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Exam Review

Key Facts: NDLE Exam

official PRC board subject areas

PRC Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics / RA 10862

75%

minimum general weighted average required to pass the NDLE

Republic Act 10862 (Nutrition and Dietetics Law of 2016)

35%

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

PRC November 2026 NDLE examination program

30%

weight for Community and Public Health Nutrition

PRC November 2026 NDLE examination program

2 years

window to take a conditional removal examination after partial pass

Republic Act 10862

2016

year RA 10862 (Nutrition and Dietetics Law) was enacted, repealing PD 1286

Republic Act 10862

The NDLE is a two-day PRC computer-based 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. Section 17 provides a conditional removal route within two years for candidates meeting its failing-average and subject-rating conditions; PRC/Board determines eligibility.

Sample NDLE Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NDLE exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 134+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which vitamin forms the TPP cofactor that directly catalyzes the initial decarboxylation of pyruvate in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex?

A.Thiamine (vitamin B1)

B.Riboflavin (vitamin B2)

C.Niacin (vitamin B3)

D.Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)

Explanation: Thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP) enables the initial decarboxylation step in the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex, which links glycolysis to the citric acid cycle. TPP also participates in alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase within the cycle. Riboflavin-derived FAD and niacin-derived NAD+ have other roles in these multienzyme complexes.

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 (para-hydroxyphenylalanine)

C.Tryptophan (indole-propionic amino acid)

D.Methionine (sulfur-bearing amino acid)

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 with pneumonia has serum albumin 2.5 g/dL and a total lymphocyte count of 800 cells/mm³. No intake, weight-loss, or physical examination data are available. What is the appropriate nutritional interpretation?

A.These nonspecific results require a comprehensive nutrition assessment

B.These results establish severe protein-energy malnutrition by themselves

C.Normal body weight would exclude malnutrition despite these results

D.The albumin result measures the patient's skeletal muscle protein mass

Explanation: Inflammation, fluid shifts, organ disease, and other factors affect albumin and lymphocyte counts. These results can accompany illness but cannot diagnose or grade malnutrition. Assess intake, weight trajectory, muscle and fat loss, fluid accumulation, and functional findings.

6Which principle is appropriate when planning medical nutrition therapy for an adult with type 2 diabetes?

A.Individualize carbohydrate amount and distribution within a balanced eating plan

B.Use high-fructose drinks routinely to reduce the need for insulin

C.Eliminate all carbohydrate regardless of preferences or medication

D.Provide unlimited protein without considering kidney status or energy needs

Explanation: Diabetes nutrition therapy is individualized to preferences, metabolic goals, medications, and comorbidities. Carbohydrate amount, quality, and distribution affect glucose responses; consistent timing can be especially useful with fixed insulin regimens. No single meal pattern is required for every person with type 2 diabetes.

7A hospitalized adult has acute kidney injury without dialysis and is catabolic because of sepsis. Which principle should guide the protein prescription?

A.Individualize protein to catabolic state rather than restrict it to delay dialysis

B.Use a fixed low-protein diet regardless of illness severity or muscle loss

C.Exclude all dietary protein until serum urea returns to its reference range

D.Use the stable chronic kidney disease allowance without reassessment

Explanation: Acute illness and catabolism increase protein requirements. ESPEN advises against reducing protein solely to avoid or delay kidney replacement therapy. A restricted regimen may be considered in selected metabolically stable, noncatabolic patients, rather than applied to septic patients automatically.

8An adult with COPD is mechanically ventilated in the ICU for acute respiratory failure. The gut is usable and no special formula indication is present. Which feeding strategy is appropriate?

A.Use a standard polymeric formula and avoid excessive total energy delivery

B.Routinely use a pulmonary formula solely to reduce respiratory quotient

C.Deliver extra carbohydrate above energy needs to spare respiratory muscles

D.Select a branched-chain amino acid formula solely because COPD is present

Explanation: ASPEN/SCCM recommends against routine specialty high-fat, low-carbohydrate formulas solely to manipulate respiratory quotient in acute respiratory failure. Select a standard formula as appropriate and avoid overfeeding, which can increase carbon dioxide production.

9Kwashiorkor is clinically differentiated from marasmus primarily by which feature?

A.Bilateral pitting nutritional edema

B.Severe muscle wasting without nutritional edema

C.Preserved muscle mass without weight change

D.Macrocytic anemia as the defining feature

Explanation: Bilateral pitting nutritional edema distinguishes edematous malnutrition (kwashiorkor) from nonedematous severe wasting (marasmus). Wasting may coexist with edema. The pathogenesis of nutritional edema is multifactorial; albumin alone does not define or grade malnutrition.

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.Milled white rice and yellow corn

C.Whole-grain quinoa and amaranth seeds

D.Pure rolled 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 computer-based licensure exam required to practice as a Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian (RND) in the Philippines, governed by Republic Act 10862 (Nutrition and Dietetics Law 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.

Exam sponsor: Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) / Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Three computer-based board subjects, each a 4-hour block: Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics 35% and Community and Public Health Nutrition 30% on day 1; Foods and Food Service Systems 35% on day 2.

Time Limit

Two-day examination; each subject runs 4 hours (8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon or 1:00-5:00 p.m.) in the PRC program for November 12-13, 2026. 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 / Certification Fees

₱900 for the complete examination; ₱450 for a conditioned/removal examination (PRC)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Consult the latest PRC official NDLE results announcement for the most current pass rate. PRC announces NDLE results officially after each examination sitting; pass rates vary per batch. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

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 Law); 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.

Preparing for 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 computer-based board subjects, each a 4-hour block: Nutritional Biochemistry and Clinical Dietetics 35% and Community and Public Health Nutrition 30% on day 1; Foods and Food Service Systems 35% on day 2.
Time limit: Two-day examination; each subject runs 4 hours (8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon or 1:00-5:00 p.m.) in the PRC program for November 12-13, 2026. Check the PRC website for the current examination schedule.
Exam / certification fees: ₱900 for the complete examination; ₱450 for a conditioned/removal examination (PRC) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

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NDLE: Suggested Study Strategy

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 Law 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 created the Professional Regulatory Board of Nutrition and Dietetics 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?

RA10862 section17 permits possible removal eligibility when the applicant fails to obtain a passing average but earns at least75% in at least half the subjects (two of three). Apply within two years; each removal subject requires75%. Passing GWA with a subject below50% still fails, but the statutory proviso does not automatically guarantee removal for that edge case; PRC/Board determines eligibility. Failure or expiry requires the full examination.

What educational requirement is needed to sit for the NDLE?

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics or its equivalent recognized by CHED (RA 10862 Sec. 15). For a first attempt, PRC requires a PSA birth certificate, a PSA marriage contract for married female applicants, a transcript of records marked 'For Board Examination Purposes', and a valid NBI clearance.

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 is a food guide developed by FNRI-DOST with WHO, DOH, and NNC. It uses a plate model to show per-meal proportions for Filipino adults: half the plate is Glow foods (vegetables and fruits), one-third is Go foods (rice, corn, bread, and root crops), and one-sixth is Grow foods (fish, meat, poultry, eggs, beans, and legumes). FNRI has also released versions for other population groups.

Free Practice Questions for NDLE

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