200+ Free CDR RD Practice Questions

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Question 1

Score: 0/0

Which B vitamin is required as a cofactor for the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA?

Riboflavin

Thiamin

Niacin

Pantothenic acid

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CDR RD Exam

70-80%

First-Time Pass Rate

CDR 2024

125-145

Questions

Variable length

$69,680

Median Salary

BLS 2024

5,800

Annual Job Openings

BLS

45%

Nutrition Care Domain

CDR blueprint

3 hrs

Time Limit

CDR

The CDR RD exam has a 70-80% pass rate for first-time candidates. The exam contains 125-145 scored questions over 3 hours. Domain II (Nutrition Care) accounts for 45% of the exam. Registered dietitians earn a median salary of $69,680 (BLS 2024) with 5,800 annual job openings. A graduate degree will be required starting January 1, 2024.

Sample CDR RD Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CDR RD exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which B vitamin is required as a cofactor for the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl-CoA?

A.Riboflavin

B.Thiamin

C.Niacin

D.Pantothenic acid

Explanation: Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is essential as a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, the enzyme that converts pyruvate to acetyl-CoA for entry into the Krebs cycle. Thiamin deficiency results in impaired glucose metabolism and accumulation of pyruvate and lactate. Riboflavin is a cofactor for oxidation-reduction reactions, niacin is required for NAD/NADP formation, and pantothenic acid is a component of CoA but not the rate-limiting cofactor for this specific conversion.

2According to the Transtheoretical Model of Change, which stage is characterized by the intention to begin a new behavior within the next month?

A.Precontemplation

B.Contemplation

C.Preparation

D.Action

Explanation: The Preparation stage involves individuals who intend to take action within the next month and may have already taken small steps toward behavior change. Precontemplation is when individuals are not considering change, contemplation involves thinking about change within 6 months, and action is when individuals have actively modified their behavior for less than 6 months. Understanding these stages helps dietitians tailor counseling approaches appropriately.

3What is the primary function of cholecystokinin (CCK) in digestion?

A.Stimulates gastric acid secretion

B.Stimulates gallbladder contraction and pancreatic enzyme release

C.Inhibits gastric emptying

D.Increases intestinal motility

Explanation: Cholecystokinin (CCK) is released by I cells in the duodenum and jejunum in response to fats and proteins. Its primary functions include stimulating gallbladder contraction to release bile, stimulating the pancreas to release digestive enzymes, and promoting satiety. Gastrin stimulates gastric acid secretion, and CCK actually slows gastric emptying to allow adequate digestion time, but its defining role is gallbladder contraction and pancreatic stimulation.

4Which statistical measure indicates how spread out the values in a data set are around the mean?

A.Mean

B.Median

C.Standard deviation

D.Mode

Explanation: Standard deviation measures the dispersion or spread of data points around the mean. A small standard deviation indicates data points are clustered close to the mean, while a large standard deviation indicates wider spread. The mean is the average, the median is the middle value, and the mode is the most frequent value - none of these measure spread. Understanding standard deviation is essential for interpreting nutrition research and assessing individual measurements against population norms.

5During the third trimester of pregnancy, what is the recommended additional daily caloric intake?

A.0 kcal

B.150 kcal

C.300 kcal

D.450 kcal

Explanation: During the third trimester, the recommended additional caloric intake is 450 kcal/day to support fetal growth and development. The first trimester requires no additional calories, the second trimester requires approximately 340 additional kcal/day, and the third trimester requires approximately 450 additional kcal/day. These additional calories should come from nutrient-dense foods to meet increased needs for protein, iron, calcium, and other micronutrients.

6Which of the following is the most appropriate counseling approach when working with a client from a culture that values collective decision-making?

A.Focus exclusively on the individual client

B.Involve family members in the counseling session

C.Use written materials only

D.Avoid discussing cultural food practices

Explanation: When working with clients from collectivist cultures where family and community play central roles in decision-making, involving family members in counseling sessions demonstrates cultural competency and increases the likelihood of successful behavior change. Individual-focused approaches may be ineffective in these contexts. Understanding and respecting cultural food practices is also essential for providing culturally appropriate care.

7What is the primary storage form of iron in the body?

A.Hemoglobin

B.Myoglobin

C.Ferritin

D.Transferrin

Explanation: Ferritin is the primary storage form of iron in the body, storing iron in a soluble, non-toxic form within cells. Hemoglobin contains about 70% of functional iron for oxygen transport, myoglobin stores oxygen in muscle tissue, and transferrin is the transport protein that carries iron in the bloodstream. Serum ferritin levels are commonly used to assess iron stores, with low levels indicating iron deficiency.

8In the Nutrition Care Process, which step involves identifying the specific nutrition problem that a dietitian will address?

A.Assessment

B.Diagnosis

C.Intervention

D.Monitoring and Evaluation

Explanation: Nutrition Diagnosis is the step where the dietitian identifies and labels specific nutrition problems that can be addressed through nutrition intervention. This involves using the PES statement (Problem, Etiology, Signs/Symptoms) format. Assessment involves gathering data, Intervention involves planning and implementing care, and Monitoring and Evaluation involves tracking progress and outcomes.

9Which of the following is a type I error in research?

A.Failing to reject a false null hypothesis

B.Rejecting a true null hypothesis

C.Using a sample size that is too small

D.Selecting a non-random sample

Explanation: A type I error (alpha error) occurs when a researcher rejects a true null hypothesis, concluding that an effect exists when it actually does not. This is also called a "false positive." A type II error (beta error) occurs when a researcher fails to reject a false null hypothesis. Sample size and randomization are study design issues, not types of statistical errors.

10The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for fat for adults is what percentage of total daily calories?

A.10-20%

B.20-35%

C.25-40%

D.45-65%

Explanation: The AMDR for fat is 20-35% of total daily calories for adults. This range is associated with reduced risk of chronic disease while providing adequate essential fatty acids. The AMDR for carbohydrate is 45-65% and for protein is 10-35%. Intakes outside these ranges may increase risk of chronic disease or result in inadequate nutrient intake.

About the CDR RD Exam

The CDR RD exam is the credentialing examination for registered dietitian nutritionists. It covers four domains: Principles of Dietetics (21%), Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups (45%), Management of Food and Nutrition Programs (21%), and Foodservice Systems (13%). The exam is computer-based and administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.

Questions

140 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Scaled (approx. 25/50)

Exam Fee

$200-250 (CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration))

CDR RD Exam Content Outline

21%

Principles of Dietetics

Food science, nutrition science, research, education and communication theories, cultural competency, lifespan nutrition

45%

Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups

Assessment, diagnosis, MNT, intervention, monitoring/evaluation, disease states, enteral/parenteral nutrition, counseling

21%

Management of Food and Nutrition Programs

Human resources, marketing, financial management, quality improvement, public health nutrition, food safety regulations

13%

Foodservice Systems

Menu planning, procurement, food safety, sanitation, equipment, production and distribution systems

How to Pass the CDR RD Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled (approx. 25/50)
Exam length: 140 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: $200-250

Keys to Passing

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

CDR RD Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus heavily on Domain II (Nutrition Care) - it accounts for 45% of the exam

2Master MNT for diabetes, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, and GI disorders

3Know your enteral and parenteral nutrition calculations and monitoring

4Understand foodservice math: recipe conversion, yield tests, and cost calculations

5Study food safety temperatures, HACCP principles, and FDA Food Code regulations

6Review nutrition assessment tools: SGA, MNA, and NCP (Nutrition Care Process)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RD exam pass rate?

The CDR RD exam pass rate is approximately 70-80% for first-time candidates who have completed ACEND-accredited supervised practice programs. Pass rates vary by year and preparation level.

How many questions are on the RD exam?

The CDR RD exam contains 125-145 scored questions plus 20-30 pretest questions. The exam uses variable length testing, so the number of questions varies based on your performance.

What is the RD exam format?

The exam is computer-based with multiple-choice questions. You have 3 hours to complete it. Questions cover 4 domains: Principles of Dietetics (21%), Nutrition Care (45%), Management (21%), and Foodservice Systems (13%).

How do I become a registered dietitian?

Complete a bachelor's degree (graduate degree required starting 2024), complete an ACEND-accredited supervised practice program (1,000+ hours), pass the CDR RD exam, and maintain continuing education requirements.

What is the difference between RD and RDN?

RD (Registered Dietitian) and RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) are interchangeable credentials. CDR introduced RDN in 2013 to emphasize the nutrition expertise of the profession.