RD Exam Nutrition Science Practice Questions
Original RD exam practice questions on human nutrition and life-cycle needs, written to CDR’s outlines
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for nutrition science and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free nutrition science drillWhy does the RDA for iron rise sharply for adolescent girls compared with adolescent boys?
Human Nutrition and Life-Cycle Needs on the RD exam
These questions test the science behind every clinical and community decision: what each nutrient does, what deficiency looks like, how much people need at each life stage, and how the body digests and uses food.
- On the outline
- Through 2026: Domain I, Principles of Dietetics (topic A). From 2027: Domain III, Human Nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy (topic A)
- Our drill
- 10 questions from 48 nutrition science questions, untimed, an explanation after every answer; one free attempt, unlimited with a pass
What human nutrition and life-cycle needs questions test
- Vitamin and mineral functions, deficiency signs, absorption and food sources
- DRIs (EAR, RDA, AI, UL, AMDR) and how to use each one
- Energy expenditure, the Mifflin-St Jeor equation and the thermic effect of food
- Pregnancy, lactation, infant feeding (solids, cow’s milk, vitamin D, honey), toddlers and older adults
- Digestion and absorption sites, fasting metabolism, fiber, fatty acids and protein quality, and sports nutrition
Sit the full exam under the real clock
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for nutrition science and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free nutrition science drillHow to study it
- Make a one-page table of each vitamin and mineral with its function, deficiency and best sources.
- Practice energy equations until you can do them quickly with an on-screen calculator.
- Take the nutrition science drill, then the calculations drill.
Common questions
Where is nutrition science on the RD exam outline?
On the 2022-2026 outline (exams through December 31, 2026) it is in Domain I, Principles of Dietetics (topic A). On the 2027-2031 outline (exams from January 1, 2027) it is in Domain III, Human Nutrition and Medical Nutrition Therapy (topic A). CDR publishes percentages for domains, not for individual topics.
Do I need to memorize the DRI tables?
Know the purpose of each DRI value and the numbers you use often in practice, such as the adult protein RDA (0.8 g/kg), the AMDRs and key pregnancy and older-adult values. CDR’s outline lists nutrient and energy needs across the life span.
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for nutrition science and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free nutrition science drillMore RD exam practice
- 2027 outline
- Food Science and Food Composition
- Nutrition Education and Counseling
- Research and Evidence-Based Practice
- Screening, Assessment and Nutrition Diagnosis
- Medical Nutrition Therapy and Nutrition Support
- Community and Public Health Nutrition
- Management, Ethics and Professional Practice
- Foodservice Systems and Food Safety
- Practice exam, 2022-2026 outline (145 questions, 3 hours)
- Practice exam, 2027 outline (145 questions, 3 hours)
- RD exam calculations drill
Sources
- CDR: RD Exam Candidate Handbook 2026 (format, timing, scoring, fee, retest wait)
- CDR: RD Exam Overview (lifetime attempt limit from 2027, test bundle)
- CDR: Study resources, both test specifications, the 2022 vs 2027 comparison and CDR practice questions
- CDR: 2027-2031 RD Test Specifications and Expanded Study Outline (PDF)
- CDR: RD Examination Eligibility Requirements
- CDR: RD Exam Pass/Fail Statistics
- CDR: Exam FAQ (four options, no review, calculator)
- CDR: Professional Development Portfolio (75 CPEUs every 5 years)
Original practice questions for exam preparation, written to CDR’s 2022-2026 and 2027-2031 RD test specifications, not CDR exam questions. Independent practice, not affiliated with or endorsed by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or Pearson VUE. RD and RDN are credentials of CDR and marks of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.