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According to DSM-5-TR, which of the following criteria is NO LONGER required for a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa that was required in prior DSM editions?

Amenorrhea (absence of at least 3 consecutive menstrual cycles)

Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements

Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat

Disturbance in the way one's body weight is experienced

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CEDS Exam

170

Exam Questions

iaedp (2025)

80%

Passing Score

iaedp (2025)

3 hours

Time Limit

iaedp (2025)

$100

Exam Fee Per Attempt

iaedp (2025)

2,500

Supervised Clinical Hours

iaedp

Every 2 yrs

Recertification

iaedp

The iaedp CEDS final exam is a 170-question, proctored online test combining multiple-choice and true/false items with a 3-hour time limit and an 80% passing score. The exam covers assessment and DSM-5-TR diagnosis, medical complications, treatment modalities (CBT-E, FBT, DBT, ACT, IPT, MI), psychopharmacology, medical nutrition therapy, family and adolescent treatment, ethics, cultural competence, co-occurring disorders, and levels of care. Exam attempts cost $100 each and a passing score is valid for 2 years toward application submission. CEDS is distinct from academic eating-disorder training — it requires documented licensed clinical experience and iaedp-approved supervision, and candidates must also complete four Core Courses ($125 each), pay a $150 application fee, and renew every 2 years with 20 continuing education credits.

Sample CEDS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CEDS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1According to DSM-5-TR, which of the following criteria is NO LONGER required for a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa that was required in prior DSM editions?

A.Amenorrhea (absence of at least 3 consecutive menstrual cycles)

B.Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements

C.Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat

D.Disturbance in the way one's body weight is experienced

Explanation: DSM-5 removed the amenorrhea criterion that was previously required under DSM-IV. This change reflected clinical evidence that patients meeting all other AN criteria but who menstruate (including pre-pubertal patients, males, and women on hormonal contraceptives) have essentially the same illness. DSM-5-TR retains this change.

2A 16-year-old female presents with BMI 16.2, restrictive eating, intense fear of weight gain, and body image disturbance. Per DSM-5-TR severity specifiers for anorexia nervosa, how is her severity classified?

A.Moderate (BMI 16-16.99 kg/m²)

B.Mild (BMI ≥17 kg/m²)

C.Severe (BMI 15-15.99 kg/m²)

D.Extreme (BMI <15 kg/m²)

Explanation: DSM-5-TR severity specifiers for anorexia nervosa in adults are based on current BMI: Mild (≥17), Moderate (16-16.99), Severe (15-15.99), Extreme (<15). For children and adolescents, corresponding BMI percentiles are used. This patient's BMI of 16.2 places her in the moderate range.

3Per DSM-5-TR, what is the minimum frequency of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors required for a diagnosis of bulimia nervosa?

A.At least once a week for 3 months

B.At least twice a week for 6 months

C.At least once a month for 3 months

D.At least three times a week for 3 months

Explanation: DSM-5 reduced the frequency requirement from twice weekly (DSM-IV) to once weekly for both binge episodes and compensatory behaviors, maintained in DSM-5-TR. The 3-month duration remains unchanged. This change better captured the clinical presentation of patients with significant bulimic pathology.

4Which eating disorder is characterized by avoidance or restriction of food intake based on sensory characteristics or fear of aversive consequences, but without body image disturbance or fear of weight gain?

A.Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

B.Atypical anorexia nervosa

C.Pica

D.Rumination disorder

Explanation: ARFID, introduced in DSM-5, is distinguished from anorexia nervosa by the ABSENCE of body image disturbance or drive for thinness. ARFID presentations include sensory-based avoidance, fear of aversive consequences (e.g., choking, vomiting), and lack of interest in eating. It can cause significant nutritional deficiency and weight loss.

5Which of the following BEST distinguishes binge eating disorder (BED) from bulimia nervosa?

A.Absence of regular inappropriate compensatory behaviors in BED

B.Binge episodes are smaller in BED

C.BED requires body image disturbance

D.BED requires a minimum BMI of 30

Explanation: The defining difference between BED and bulimia nervosa is that BED does NOT involve regular inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as purging, laxative abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise. BED patients may have any BMI — most are in overweight or obese categories, but BED is not defined by weight status.

6A patient meets all criteria for anorexia nervosa except that despite significant weight loss, their current weight is within or above the normal range. What is the most appropriate DSM-5-TR diagnosis?

A.Atypical anorexia nervosa (under OSFED)

B.Anorexia nervosa, restricting type

C.Unspecified feeding or eating disorder

D.Body dysmorphic disorder

Explanation: Atypical anorexia nervosa is a subtype of Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED) characterized by meeting all AN criteria except weight is within or above normal. Research shows these patients have equivalent or greater medical and psychiatric morbidity compared with low-weight AN patients, reinforcing that weight alone does not determine illness severity.

7Which assessment instrument is widely considered the gold-standard structured interview for diagnosing eating disorders?

A.Eating Disorder Examination (EDE)

B.Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26)

C.SCOFF questionnaire

D.Beck Depression Inventory

Explanation: The Eating Disorder Examination (EDE), developed by Fairburn and Cooper, is the gold-standard semi-structured clinical interview for eating disorder assessment. It yields four subscale scores (Restraint, Eating Concern, Shape Concern, Weight Concern) plus a global score. The self-report version is the EDE-Q. The EAT-26 and SCOFF are screening tools, not diagnostic.

8The SCOFF questionnaire is commonly used in primary care to screen for eating disorders. What does the 'F' in SCOFF represent?

A.Food — 'Would you say Food dominates your life?'

B.Fasting — 'Do you engage in regular Fasting?'

C.Fear — 'Do you have Fear of eating in public?'

D.Family — 'Is there Family history of ED?'

Explanation: SCOFF stands for: Sick (vomiting), Control (lost control over eating), One stone (>14 lb weight loss in 3 months), Fat (think you are fat when others say thin), Food (food dominates life). Two or more positive answers suggest likely eating disorder and warrant further assessment. It is a fast primary care screening tool, not diagnostic.

9A clinician conducting a differential diagnosis for a patient with weight loss and reduced intake should consider all of the following medical conditions EXCEPT:

A.Gilbert's syndrome

B.Hyperthyroidism

C.Inflammatory bowel disease

D.Addison's disease

Explanation: Gilbert's syndrome is a benign hereditary unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia that does not cause weight loss or appetite changes. Hyperthyroidism, inflammatory bowel disease, and Addison's disease can all mimic or contribute to weight loss and restrictive eating patterns and must be ruled out during a thorough medical workup before attributing symptoms solely to a primary eating disorder.

10According to DSM-5-TR, pica can be diagnosed in a patient with an intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder only when:

A.The eating of non-nutritive, non-food substances is sufficiently severe to warrant additional clinical attention

B.The patient is under age 10

C.Ingestion occurs at least weekly for 6 months

D.The behavior causes measurable weight loss

Explanation: DSM-5-TR specifies that when pica occurs in the context of another mental disorder such as intellectual developmental disorder or ASD, it is diagnosed only if the eating behavior is severe enough to warrant additional clinical attention beyond the comorbid disorder. Duration is at least 1 month, and the behavior must be developmentally inappropriate (not normal for age <2).

About the CEDS Exam

The iaedp CEDS (Certified Eating Disorders Specialist) is an advanced credential for licensed clinicians — psychologists, counselors, social workers, RDNs, psychiatric nurses, and physicians — specializing in eating disorder treatment. Candidates must complete four Core Courses, 2,500 supervised clinical hours with ED patients under an iaedp-Approved Supervisor (CEDS-C), a case study, three letters of recommendation, and pass the proctored 170-question final exam with at least 80%.

Questions

170 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

80%

Exam Fee

$100 per attempt (iaedp Foundation)

CEDS Exam Content Outline

15%

Assessment, Diagnosis & Differential

DSM-5-TR criteria for AN, BN, BED, ARFID, OSFED (including atypical AN), pica, and rumination; assessment instruments (EDE, EDE-Q, SCOFF, EAT-26); medical and psychiatric differential diagnosis

15%

Medical Complications

Cardiac (bradycardia, QTc prolongation), GI (gastroparesis), endocrine (hypothalamic amenorrhea), bone (osteoporosis), dental (perimylolysis), electrolyte abnormalities, and refeeding syndrome

15%

Treatment Modalities

CBT-E, Family-Based Treatment (FBT/Maudsley), DBT, ACT, IPT, motivational interviewing, exposure and response prevention, MANTRA, CBT-AR for ARFID, body image work

12%

Nutrition & Medical Nutrition Therapy

Refeeding protocols, exchange systems, Plate-by-Plate approach, meal planning, enteral/parenteral feeding, goal weight determination, weight restoration targets, intuitive eating

10%

Levels of Care

Outpatient, IOP, PHP, residential, and inpatient criteria per APA Practice Guideline and AED Medical Care Standards; step-up and step-down decision-making

Ethics, Cultural Competence & Diversity

Body image across cultures, BIPOC disparities, LGBTQ+ and transgender care, male ED prevalence, athletes and RED-S, informed consent, confidentiality, dual relationships, telehealth licensure

Psychopharmacology

Fluoxetine for bulimia nervosa (FDA-approved at 60 mg), lisdexamfetamine for BED, bupropion contraindications, olanzapine in AN, SSRI limitations in low-weight AN, QTc monitoring

Family, Adolescent & Developmental

FBT phases, parental empowerment, sibling involvement, developmental considerations, Adolescent-Focused Therapy (AFT) alternatives, adolescent medical admission criteria

Co-occurring Disorders

Trauma and PTSD, OCD and anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, suicide risk assessment and safety planning

How to Pass the CEDS Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 80%
Exam length: 170 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: $100 per attempt

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CEDS Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master DSM-5-TR criteria for all feeding and eating disorders (AN, BN, BED, ARFID, OSFED including atypical AN, pica, rumination) — know the severity specifiers and what changed from DSM-IV

2Learn the AED Medical Care Standards and Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine criteria for medical admission cold — heart rate, BMI, electrolyte thresholds

3Memorize evidence-based first-line treatments: CBT-E for adult BN/BED, FBT for adolescent AN, and understand CBT-AR for ARFID and MANTRA for adult AN

4Know the three FDA-approved medications relevant to ED: fluoxetine 60 mg for BN, lisdexamfetamine for BED, and the bupropion contraindication — no medication is approved for AN

5Understand refeeding syndrome pathophysiology: insulin-driven intracellular shift of phosphate, magnesium, and potassium, and why 'start low, go slow' is protective

6Review APA Practice Guideline (2023 update) level-of-care criteria and the four phases of CBT-E

7Study cultural competence and diversity content thoroughly: BIPOC disparities, LGBTQ+/transgender affirming care, male EDs, athletes and RED-S

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the iaedp CEDS exam format?

The CEDS final exam is proctored online through ProctorFree and consists of 170 randomized multiple-choice and true/false questions. You have a 3-hour time limit and must score at least 80% to pass. You may skip and return to questions and review previous answers. The exam cannot be stopped and restarted — if you disconnect, the attempt counts and you must purchase a new attempt.

What is the passing score for the CEDS exam?

The passing score is 80%. Candidates are allowed up to 3 exam attempts. Your passing score is valid for 2 years from the date you pass; you must submit your complete CEDS application within that 2-year window or you will need to retake the exam.

How much does the CEDS certification cost?

Costs include a $100 exam fee per attempt, a $150 application fee, and four required Core Courses at $125 each ($500 total). Total minimum cost to apply is approximately $750 in iaedp fees, not including iaedp membership, iaedp-Approved Supervisor fees, textbooks, and other required training. Recertification occurs every 2 years and requires 20 continuing education credits plus a renewal fee.

Who is eligible for CEDS certification?

CEDS is for licensed clinicians including psychologists, LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCs, Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), psychiatric nurses, physicians, and physician assistants. Candidates must hold an active license, complete 2,500 supervised clinical hours working directly with eating disorder patients under an iaedp-Approved Supervisor (CEDS-C), complete four iaedp Core Courses, submit a case study, provide three letters of recommendation, and pass the final exam.

What are the four CEDS Core Courses?

The four required Core Courses are: (1) Introduction to Eating Disorders, (2) Psychological Treatment of Eating Disorders, (3) Medical Treatment of Eating Disorders, and (4) Nutrition Treatment of Eating Disorders. Each is $125 and offered online through the iaedp Learning Management System. They must be completed before sitting for the final exam.

How many clinical hours do I need for CEDS?

Candidates must document 2,500 supervised clinical hours working directly with eating disorder patients. These hours accrue only AFTER you are a licensed provider. Supervision must be provided by an iaedp-Approved Supervisor (CEDS-C), with approximately 1 hour of supervision per 120 client contact hours — roughly 24 supervision hours minimum. Up to 50% can be group supervision.

How does CEDS differ from CEDS-C?

CEDS (Certified Eating Disorder Specialist) is the base clinical credential. CEDS-C (Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Consultant), formerly 'iaedp-Approved Supervisor,' is an additional credential for CEDS holders who wish to provide supervision and consultation to other clinicians pursuing the CEDS credential. CEDS-C requires additional experience, training in supervision, and ongoing CE in consultation.

How often must CEDS certification be renewed?

CEDS certification must be renewed every 2 years. Renewal requires an active license, documentation of 20 continuing education credits (with eating disorder-specific content), and payment of the renewal fee. Non-refundable fees apply. Maintaining active CEDS status signals ongoing professional development in ED treatment.