Curriculum
Learn
The complete CDR study outline, organized as a working table of contents.
2022 to 2026 blueprint
CDR RDN Exam Study Plan, 2022-2026
Blueprint details
Effective January 1, 2022 to December 31, 2026
I
Principles of Dietetics
21%- I.A
Food, Nutrition and Supporting Sciences
- I.A.1Food Science, Preparation, and Product Quality
Food science and preparation: properties of water, fruits, vegetables, sugars, flours, grains, cereals, dairy, eggs, meat, fish, poultry, alternatives, fats, oils, beverages, and functional foods; sensory evaluation; safety, processing, preservation, packaging, biotechnology, genetic engineering, ingredient functions, preparation methods, leavening, batters, doughs, sensory and nutrient retention, and additives
Open7 min - I.A.2Food Composition, Labels, and Claims
Food composition: nutrition labeling and claims; macronutrient, micronutrient, and phytochemical sources; composition databases; nutrient and food analysis
Core5 minCore lesson - I.A.3Normal Nutrition Across the Lifespan
Normal nutrition: functions of macronutrients, micronutrients, water, fiber, prebiotics, probiotics, nonnutritive sweeteners, sugar alcohols, herbals, botanicals, and supplements; lifespan energy and nutrient needs; developmental stages and feeding patterns
Core5 minCore lesson - I.A.4Biological Systems for Nutrition Practice
Supporting biological sciences: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry of gastrointestinal, renal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, and reproductive systems
Core5 minCore lesson - I.A.5Determinants, Health Promotion, and Prevention
Determinants and prevention: social determinants including income, culture, social status, education, physical environment, social networks, genetics, gender, race, and sexual orientation; health promotion and disease prevention
Core5 minCore lesson
- I.A.1Food Science, Preparation, and Product Quality
- I.B
Education, Communication and Technology
- I.B.1Plan Education That Produces Action
Education planning: populations, settings, culture and diversity, delivery format, goals, objectives, needs, content, resources, methods, references, materials, evaluation, budgets, and promotion
Core5 minCore lesson - I.B.2Use Theory to Match Readiness and Change
Learning and change theory: readiness to learn, education theory, behavior-change theory, and change management
Core5 minCore lesson - I.B.3Communicate So People Can Decide and Act
Delivery and communication: interpersonal, group, and interprofessional education; classes, culinary and grocery activities; interviewing; motivational and behavioral counseling; verbal, nonverbal, written, and media communication
Core5 minCore lesson - I.B.4Evaluate Education for Decisions
Evaluation: formative and summative evaluation, plan effectiveness, and documentation
Core5 minCore lesson - I.B.5Create Useful Records and Protect Confidentiality
Records: client-information records, confidentiality, and privacy
Core6 minCore lesson - I.B.6Use Informatics Without Losing Clinical Judgment
Informatics: telehealth, remote services, electronic health records, meaningful use, privacy, protected health information, outcomes, and food and nutrient software and databases
Core5 minCore lesson - I.B.7Turn Nutrition Evidence Into Ethical Policy Action
Policy and advocacy: legislation, public policy, and advocacy related to nutrition and dietetics
Core5 minCore lesson
- I.B.1Plan Education That Produces Action
- I.C
Research Applications
- I.C.1Choose the Research Design That Can Answer the Question
Research types: qualitative, quantitative, epidemiological, outcomes, and other applicable designs
Core5 minCore lesson - I.C.2Move from Research Question to Defensible Conclusion
Research process: funding, hypotheses and questions, design, institutional review, statistical planning, results, and discussion
Core5 minCore lesson - I.C.3Build Trustworthy Data and Act on the Right Signal
Data: collection, analysis, interpretation, outcomes, and data-informed decisions
Core5 minCore lesson - I.C.4Appraise Evidence Beyond the P Value
Evidence appraisal: statistical interpretation, evidence quality, and integration into practice
Core5 minCore lesson - I.C.5Present Data So the Audience Sees the Right Comparison
Presentation: visual and oral communication of data and outcomes
Core5 minCore lesson - I.C.6Report Transparently and Translate Without Spin
Reporting: manuscripts, reports, dissemination, and research translation
Core5 minCore lesson - I.C.7Use Evidence Systems Without Outsourcing Judgment
Evidence systems: grading frameworks, Evidence Analysis Library use, and evidence-based decisions
Core5 minCore lesson
- I.C.1Choose the Research Design That Can Answer the Question
II
Nutrition Care for Individuals and Groups
45%- II.A
Screening and Assessment
- II.A.1Nutrition Screening and Risk Prioritization
Nutrition screening: purpose, evidence-based risk criteria and tools, parameters, limitations, methodology, team responsibilities, cultural considerations, and risk prioritization
Open5 min - II.A.2Comprehensive Individual Nutrition Assessment
Individual assessment: intake, records, medical and family history, anthropometrics, nutrition-focused physical findings, intake and output, medications, supplements, interactions, biochemical data, tests, procedures, energy and nutrient requirements, activity, restrictions, comparative standards, psychosocial, socioeconomic, functional, educational, environmental and cultural factors, readiness, motivation, and wellness
Core6 minCore lesson - II.A.3Community and Population Nutrition Assessment
Community and population assessment: demographic and nutrition indicators, incidence, prevalence, food insecurity, NHANES, BRFSS, YRBSS, food assistance, consumer education, health services, food systems, markets, and economic resources
Core5 minCore lesson
- II.A.1Nutrition Screening and Risk Prioritization
- II.B
Diagnosis
- II.B.1From Medical Facts to a Nutrition Diagnosis
Diagnostic distinction: nutrition diagnosis versus medical diagnosis; pathophysiology, medical-diagnosis effects, nutrition risks, and group factors
Core5 minCore lesson - II.B.2Organize Assessment Data Into Diagnostic Evidence
Data organization: clustering and organizing assessment findings with standardized nutrition terminology
Core5 minCore lesson - II.B.3Reason From Cues to a Prioritized Diagnosis
Diagnostic reasoning: inference, prioritization, and differential diagnosis
Core5 minCore lesson - II.B.4Find the Etiology Nutrition Care Can Change
Etiology: causes, contributing factors, risks, and cause-and-effect relationships
Core5 minCore lesson - II.B.5Choose Signs and Symptoms That Prove the Problem
Signs and symptoms: subjective and objective evidence linked to etiology and diagnosis
Core5 minCore lesson - II.B.6Write, Communicate, and Update the Nutrition Diagnosis
Documentation: standardized recording and communication of the nutrition diagnosis
Core5 minCore lesson
- II.B.1From Medical Facts to a Nutrition Diagnosis
- II.C
Planning and Intervention
- II.C.1Health Promotion, Prevention, and Evidence Appraisal
Health promotion and prevention: outcomes, actions, evidence-based recommendations, evaluation of information, fads and fraud, wellness and risk-reduction programs, communication, and documentation
Core5 minCore lesson - II.C.2Medical Nutrition Therapy Across Conditions
Medical nutrition therapy: pathophysiology, treatment, outcomes, energy, and nutrient requirements for critical and hypermetabolic illness, eating disorders, allergy and intolerance, immune and infectious disease, fever, malnutrition, metabolic and endocrine disease, inborn errors of metabolism, oncology, hematology, organ-system disease, orthopedic conditions, wounds, obesity, mental and behavioral health, addiction, gastrointestinal surgery, and bariatric surgery
Core6 minCore lesson - II.C.3Therapeutic Feeding and Nutrition Support
Feeding and therapeutic delivery: oral diets, texture modification, chewing and swallowing, IDDSI, schedules, test diets, modified products, supplements, adaptive equipment, breastfeeding, enteral and parenteral nutrition, formulas, calculations, routes, equipment, complications, integrative and functional approaches, herbals, Nutrition Care Process implementation, safety, regulation, counseling, training, rounds, conferences, coordination, discharge, and referrals
Core6 minCore lesson - II.C.4Population Guidance, Programs, and Resources
Population guidance and services: MyPlate, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, Healthy People, block grants, federal and state programs, community guidance, funding, resource allocation, budgets, and group services
Core5 minCore lesson
- II.C.1Health Promotion, Prevention, and Evidence Appraisal
- II.D
Monitoring and Evaluation
- II.D.1Monitor Nutrition Status and Support Delivery
Status monitoring: condition, intake, tolerance, medications, tube feeding, parenteral nutrition, medical nutrition therapy, and supplements
Core6 minCore lesson - II.D.2Choose Indicators and Interpret Change
Indicators and standards: outcome-indicator selection, comparison standards, targets, and variance
Core6 minCore lesson - II.D.3Connect Nutrition Care to Meaningful Outcomes
Outcomes: direct nutrition, clinical, health, patient-centered, and resource-use outcomes
Core6 minCore lesson - II.D.4Improve Systems and Evaluate Programs
Systems improvement: outcome-management systems, quality improvement, and program evaluation
Core5 minCore lesson - II.D.5Continue, Revise, Discontinue, or Transition Care
Care decisions: continue, revise, discontinue, or transition the intervention
Core6 minCore lesson
- II.D.1Monitor Nutrition Status and Support Delivery
III
Management of Food and Nutrition Programs and Services
21%- III.A
Functions of Management
- III.A.1Plan, Staff, Organize, and Control Operations
Management functions: short-term, long-term, strategic, operational, policy and emergency planning; schedules, full-time equivalents, structures, processes, productivity, resources, coordination, delegation, communication, motivation, leadership, management theory, standards, monitoring, corrective action, staffing forecasts, and organizational alignment
Open7 min - III.A.2Lead People, Decisions, Conflict, and Change
Management and leadership capabilities: technical, human and conceptual skills; informational, conflict, problem-solving, decision and change roles; management, leadership and interpersonal styles; workforce diversity and emotional intelligence
Core7 minCore lesson
- III.A.1Plan, Staff, Organize, and Control Operations
- III.B
Human Resource Management
- III.B.1Apply Employment, Safety, Credentialing, and Labor Requirements
Employment requirements: EEOC, ADA, OSHA, credentialing, licensure, unions, and contracts
Core7 minCore lesson - III.B.2Analyze Work and Design Defensible Positions
Position design: job analysis, job specifications, and job descriptions
Core6 minCore lesson - III.B.3Manage the Employee Lifecycle With Evidence
Employee lifecycle: recruitment, selection, interviewing, orientation, training, performance improvement, development, evaluation, discipline, grievances, compensation, retention, turnover, and records
Core7 minCore lesson - III.B.4Build an Equitable and Culturally Responsive Workplace
Equitable workforce management: cultural humility, cultural competence, diversity, inclusion, equitable workplaces, scheduling, and training
Core6 minCore lesson
- III.B.1Apply Employment, Safety, Credentialing, and Labor Requirements
- III.C
Financial Management
- III.C.1Build Budgets That Guide Foodservice Decisions
Budgeting and fiscal control: procedures, operating and capital budgets, incremental, performance, zero-based, flexible and fixed budgets, expenses, revenue, profitability, and resource allocation
Core6 minCore lesson - III.C.2Read Financial Systems and Protect Cash
Financial systems: accounting, cash controls, audits, financial statements, and analysis
Core6 minCore lesson
- III.C.1Build Budgets That Guide Foodservice Decisions
- III.D
Marketing and Public Relations
- III.D.1Analyze a Market and Prove the Plan Works
Marketing analysis: target markets, needs, marketing mix, satisfaction, documentation, and evaluation
Core7 minCore lesson - III.D.2Price for Break-Even, Profit, and Customer Value
Pricing: break-even analysis, revenue, loss leaders, and pricing rationale
Core6 minCore lesson - III.D.3Build Public Trust Across Media and Customer Relations
Public relations: traditional media, social media, campaigns, and customer relations
Core7 minCore lesson - III.D.4Coordinate Product, Price, Place, and Promotion
Marketing mix: product, price, place, and promotion
Core6 minCore lesson
- III.D.1Analyze a Market and Prove the Plan Works
- III.E
Quality Management and Regulatory Compliance
- III.E.1Regulation, Food Programs, Accreditation, and Reimbursement
Regulation and policy: federal, state, local and accreditation requirements; Older Americans Act, Farm Bill, SNAP, School Breakfast Program, National School Lunch Program, Child and Adult Care Food Program, coding, billing, insurance, Joint Commission, CMS, and DNV GL
Core6 minCore lesson - III.E.2Quality Improvement, Productivity, and Program Evaluation
Quality and performance: cost-benefit analysis, productivity, program and product evaluation, Kaizen, total quality management, Lean, and Six Sigma
Core6 minCore lesson - III.E.3Scope, Standards, and Demonstrated Competence
Practice standards: standards of practice and standards of professional performance
Core6 minCore lesson - III.E.4Ethical Reasoning and Professional Accountability
Ethics: professional ethical requirements and ethical decision-making
Core6 minCore lesson
- III.E.1Regulation, Food Programs, Accreditation, and Reimbursement
IV
Foodservice Systems
13%- IV.A
Menu Development
- IV.A.1Match Menus and Service Controls to the Foodservice Context
Service contexts: patient and resident service, multi-select and single-select menus, and commercial and noncommercial operations
Open7 min - IV.A.2Plan, Adapt, Cost, and Evaluate Menus
Menu planning and evaluation: master menus; sensory, nutrition, cost and regulatory constraints; disease, lifespan, preference, substitution, adequacy, allergy, cultural, religious, vegetarian, vegan and demographic modifications; customer, sales and employee satisfaction; facility, equipment, labor, budget and organizational constraints; trends, seasonality, emergencies, and product availability
Core7 minCore lesson
- IV.A.1Match Menus and Service Controls to the Foodservice Context
- IV.B
Procurement, Production, Distribution, and Service
- IV.B.1Procure, Receive, Store, and Control Inventory
Procurement, receiving and inventory: bids, contracts, specifications, group purchasing, vendors, ethics, software, product form, yield, quality, packaging, cost, receiving, storage, records, security, safety, par levels, rotation, minimum-maximum systems, issuing, and inventory technology
Core7 minCore lesson - IV.B.2Control Quantity Production from Prep Through Packaging
Quantity production: preparation, cooking, equipment, preservation, packaging, and modified foods
Core6 minCore lesson - IV.B.3Turn Forecasts into Controlled Production
Production control: standardized recipes, ingredients, portions, yield, forecasting, scheduling, waste, inventory, and safety
Core6 minCore lesson - IV.B.4Choose and Control the Production System
Production systems: conventional, commissary, ready-prepared, cook-chill, cook-freeze, assembly-serve, and display systems
Core6 minCore lesson - IV.B.5Deliver the Right Meal in the Right Condition
Distribution and service: centralized, decentralized and room-service systems, service equipment, and packaging
Core6 minCore lesson
- IV.B.1Procure, Receive, Store, and Control Inventory
- IV.C
Sanitation and Safety
- IV.C.1Control Infection and Build a Sanitary Operation
Sanitation and infection control: employee hygiene; food, equipment, waste and handling sanitation; Food Code and regulatory agencies
Core7 minCore lesson - IV.C.2Control Food Hazards With Time, Temperature, and HACCP
Food safety: contamination, spoilage, microbiology, foodborne symptoms, allergens, cross-contact, procedures, time-temperature controls, documentation, recalls, emergencies, bioterrorism, training, inspections, audits, and HACCP
Core7 minCore lesson - IV.C.3Protect Employees and Respond to Workplace Hazards
Employee and environmental safety: universal precautions, equipment, work practices, personal protective equipment, environmental regulation, fire, accident and occupational safety, illness reporting, work restrictions, injuries, workers' compensation, spills, falls, and exposure response
Core7 minCore lesson
- IV.C.1Control Infection and Build a Sanitary Operation
- IV.D
Equipment and Facility Planning
- IV.D.1Plan Foodservice Facilities From Menu to Commissioning
Facility planning: menus, workflow, service, safety, privacy, accessibility, codes, budgets, staffing, planning-team composition, roles, and schedules
Core5 minCore lesson - IV.D.2Specify, Select, Install, and Sustain Foodservice Equipment
Equipment: specifications, evaluation, selection, installation, and employee training
Core5 minCore lesson - IV.D.3Reduce Resource Use and Manage Materials Responsibly
Sustainability: food, water, nonfood supplies, equipment, waste, storage, reduction, reuse, recycling, and disposal
Core5 minCore lesson - IV.D.4Keep Nutrition and Foodservice Safe Through Emergencies
Emergency planning: inventories, technology, utilities, staffing, continuity, and safety
Core5 minCore lesson
- IV.D.1Plan Foodservice Facilities From Menu to Commissioning