A good approach is to begin reviewing material related to what you are currently learning in class.
3. Recommended Study Materials: Here are some effective study materials that can help you prepare for the dietetics exam:
Textbooks: Core textbooks used in dietetics programs often align closely with the exam content. Books like “Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology” by Marcia Nahikian-Nelms and “Krause’s Food & Nutrition Care Process” provide comprehensive coverage of essential topics.
Study Guides: The CDR offers official study guides that include practice questions and detailed explanations of key concepts.
Online Resources: Websites like Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provide access to webinars, articles, and other resources tailored for dietetic students preparing for their exams.
Practice Exams: Utilizing practice exams can help familiarize you with the format of the questions and identify areas where you need further review.
4. Creating a Study Schedule: Developing a structured study schedule can help ensure that you cover all necessary material without overwhelming yourself. Consider allocating specific times each week dedicated solely to studying for the exam while also allowing flexibility for your ongoing coursework.
5. Seeking Support: Engaging with peers who are also preparing for the exam or seeking mentorship from faculty members can provide additional insights and motivation as you progress through your studies.
In summary, while it may seem early to start studying for the dietetics exam as a junior, beginning now can give you an advantage if approached thoughtfully alongside your academic responsibilities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) - This organization oversees the RDN credentialing process and provides official guidelines, resources, and information about the examination structure.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - A leading organization in nutrition that offers educational resources, professional development opportunities, and support for students pursuing careers in dietetics.
Textbook References (e.g., “Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology”) - These textbooks serve as foundational materials used in many accredited dietetics programs, covering essential knowledge needed for both academic success and professional examinations.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Is it too soon to study for the dietetics exam?
Studying for the dietetics exam while still being a junior in your program can be a strategic move, but it requires careful planning and consideration of several factors.
1. Understanding the Exam Structure: The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in various areas of nutrition and dietetics. It typically covers topics such as food science, nutrition assessment, medical nutrition therapy, and community nutrition. Familiarizing yourself with the content outline provided by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is essential.
2. Timing Your Study Plan: As a junior, you are likely still completing foundational courses that will be critical for your understanding of advanced topics covered on the exam. While it may not be too early to start studying, you should balance your current coursework with your preparation efforts. A good approach is to begin reviewing material related to what you are currently learning in class.
3. Recommended Study Materials: Here are some effective study materials that can help you prepare for the dietetics exam:
Textbooks: Core textbooks used in dietetics programs often align closely with the exam content. Books like “Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology” by Marcia Nahikian-Nelms and “Krause’s Food & Nutrition Care Process” provide comprehensive coverage of essential topics.
Study Guides: The CDR offers official study guides that include practice questions and detailed explanations of key concepts.
Online Resources: Websites like Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provide access to webinars, articles, and other resources tailored for dietetic students preparing for their exams.
Practice Exams: Utilizing practice exams can help familiarize you with the format of the questions and identify areas where you need further review.
4. Creating a Study Schedule: Developing a structured study schedule can help ensure that you cover all necessary material without overwhelming yourself. Consider allocating specific times each week dedicated solely to studying for the exam while also allowing flexibility for your ongoing coursework.
5. Seeking Support: Engaging with peers who are also preparing for the exam or seeking mentorship from faculty members can provide additional insights and motivation as you progress through your studies.
In summary, while it may seem early to start studying for the dietetics exam as a junior, beginning now can give you an advantage if approached thoughtfully alongside your academic responsibilities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) - This organization oversees the RDN credentialing process and provides official guidelines, resources, and information about the examination structure.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - A leading organization in nutrition that offers educational resources, professional development opportunities, and support for students pursuing careers in dietetics.
Textbook References (e.g., “Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology”) - These textbooks serve as foundational materials used in many accredited dietetics programs, covering essential knowledge needed for both academic success and professional examinations.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good question and planning ahead!
If you are still in your undergraduate program, I would focus on learning in the classes you are presently taking. Work experience is always helpful either paid or volunteer with your community. Finding different areas in which to learn such as local food shelters, sports and health facilities, food service, childcare centers, nursing home, or hospitals may interest you. You may be able to locate some local dietitians that will allow you to shadow them especially if you offer some volunteer work to help them out. To sit for the registration exam as of 2024 requires a minimum of a graduate degree and to complete supervised practice. There will be plenty more time for studying within the graduate program and supervised practice that is required. Learning as much as you can from each class and experience offered to you will help you on your journey. I believe in learning on the job as well so beginning to work or volunteer in the area of dietetics will only solidify what you learn in the classroom.
Good luck!
If you are still in your undergraduate program, I would focus on learning in the classes you are presently taking. Work experience is always helpful either paid or volunteer with your community. Finding different areas in which to learn such as local food shelters, sports and health facilities, food service, childcare centers, nursing home, or hospitals may interest you. You may be able to locate some local dietitians that will allow you to shadow them especially if you offer some volunteer work to help them out. To sit for the registration exam as of 2024 requires a minimum of a graduate degree and to complete supervised practice. There will be plenty more time for studying within the graduate program and supervised practice that is required. Learning as much as you can from each class and experience offered to you will help you on your journey. I believe in learning on the job as well so beginning to work or volunteer in the area of dietetics will only solidify what you learn in the classroom.
Good luck!
Updated
Elizabeth González’s Answer
Great question! Planning your study schedule is essential.
Everything you learn in school and during your internship has the potential to be on the exam. That being said, there are plenty of tools you can use to help you feel better prepared. Our internship included the Jean Inman course, which helped me identify the concepts I needed to brush up on. I also used Visual Veggies and Pocket Prep, like Ms. Miller, to study for the exam for a little under six weeks. Facebook RD Prep groups are a great resource as well. This is not an exam you can cram for, so figure out what works for you and you will do well!
Everything you learn in school and during your internship has the potential to be on the exam. That being said, there are plenty of tools you can use to help you feel better prepared. Our internship included the Jean Inman course, which helped me identify the concepts I needed to brush up on. I also used Visual Veggies and Pocket Prep, like Ms. Miller, to study for the exam for a little under six weeks. Facebook RD Prep groups are a great resource as well. This is not an exam you can cram for, so figure out what works for you and you will do well!