Commission on Dietetic Registration

This page provides specific information about the registration examination for dietitians and registration examination for dietetic technicians.

CDA Information

Mission Statement

The Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) administers valid, reliable, and rigorous credentialing processes to meet the professional needs of credentialed practitioners and their employers and to protect the public.

Values

The Commission on Dietetic Registration incorporates the following values to realize the Mission and Vision:

  • Inclusivity – Make decisions with consideration for all
  • Innovation – Embrace change with creativity and strategic thinking
  • Integrity – Act ethically and with accountability

Strategic Focus

The Commission on Dietetic Registration focuses its efforts on Credentialing, Practice Area Competence, and Stewardship.

The Commissioners oversee the Strategic Plan, governance and policy that guide credentialed practitioners through program of work activities of its committees, panels, task forces and advisory groups.

The Commission’s RD and DTR certification programs are fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the accrediting arm of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence based in Washington, D.C. This accreditation reflects achievement of the highest standards of professional credentialing. To learn more about CDR, visit the CDR website.

Congratulations!
If you have received an Authorization to Test email from Pearson VUE, you are now eligible to take the credentialing examination for dietitians or dietetic technicians.

How to Schedule Your Credentialing Examination

Scheduling Your Examination

Pearson VUE is CDR’s testing vendor for the entry-level registration examinations and the Advanced Practitioner in Clinical Nutrition certification examination. You will schedule and pay for your exam with Pearson VUE. Log in to this website to schedule, cancel or reschedule an examination appointment or download another copy of your examination score report.

Candidate Handbooks

It is very important that you carefully read your handbook before you proceed with scheduling or taking your examination. Please review the appropriate handbook:

CDR Test Bundle Voucher

The Test Bundle Voucher is an optional program that provides candidates with a second attempt to pass their RD or DTR exam at a discounted rate, should they have an unsuccessful first attempt. By investing in the Test Bundle, candidates can gain peace of mind, financial savings, and an opportunity to overcome test anxiety.

For $325 (RD) or $215 (DTR), candidates receive a voucher valid for two test attempts. This option can provide the support that some candidates need on the journey to becoming an RD or DTR and provide the reassurance to succeed. For more information on CDR’s Test Bundle Voucher, please visit our website.

Special Test Accommodations

If you wish to apply for accommodations, please read the “Testing of Candidates with Disabilities” section of the handbook and follow the instructions carefully. You must apply for accommodations using the instructions linked on this landing page before scheduling an appointment. Accommodations must be approved in advance and examinations with accommodations must be scheduled with the Pearson VUE Accommodations team. Test centers will not provide accommodations that are not prior approved.

Scheduling Options

Once you are approved for exam eligibility, you have an initial year of authorization as outlined in your Authorization to Test email. If you are unable to take the exam during this period, or do not pass the exam, you will need to reapply for authorization online or by emailing cdrexams@​eatright.​org.​

Last updated 2024-03-07