• 82 questions

RD Exam Practice Test

An unofficial RD exam online practice test in the four domains of the dietitian registration exam.

What is the calcium RDA for a woman aged 51 to 70?

Pick an answer, then press Check answer. Then you see Correct or Not quite, with the reason. Keys: A to D pick, Enter checks.

Print covers the next 50 questions. Share this set copies a link to the same questions in the same order.

Exam mode: 50 questions, 72 minutes.

More options

Unofficial practice questions, not affiliated with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. Bank checked October 7, 2026.

The real exam, as the Commission describes it

Time limit
180 minutes
Retakes
After 45 calendar days, with a new authorization and fee. Candidates who become eligible on or after January 1, 2027 are limited to eight attempts for life.
Format
Computer adaptive.
Calculator
The screen has a built-in calculator. Candidates may not bring their own.

Checked October 7, 2026 against RD Handbook for Candidates (April 2026), Exam FAQ 2025 and RD Exam Overview, Commission on Dietetic Registration. Rules change, so confirm with the agency itself before your test.

The Commission's own examination resources

Next step CMA practice examServSafe Manager practice test

All 82 questions

I. Principles of dietetics 17

  • A client eats no animal foods and no fortified foods. Which vitamin is missing from plant foods unless they are fortified? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Vitamin B12. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 2. Composition of food.
  • A client relies on beans and leafy greens for iron. Which addition to the meal increases iron absorption? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Iron in diet. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 3. Principles of normal nutrition.
  • A client says, "I have made up my mind and I am planning how to start." Which stage of change is this? NIDDK, Changing Your Habits for Better Health. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic B, 2. Education theories.
  • A county report counts every resident who has diabetes on January 1, both new and long-standing cases. Which measure is this? CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 3, Section 2: Morbidity Frequency Measures. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic C, 3. Data collection, analysis, interpretation, and outcomes.
Show all 82 questions (78 more)

I. Principles of dietetics, continued

  • A granola bar has 7 g of fat, 23 g of carbohydrate and 4 g of protein. How many calories does it supply? USDA National Agricultural Library, Food and Nutrition Information Center, Frequently Asked Questions. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 2. Composition of food.
  • A label reads "sodium free." How much sodium may the food contain per reference amount and per labeled serving? 21 CFR 101.61, Nutrient content claims for the sodium content of foods (FDA), paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) and (b)(4). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 2. Composition of food.
  • After a lesson on reading sodium on labels, which request is a teach-back? AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, Tool 5: Use the Teach-Back Method. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic B, 4. Evaluation of educational outcomes.
  • How few calories must a food have per reference amount and per labeled serving to be called "calorie free"? 21 CFR 101.60, Nutrient content claims for the calorie content of foods (FDA), paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 2. Composition of food.
  • Investigators enroll people who have a disease and a comparison group without it, then compare past exposures. Which study design is this? CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 1, Section 7: Analytic Epidemiology. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic C, 1. Types of research.
  • Seven clients lost 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 12 pounds. What is the median loss? CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 2, Section 6: Measures of Central Location. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic C, 4. Application of statistical analysis.
  • Too little vitamin D can cause which bone condition in children? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Vitamin D. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 3. Principles of normal nutrition.
  • What does insoluble fiber do in the digestive tract? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Fiber. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 3. Principles of normal nutrition.
  • What is the calcium RDA for a woman aged 51 to 70? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Calcium in diet. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 3. Principles of normal nutrition.
  • What sets an experimental study apart from a cohort study? CDC, Principles of Epidemiology in Public Health Practice, Lesson 1, Section 7: Analytic Epidemiology. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic C, 1. Types of research.
  • Which set of signs describes pellagra, the result of niacin deficiency? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Niacin. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 3. Principles of normal nutrition.
  • Which statement about essential amino acids is true? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Protein in diet. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 4. Principles of human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry.
  • Which vitamin is called the clotting vitamin? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Vitamin K. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain I, Topic A, 3. Principles of normal nutrition.

II. Nutrition care for individuals and groups 37

  • A blood test shows a high albumin level. What may that be a sign of? MedlinePlus Medical Tests (National Library of Medicine), Albumin Blood Test. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 2. Nutrition assessment of individuals.
  • A care plan sets protein at 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight. The patient weighs 70 kilograms. How many grams of protein a day is that? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • A client takes warfarin. What does MedlinePlus say about foods that contain vitamin K? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Vitamin K. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • A client with celiac disease reads an ingredient list. Which three grains contain gluten? NIDDK, Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Celiac Disease. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • A client with lactose intolerance stops all milk and milk products. Which nutrients may then fall short? NIDDK, Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Lactose Intolerance. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • A fasting plasma glucose result is 112 mg/dL. In which range does it fall? NIDDK, Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 2. Nutrition assessment of individuals.
  • A patient's usual weight is 160 pounds and the current weight is 144 pounds. What is the percent weight loss? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 2. Nutrition assessment of individuals.
  • A person with phenylketonuria reads a diet soda label. Which sweetener should be avoided? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Phenylketonuria. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • A prealbumin level is lower than normal. What may that be a sign of? MedlinePlus Medical Tests (National Library of Medicine), Prealbumin Blood Test. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 1. Nutrition screening.
  • A woman had a normal-weight BMI before pregnancy and is carrying one baby. How much weight gain does the CDC table list? CDC, Weight Gain During Pregnancy. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 1. Nutrition care for health promotion and disease prevention.
  • An adult has a BMI of 36.5. Which CDC category is this? CDC, Adult BMI Categories. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 2. Nutrition assessment of individuals.
  • An energy goal is written as 25 calories per kilogram for a patient who weighs 80 kilograms. How many calories a day is that? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • At about what age can a child begin eating solid foods? CDC, When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 1. Nutrition care for health promotion and disease prevention.
  • At what blood sugar level does the CDC's 15-15 rule for low blood sugar begin? CDC, Treatment of Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic D, 1. Monitoring progress and updating previous care.
  • The DASH eating plan sets sodium at 2,300 mg a day. Which lower target lowers blood pressure even further? NHLBI, DASH Eating Plan. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • For adults with chronic kidney disease, NIDDK names foods high in which three things to avoid? NIDDK, Healthy Eating for Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • How does grapefruit juice raise the blood level of some statin drugs? FDA, Grapefruit Juice and Some Drugs Don't Mix. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • How does total parenteral nutrition deliver nutrients? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Total parenteral nutrition. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • How long after the end of a pregnancy can a woman who is not breastfeeding receive WIC? USDA Food and Nutrition Service, WIC Eligibility. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 4. Development of programs and services.
  • How long does a person with celiac disease need to follow a gluten-free diet? NIDDK, Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Celiac Disease. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic D, 5. Determining continuation and transition of care.
  • How much folic acid should a woman of childbearing age take as a supplement each day, by the MedlinePlus page? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Folic acid in diet. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 1. Nutrition care for health promotion and disease prevention.
  • In diabetes meal planning, a meal has 45 grams of carbohydrate. How many carb servings is that? CDC, Carb Counting. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • In the SNAP income table, a household's gross monthly income limit is set at what share of the poverty level? USDA Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP Eligibility. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 3. Nutrition assessment of populations and community needs assessment.
  • Kwashiorkor is malnutrition that comes when the diet lacks enough of which nutrient? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Kwashiorkor. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 2. Nutrition assessment of individuals.
  • Research cited by NIDDK suggests many people with lactose intolerance can have how much lactose with no symptoms or only mild ones? NIDDK, Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Lactose Intolerance. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • Up to what age can a child receive WIC benefits? USDA Food and Nutrition Service, WIC Eligibility. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 4. Development of programs and services.
  • What does an A1C result estimate? CDC, A1C Test for Diabetes and Prediabetes. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic D, 2. Measuring outcome indicators using evidence-based guides for practice.
  • What does the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) pay for? USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Child and Adult Care Food Program. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 4. Development of programs and services.
  • What is the Daily Value for sodium? FDA, Sodium in Your Diet. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 3. Implementation and promotion of national dietary guidance.
  • Which eating pattern does NIDDK describe for dumping syndrome? NIDDK, Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Dumping Syndrome. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • Which food does the CDC say not to feed a child younger than 1 year, because of infant botulism? CDC, Botulism Prevention. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 1. Nutrition care for health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Which foods does NIDDK say a doctor may recommend for gastroparesis? NIDDK, Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Gastroparesis. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.
  • Which physical signs go with a lack of iron, by the MedlinePlus page? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Iron in diet. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 2. Nutrition assessment of individuals.
  • Which waist measurement marks an increased risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes in a woman? NHLBI, Aim for a Healthy Weight. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic A, 2. Nutrition assessment of individuals.
  • Why does a patient on hemodialysis keep track of liquid between sessions? NIDDK, Eating and Nutrition for Hemodialysis. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic D, 1. Monitoring progress and updating previous care.
  • Why is whole cow's milk not given as a drink before 12 months of age? CDC, Cow's Milk and Milk Alternatives. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 1. Nutrition care for health promotion and disease prevention.
  • Why may a provider have a patient with swallowing difficulty thicken water and other liquids? MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (National Library of Medicine), Swallowing difficulty. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain II, Topic C, 2. Medical Nutrition Therapy.

III. Management of food and nutrition programs 17

  • A cafe has fixed costs of $6,000 a month. Each meal sells for $8 and has $5 of variable cost. How many meals must it sell in the month to break even (fixed costs divided by the margin per meal)? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic C, 1. Budgeting processes and fiscal periods.
  • A cafeteria spent $12,000 on food in a month and took in $40,000 in food sales. What was its food cost percentage (food cost divided by food sales)? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic C, 2. Financial monitoring.
  • A cook who is not exempt works 46 hours in one workweek. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, how are the 6 extra hours paid? U.S. Department of Labor, Overtime Pay. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 1. Employment laws and regulations.
  • A department budgeted $50,000 for food and spent $54,000. By what percent of the budget was it over? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic C, 2. Financial monitoring.
  • A dietary aide works a holiday shift, and her hours that workweek total 38. Does the Fair Labor Standards Act require overtime pay for the holiday? U.S. Department of Labor, Overtime Pay. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 1. Employment laws and regulations.
  • A foodservice produced 1,200 meals using 150 labor hours. How many meals per labor hour is that? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic C, 2. Financial monitoring.
  • A kitchen counts one full-time equivalent (FTE) as 40 hours a week. Its staff worked 300 hours last week. How many FTEs is that? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 2. Employment standards.
  • The Age Discrimination in Employment Act protects people of what age? EEOC, Age Discrimination. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 1. Employment laws and regulations.
  • By the EEOC, when does offensive conduct at work become unlawful harassment? EEOC, Harassment. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 1. Employment laws and regulations.
  • The food in a plate costs $3.00 and the target food cost is 30% of the selling price. What selling price meets the target (food cost divided by the target percentage)? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic D, 2. Pricing.
  • For whom must an employer complete and retain Form I-9? USCIS, Completing Form I-9. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 3. Employment processes.
  • In the disability laws the EEOC enforces, what is a reasonable accommodation? EEOC, Disability Discrimination and Employment Decisions. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 1. Employment laws and regulations.
  • Most EEOC laws cover employers with at least how many employees? EEOC, Overview. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 1. Employment laws and regulations.
  • What does the Family and Medical Leave Act give an eligible employee? U.S. Department of Labor, Family and Medical Leave Act. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic B, 1. Employment laws and regulations.
  • What is Principle 1 of HACCP? FDA, HACCP Principles and Application Guidelines. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic E, 1. Regulatory guidelines.
  • What is the Plan-Do-Study-Act method used for? AHRQ Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, Plan-Do-Study-Act Worksheet, Directions, and Examples. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic E, 2. Process, implementation, evaluation.
  • Within how many hours must an employer notify OSHA of a work-related fatality? OSHA, Recordkeeping. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain III, Topic E, 1. Regulatory guidelines.

IV. Foodservice systems 11

  • A cook probes a pan of stuffed chicken breasts. What reading does the Food Code require before they are served? FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-401.11(A). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic C, 2. Food safety.
  • A delivery of refrigerated time/temperature control for safety food arrives. At what temperature must it be when received? FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-202.11(A). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic B, 1. Procurement, receiving, and inventory management.
  • A menu is being checked for allergen labels. Which ingredient is one of the nine major food allergens named in U.S. law? FDA, Food Allergies. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic A, 2. Menu development.
  • A menu needs 10 pounds of cooked, boneless turkey. The raw turkey breast on order yields 80% edible meat after cooking and trimming. How many pounds of raw turkey are ordered? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic B, 1. Procurement, receiving, and inventory management.
  • A recipe yields 50 portions and the kitchen needs 125. By what factor is each ingredient multiplied? Own question; the answer is arithmetic on the numbers in the question. Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic B, 2. Principles of quantity food preparation and processing.
  • A salad bar holds cut melon and tuna salad, both time/temperature control for safety foods. What is the warmest the Food Code lets them sit? FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-501.16(A)(2). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic C, 2. Food safety.
  • A truck brings cases of raw eggs. The air in its refrigerated compartment reads 50°F. Does the delivery meet the Food Code? FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-202.11(C). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic B, 1. Procurement, receiving, and inventory management.
  • At what temperature must hot time/temperature control for safety food be held on a serving line? FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-501.16(A)(1). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic B, 5. Distribution and service.
  • Cooked food is being cooled. Within how long must it go from 135°F to 70°F? FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-501.14(A). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic C, 2. Food safety.
  • For how long must food employees clean their hands and exposed arms in the Food Code procedure? FDA Food Code 2022, section 2-301.12(A). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic C, 1. Sanitation.
  • Yesterday's chili was cooked, cooled and stored. Today it goes on the steam table. What must every part of it reach first? FDA Food Code 2022, section 3-403.11(A). Outline: RD Test Specifications and Study Outline 2022-2026 (CDR), Domain IV, Topic B, 3. Food production control procedures.

How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to the Registration Examination for Dietitians Test Specifications of the Commission on Dietetic Registration, in force January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2026 (https://admin.cdrnet.org/vault/2459/web/2022%20RD%20Test%20Specifications%20without%20detail%20CDR%20approved%209%202020%5b1%5d.pdf, approved September 14, 2020, read 2026-10-07; the study outline of the same years was read for the topic lines): I. Principles of Dietetics 21%, II. Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups 45%, III. Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services 21%, IV. Foodservice Systems 13%. The bank holds 17, 37, 17 and 11 questions. Every fact was read on 2026-10-07 in the public source the question names: the FDA Food Code 2022, federal regulations on ecfr.gov (21 CFR 101.60 and 101.61), and pages of the CDC, FDA, NIDDK, NHLBI, MedlinePlus, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service and National Agricultural Library, AHRQ, the Department of Labor, the EEOC, OSHA and USCIS. 14 answers are arithmetic on the numbers in the question, and each was worked a second time before the bank was published. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.

How it works

This free RD exam practice test has 82 questions of our own in the four domains of the Commission on Dietetic Registration's test specifications. Unofficial: not affiliated with or endorsed by the Commission or the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Read the full guide

What the exam covers

The Registration Examination for Dietitians is 21% principles of dietetics, 45% nutrition care for individuals and groups, 21% management of food and nutrition programs and services, and 13% foodservice systems, by the test specifications in force through December 31, 2026, read October 7, 2026. This bank holds 17, 37, 17 and 11.

From January 2027

New specifications start January 1, 2027, with four renamed domains: fundamentals of dietetics practice 23%, community and public health nutrition 22%, human nutrition and medical nutrition therapy 40%, and food science and food systems 15%.

Timing

Exam mode asks 50 questions in 72 minutes, the pace of the real exam at its shortest: 125 questions in three hours.

  • Fourteen questions here are calculations such as yields, food cost and energy needs. Keep a simple calculator at hand.

Questions and answers

Are these real RD exam practice questions?

No. All 82 were written for this site from the published test specifications and public sources. None repeats or rewords a question from the real exam or from the Commission's own practice questions.

How many questions are on the RD exam?

It varies. Each candidate gets at least 125 questions (100 scored and 25 pretest) and at most 145 (120 scored and 25 pretest), each with four answer options, by the Commission's handbook for candidates.

How long is the RD exam?

Three hours of testing inside a 3.5-hour appointment. A candidate who has not answered 125 questions when the time ends receives a failing result, so pace matters.

What is a passing score on the RD exam?

25, on a scaled score of 1 to 50. The number of right answers that earns a 25 varies, so this page reports the number right only.

Can you go back to a question on the RD exam?

No. Each question needs a response before the next appears, and earlier answers cannot be reviewed or changed. This free RD practice exam does let you go back, so answer each question once to copy the real rule.

More tests

Show 7 more

Browse Safety and Trades