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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NDLE Exam

3

official PRC board subject areas

PRC Professional Regulatory Board for Nutritionist-Dietitians / RA 10862

75%

minimum general weighted average required to pass the NDLE

Republic Act 10862 (Nutrition and Dietetics Act of 2016)

35%

weight each for Nutritional Biochemistry/Clinical Dietetics and Foods/Food Service Systems

PRC Board for Nutritionist-Dietitians subject distribution

30%

weight for Community and Public Health Nutrition

PRC Board for Nutritionist-Dietitians subject distribution

2 years

window to take a conditional removal examination after partial pass

Republic Act 10862

2016

year RA 10862 (Nutrition and Dietetics Act) was enacted, replacing RA 2674

Republic Act 10862

The NDLE is a two-day PRC written licensure examination for aspiring Registered Nutritionist-Dietitians in the Philippines under RA 10862. The syllabus assigns 35% to Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics, 30% to Community and Public Health Nutrition, and 35% to Foods and Food Service Systems. A 75% general weighted average with no subject below 50% is required to pass. A conditional removal examination is available for partial passers within two years.

Sample NDLE Practice Questions

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

1Which water-soluble vitamin acts as a coenzyme in the citric acid cycle and is required for the oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA?
A.Thiamine (vitamin B1)
B.Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
C.Niacin (vitamin B3)
D.Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
Explanation: Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) is the active coenzyme form of thiamine and is essential for pyruvate dehydrogenase and alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase reactions in the citric acid cycle. A deficiency causes beriberi and can impair neurological function.
2Which lipoprotein is primarily responsible for transporting dietary cholesterol and triglycerides from the intestine to peripheral tissues?
A.Chylomicrons
B.Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)
C.Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
D.High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Explanation: Chylomicrons are the largest lipoproteins assembled in intestinal enterocytes and transport exogenous (dietary) fat including triglycerides and cholesterol via the lymphatic system into the bloodstream to peripheral tissues.
3In patients with phenylketonuria (PKU), which amino acid must be restricted in the diet?
A.Phenylalanine
B.Tyrosine
C.Tryptophan
D.Methionine
Explanation: PKU is caused by a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase, the enzyme that converts phenylalanine to tyrosine. Unrestricted phenylalanine accumulates and causes brain damage; dietary restriction of phenylalanine is the primary management strategy.
4Which enzyme catalyzes the rate-limiting step of cholesterol biosynthesis and is the target of statin medications?
A.HMG-CoA reductase
B.Acetyl-CoA carboxylase
C.Fatty acid synthase
D.Lipoprotein lipase
Explanation: HMG-CoA reductase converts HMG-CoA to mevalonate in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Statins competitively inhibit this enzyme, reducing hepatic cholesterol production and inducing LDL receptor upregulation.
5A hospitalized patient has a serum albumin of 2.5 g/dL and a total lymphocyte count of 800 cells/mm³. These findings are most consistent with which nutritional status?
A.Severe protein-energy malnutrition
B.Well-nourished state
C.Obesity
D.Iron deficiency anemia only
Explanation: Serum albumin below 3.5 g/dL and a total lymphocyte count below 1,200 cells/mm³ are traditional biochemical indicators of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM). These markers, while non-specific, guide further nutrition assessment.
6Which dietary modification is the cornerstone of medical nutrition therapy for Type 2 diabetes mellitus?
A.Consistent carbohydrate intake distributed throughout the day
B.High-fructose diet to spare insulin secretion
C.Complete elimination of all carbohydrates
D.Unlimited protein intake without restriction
Explanation: Consistent carbohydrate distribution helps maintain stable postprandial blood glucose levels. The total amount and type of carbohydrate, along with glycemic index considerations, are central to diabetes medical nutrition therapy.
7In acute renal failure, the primary dietary modification for non-dialyzed patients is restriction of which nutrient?
A.Protein
B.Vitamin C
C.Dietary fiber
D.Cholesterol
Explanation: In non-dialyzed acute renal failure, protein restriction (typically 0.6–0.8 g/kg/day) reduces the urea and nitrogenous waste load on the failing kidneys. This approach may slow progression of uremia while preserving lean mass.
8Which enteral feeding formula is most appropriate for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who requires ventilatory support?
A.High-fat, low-carbohydrate formula to reduce CO2 production
B.High-carbohydrate, low-fat formula
C.Standard formula with no modification
D.High-protein formula with excess branched-chain amino acids
Explanation: Carbohydrate metabolism produces more CO2 per calorie (RQ = 1.0) compared with fat (RQ = 0.7). In patients with COPD on ventilators, high-fat, lower-carbohydrate formulas can reduce the CO2 load and ease the work of breathing.
9Kwashiorkor is clinically differentiated from marasmus primarily by which feature?
A.Edema due to hypoalbuminemia
B.Severe muscle wasting with no edema
C.Normal serum albumin levels
D.Macrocytic anemia as the primary sign
Explanation: Kwashiorkor is characterized by edema resulting from low serum albumin (hypoalbuminemia), causing fluid to shift into interstitial spaces. Marasmus presents with significant muscle and fat wasting but usually normal serum albumin and no edema.
10A patient with newly diagnosed celiac disease requires dietary counseling. Which of the following grains must be completely avoided?
A.Wheat, barley, and rye
B.Rice and corn
C.Quinoa and amaranth
D.Oats certified gluten-free
Explanation: Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction to gluten proteins (gliadins in wheat, hordeins in barley, secalins in rye). Strict, lifelong avoidance of wheat, barley, and rye is required; rice and corn are naturally gluten-free.

About the NDLE Exam

The Nutritionist-Dietitian Licensure Examination (NDLE) is the PRC written licensure exam required to practice as a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND) in the Philippines, governed by Republic Act 10862 (Nutrition and Dietetics Act of 2016). The examination tests competencies in three weighted subject areas: Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics (35%), Community and Public Health Nutrition (30%), and Foods and Food Service Systems (35%), reflecting the broad scope of nutrition and dietetics practice.

Assessment

Three written board subjects: Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics 35%; Community and Public Health Nutrition 30%; Foods and Food Service Systems 35%. Examination is conducted over two days.

Time Limit

Two-day examination; specific hours per subject as announced in the official PRC examination program. Check the PRC website for the current examination schedule.

Passing Score

75% general weighted average across all subjects, with no individual subject rating below 50%

Exam Fee

Standard PRC licensure examination fee; check the LERIS portal (online.prc.gov.ph) for the current fee schedule (Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) / Professional Regulatory Board for Nutritionist-Dietitians)

NDLE Exam Content Outline

35%

Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics

Metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals; nutritional biochemistry; clinical nutrition assessment; medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, renal disease, liver disease, cardiovascular disease, GI disorders, cancer, burns, and critical illness; enteral and parenteral nutrition; the nutrition care process (NCP); Republic Act 10862 (Nutrition and Dietetics Act); and the professional code of ethics.

30%

Community and Public Health Nutrition

Philippine nutrition programs (PPAN, NNC, Operation Timbang, supplementary feeding, vitamin A/iron/folic acid/iodine supplementation); food security concepts; nutritional surveillance and assessment at the population level; growth monitoring and anthropometric indices; epidemiology and nutrition research methods; nutrition education and behavior change communication; Philippine food fortification laws (RA 8976, RA 8172); breastfeeding policies (EO 51 Philippine Milk Code); and the Philippine Dietary Reference Intakes (PDRI) and Pinggang Pinoy.

35%

Foods and Food Service Systems

Food science and chemistry (Maillard reaction, starch gelatinization, enzymatic browning, emulsification, food additives); food microbiology and food-borne illness; food preservation methods (dehydration, pasteurization, acidification, irradiation, cook-chill); HACCP and food safety; Philippine food regulations (FDA food labeling rules); food service systems management (menu planning, FIFO, cost control, purchasing specifications, yield testing, break-even analysis, production systems); sensory evaluation; and therapeutic diet production for hospital food service.

How to Pass the NDLE Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 75% general weighted average across all subjects, with no individual subject rating below 50%
  • Assessment: Three written board subjects: Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics 35%; Community and Public Health Nutrition 30%; Foods and Food Service Systems 35%. Examination is conducted over two days.
  • Time limit: Two-day examination; specific hours per subject as announced in the official PRC examination program. Check the PRC website for the current examination schedule.
  • Exam fee: Standard PRC licensure examination fee; check the LERIS portal (online.prc.gov.ph) for the current fee schedule

Keys to Passing

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

NDLE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Study by the official 35/30/35 subject weights, and allocate proportional time to each subject accordingly throughout your review period.
2For Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics, master macronutrient and micronutrient metabolism pathways, then apply them to clinical scenarios in medical nutrition therapy for diabetes, CKD, liver disease, and critical illness.
3For Community and Public Health Nutrition, memorize key Philippine laws (RA 8976, RA 8172, EO 51), know the NNC's PPAN components, and understand how the barangay nutrition program works from Operation Timbang to supplementary feeding.
4For Foods and Food Service Systems, understand HACCP principles thoroughly, know the temperature danger zone, FIFO, cook-chill systems, food cost calculations, and food science reactions (Maillard, gelatinization, enzymatic browning).
5Know RA 10862 in detail: passing standards, conditional removal examination rules, scope of practice, the Professional Regulatory Board composition, and code of ethics principles.
6Practice food cost percentage calculations (food cost/revenue × 100) and yield percentage calculations (edible portion/as-purchased × 100) as these are commonly tested in the Foods and Food Service Systems subject.

Frequently Asked Questions

What law governs the practice of Nutritionist-Dietitians in the Philippines?

Republic Act 10862, also known as the Nutrition and Dietetics Act of 2016, governs the practice of nutritionist-dietitians in the Philippines. It repealed Presidential Decree No. 1286 (the Nutrition and Dietetics Decree of 1977, which had earlier replaced RA 2674 of 1960) and strengthened the Professional Regulatory Board for Nutritionist-Dietitians under the PRC.

What are the three major subject areas on the NDLE?

The PRC Board subject areas are: Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics (35%), Community and Public Health Nutrition (30%), and Foods and Food Service Systems (35%).

What is the passing standard for the NDLE?

Under RA 10862, candidates must obtain a general weighted average of at least 75% across all board subjects, with no individual subject rating below 50%.

What is the conditional removal examination under RA 10862?

A candidate who fails the NDLE but passes at least one-half of the total subjects with a rating of at least 75% each may take a removal examination within two years, covering only the failed subjects. Failure in the removal examination requires retaking all subjects.

What educational requirement is needed to sit for the NDLE?

Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics from a CHED-recognized institution and have completed the required internship/practicum hours.

Which national agencies are responsible for nutrition programs in the Philippines?

The National Nutrition Council (NNC) is the highest policy-making and coordinating body on nutrition; the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI, under DOST) develops the PDRI and conducts the National Nutrition Survey; and the Department of Health (DOH) implements nutrition-related health programs.

Are these copied board questions from official NDLE examinations?

No. These are original practice questions written from the PRC syllabus, RA 10862, NNC guidelines, FNRI publications, food science principles, and clinical nutrition literature. They are not copied from official examinations or private question banks.

What is 'Pinggang Pinoy'?

Pinggang Pinoy (My Healthy Plate) is a food guide developed by the FNRI showing recommended food proportions using a Filipino plate model—one-quarter rice/grain, one-quarter fish/meat/poultry, and half vegetables and fruits—adapted for Filipino food culture.