Free CSO Exam Prep
Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition
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CSO CDR Dietetics Exams License: Complete Roadmap
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Nutrition Assessment (largest domain)You are here
Master PG-SGA scoring with triage (A/B/C), GLIM criteria, cachexia diagnosis (Fearon 2011) and staging, energy/protein needs per ESPEN cancer guidelines (25-30 kcal/kg, 1.2-1.5 g/kg protein up to 2.0 in cachexia). 34% of exam.
Nutrition Interventions
Cover MNT for treatment side effects (mucositis, dysgeusia, nausea, diarrhea, GVHD), disease-site nutrition (head/neck prophylactic G-tube, pancreatic PERT, post-gastrectomy dumping, HSCT/BMT phases), oncologic emergencies. 27% of exam.
Cancer & Cancer Treatment
Study cancer biology basics, staging, treatment modality side-effect profiles (chemo, RT, surgery, immunotherapy, CAR-T including CRS/ICANS), neutropenic diet evidence (current evidence does NOT support strict neutropenic — food safety yes). 20% of exam.
Education & Counseling + Final Review
Motivational interviewing, supplement/herbal cautions during therapy, survivorship guidelines (AICR/WCRF, Mediterranean), palliative/EOL nutrition, drug-nutrient interactions. 19%.
Can You Take the CSO Exam?
Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements
- •Active CDR Registered Dietitian (RD/RDN) credential ≥2 years
- •Minimum 2,000 hours of documented oncology nutrition practice within past 5 years
- •Year-round computer-based testing through PSI
- •Recertify every 5 years
CSO Quick Facts
Time to Get Licensed
8-12 weeks typical
From start to license in hand
Retake Policy
Per CDR retake policy
Total Cost Breakdown
Free CSO Prep Tools
147+ Practice Questions
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What You'll Study
7 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide
Chapter 1: Introduction & Exam Overview
2 sections
Chapter 2: Cancer & Cancer Treatment Modalities
6 sections
Chapter 3: Comprehensive Nutrition Assessment & Malnutrition Staging
10 sections
Chapter 4: Nutrition-Impact Side Effect Management & Pharmacotherapy
6 sections
Chapter 5: Specialized Nutrition Interventions, Disease-Site MNT & Care Coordination
9 sections
Chapter 6: Patient Education, Counseling, & Herbal/Supplement Safety
5 sections
Chapter 7: Cancer Survivorship, Palliative Nutrition, & End-of-Life Ethics
5 sections
CSO Exam Details
Board Certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition
Administered by CDR
Exam Content Breakdown
Based on the official CDR content outline
Cancer biology, staging (TNM basics), surgical/RT/chemo/immunotherapy/BMT/CAR-T modalities, treatment-related side effects (mucositis, neutropenia, dysgeusia)
PG-SGA scoring (A/B/C triage), GLIM criteria, cachexia diagnosis (Fearon 2011), pre-cachexia → cachexia → refractory staging, energy/protein requirements (ESPEN cancer guidelines)
MNT for treatment side effects, disease-site-specific (HN, esophageal, pancreatic, gastric, colorectal, HSCT/BMT, brain), oral nutritional supplements, EN/PN, oncologic emergencies (TLS, hypercalcemia)
Patient education, motivational interviewing, supplements/herbals (cautions during therapy — antioxidants, St. John's wort, turmeric), survivorship (Mediterranean/AICR/WCRF), palliative/EOL nutrition
What's Included
7 Chapters
Complete exam coverage
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What's Next After the CSO?
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