Everything you need to know about computer-based adaptive tests and the RD exam.
People ask us all the time, how does the RD exam work and what in the heck is a computer-based adaptive test?
The RD Exam is a type of computer adaptive test (CAT) that measures your knowledge and skill in four major domain areas that span from foundational sciences like biochemistry and anatomy to medical nutrition therapy and foodservice management. The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) uses CAT testing to administer questions that reveal the most information about your level of competence to ensure that you are ready to practice as an entry-level registered dietitian.
CAT testing, also called tailored testing, is a type of test that changes its difficulty based on how you answer questions. It’s a “smart test”, meaning it uses algorithms to administer specific questions based on how you answer each question. Standardized tests like the SAT and GRE are smart tests that adapt to the test taker. For example, if you answer a question correctly, the next question will be harder. If you answer a question incorrectly, the next question will be easier. By doing this, the test can measure your competence more accurately and quickly than a regular rest.
Think of the RD Exam as a test that adapts specifically to you. It will give you questions that are not too easy and not too hard, but just right for your level.
Because of this, each RD exam is different and no two are exactly the same. This means that your RD Exam will be different from the person sitting next to you at the testing center. If you fail the exam and have to take it again, you will not get the same exam you took the first time.
This information is under lock and key by the Commission for Dietetic Registration (CDR) and Pearson Vue who administers the exam, but we can give you a general idea of how the question items are scored.
Each question has a certain weight or value based on its level of difficulty and position in the exam. The first few questions that you get are really important, because they determine the types of questions that will follow. Typically, the exam will start with a question that is at a medium-difficulty level and will then adjust the difficulty level of the following questions based on whether you answer correctly or incorrectly. This means that you should be careful when you get started with those first few questions. If you feel panicked or anxious, stop and take a few deep breaths so you can get focused when you begin the exam.
You can get anywhere from 125-145 questions on the RD Exam. Just because you get more than 125 questions doesn’t mean that you have failed. It’s just the algorithm working to make sure that you are competent enough in each domain area to get a passing score.
Take a look around to see what intrigues you. This is a great resource for RD2Be’s looking for some “sage” words of wisdom about the registered dietitian exam and the profession of dietetics.
