RD Exam Research and Statistics Practice Questions
Original RD exam practice questions on research and evidence-based practice, written to CDR’s outlines
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for research and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free research drillA dietitian wants to understand why new mothers stop breastfeeding early. Which method gives the richest insight into their reasons?
Research and Evidence-Based Practice on the RD exam
Research questions are short but precise: identify a design, pick the right statistical test, interpret a p-value or correlation, or calculate sensitivity, relative risk or number needed to treat.
- On the outline
- Through 2026: Domain I, Principles of Dietetics (topic C). From 2027: Domain I, Fundamentals of Dietetics Practice (topic C)
- Our drill
- 10 questions from 31 research questions, untimed, an explanation after every answer; one free attempt, unlimited with a pass
What research and evidence-based practice questions test
- Randomized trials, cohort, case-control, cross-sectional and qualitative designs
- Null hypotheses, type I and II errors, power and p-values
- Mean, median, standard deviation, correlation and which test fits (t-test, ANOVA, chi-square)
- Sensitivity, specificity, relative risk, odds ratio, confounding and number needed to treat
- IRB review, informed consent, the Evidence Analysis Library grades and sharing findings
Sit the full exam under the real clock
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for research and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free research drillHow to study it
- Memorize which design gives which measure (cohort: relative risk; case-control: odds ratio).
- Practice the 2×2 table until sensitivity and specificity are automatic.
- Take the research drill, then the calculations drill.
Common questions
Where is research on the RD exam outline?
On the 2022-2026 outline (exams through December 31, 2026) it is in Domain I, Principles of Dietetics (topic C). On the 2027-2031 outline (exams from January 1, 2027) it is in Domain I, Fundamentals of Dietetics Practice (topic C). CDR publishes percentages for domains, not for individual topics.
Is there a lot of math in research questions?
Some: medians, percentages, sensitivity, relative risk and number needed to treat. Most research questions test interpretation rather than long calculations.
145 questions across all nine areas in 3 hours, with a score for research and every domain so you know where you stand.
Free research drillMore RD exam practice
- 2027 outline
- Food Science and Food Composition
- Human Nutrition and Life-Cycle Needs
- Nutrition Education and Counseling
- 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.