📅 10-WEEK RD EXAM STUDY SCHEDULE: Your Path to Success

✅ RD EXAM OVERVIEW (Based on CDR 2022 Content Outline)

The exam consists of four domains:

Domain	Description	Approximate %
I	Principles of Dietetics	25%
II	Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups	40%
III	Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services	21%
IV	Foodservice Systems	14%

📌 Weekly Focus: Your Roadmap to Success

Each week focuses on one domain or a portion of it. You will engage in topic review, visual mnemonics, and Quizlet flashcards.

✅ WEEK 1: Study Planning & Assessment

Goal: Set up resources, establish your schedule, and assess your baseline.

Tasks:

• Set study time goals:

- Weekdays: 1–2 hours

- Weekends: 2–3 hours

• Log in to and bookmark the Academy MNT Manual.

• Gather or create visual mnemonics (drawn, YouTube, Pinterest, etc.).

• Choose and organize Quizlet decks by CDR domain.

• Take a free baseline quiz (optional – just for self-assessment).

  
  

✅ WEEK 2: Domain I – Principles of Dietetics (Part 1)

Topics:

• Macronutrients & micronutrients

• Digestion & absorption

• Food science & nutrient composition

• Food safety basics (HACCP, pathogens, temps)

  
  

Resources:

• MNT Manual: Review general nutrition and food safety sections.

• Quizlet: Search “RD Exam Food Safety,” “Vitamins and Minerals,” etc.

• Visual Mnemonics: Vitamin deficiencies, foodborne illness symptoms.

  
  

✅ WEEK 3: Domain I – Principles of Dietetics (Part 2)

Topics:

• Education & communication strategies

• Behavior change theories (Health Belief Model, Transtheoretical)

• Basic research methods (validity, reliability, study types)

  
  

Resources:

• MNT Manual: Review patient education and community programs.

• Quizlet: “Learning Theories RD,” “Behavior Change Models,” “Research Terms.”

• Visual Mnemonics: Behavior models, study design types.

  
  

✅ WEEK 4: Domain II – Nutrition Care (Part 1)

Topics:

• Nutrition screening and assessment

• Lab values, anthropometrics, and intake evaluation

• PES statements

  
  

Resources:

• MNT Manual: Clinical assessment sections and sample ADIME notes.

• Quizlet: “Lab Values RD,” “PES Statements,” “ADIME Examples.”

• Visual Mnemonics: Common lab trends and interpretations (e.g., ↓ albumin, ↑ BUN).

  
  

✅ WEEK 5: Domain II – Nutrition Care (Part 2)

Topics:

• MNT for chronic diseases:

- Diabetes, renal, GI, cardiovascular, cancer

• Lifecycle nutrition (pregnancy, infants, elderly)

  
  

Resources:

• MNT Manual: Use as primary text for MNT conditions and lifecycle needs.

• Quizlet: “MNT Diabetes,” “Renal Diet,” “Infant Nutrition RD Exam.”

• Visual Mnemonics: DASH, TLC, Renal Diet limits, Infant nutrition milestones.

  
  

✅ WEEK 6: Domain III – Management of Food & Nutrition Programs

Topics:

• Human resources (hiring, labor laws, evaluation)

• Budgeting and productivity

• Leadership styles and motivation theories

• Quality improvement models (CQI, PDCA)

  
  

Resources:

• Quizlet: “PERT Chart,” “Management RD Exam,” “HR Terminology.”

• Visual Mnemonics: Motivation theories, budgeting formulas.

• Apply concepts to practice examples (staffing, budget cuts).

  
  

✅ WEEK 7: Domain IV – Foodservice Systems

Topics:

• Menu planning, procurement, food production methods

• Foodservice systems: conventional, commissary, ready-prepared, assembly-serve

• Equipment, layout, and food safety in operations

  
  

Resources:

• Quizlet: “Foodservice Systems RD,” “Types of Production,” “Menu Planning.”

• Visual Mnemonics: System types chart, food flow diagrams.

  
  

✅ WEEK 8: Mixed Review & High-Yield Topics

Tasks:

• Revisit all weak areas.

• Focus review using Quizlet and mnemonics.

• Go back to key sections of the MNT Manual.

• Practice 30–50 flashcards daily across domains.

• Summarize critical topics on 1-page cheat sheets.

  
  

✅ WEEK 9: Full-Length Practice Exam Week

Tasks:

• Take 1–2 timed, full-length exams (from free online or DIY using flashcards).

• Simulate test day conditions.

• Carefully review all missed or uncertain answers.

• Focus reinforcement on Domains II and I (heaviest weighted).

  
  

✅ WEEK 10: Final Review & Test-Ready Mindset

Tasks:

• Final light review of:

- Lab values

- MNT protocols

- Counseling models

- Foodservice system types

• Use Quizlet for rapid recall sessions.

• Rely heavily on visual mnemonics for memory boosts.

• Don’t study the day before the exam – rest, hydrate, prepare mentally.

  
  

📚 Finalized Study Resources (Only These)

Resource	Use
Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics MNT Manual	Core reference for MNT, assessment, lifecycle
Quizlet	Flashcard-based recall & concept review
Visual Mnemonics (hand-drawn, YouTube, Pinterest)	Memory aids for high-yield concepts

🧠 Study Tips for the RD Exam

• Focus on mastering Domain II, as it makes up 40% of the test.

• Practice writing PES and ADIME notes using MNT case examples.

• Draw out concepts visually when possible (mnemonics, charts).

• Prioritize understanding relationships (e.g., labs + conditions), not just definitions.

• Keep revisiting Quizlet flashcards daily for spaced repetition.

  
  

Additional Strategies for Success

To further enhance your preparation, consider these strategies:

1. Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can provide new insights and motivation.

2. Utilize Online Forums: Engage in discussions on platforms like Reddit or specialized dietetics forums.

3. Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate stress-relief techniques like meditation or yoga to maintain focus.

4. Stay Organized: Keep a planner to track your study schedule and progress.

5. Seek Feedback: Don’t hesitate to ask mentors or instructors for guidance on challenging topics.

   
   

By following this comprehensive study schedule and incorporating these strategies, you will be well-prepared to tackle the RD exam confidently. Remember, consistency is key. You’ve got this!

RD Student Test Prep