Canadian Dietitian Registration Examination

The Canadian Dietitian Registration Examination (CDRE) is a vital step for individuals aspiring to become registered dietitians in Canada. This exam ensures that candidates possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to provide safe and effective nutrition care across various settings.

Exam Content Areas

The CDRE covers multiple essential areas within dietetics, including:

1. Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) – Examining the dietary management of health conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Food Systems Management – Focusing on the organizational and management aspects of food service systems, including menu planning, food safety, and budgeting.
3. Public Health Nutrition – Evaluating community-based nutrition interventions, the promotion of healthy eating, and the application of dietary guidelines.
4. Professional Ethics – Understanding legal and ethical issues in dietetics, including confidentiality, informed consent, and professional conduct.

Preparing for the CDRE

Preparation for the CDRE requires a well-rounded approach. Candidates should focus on studying the key topics outlined above, using a mix of study materials like textbooks, practice exams, and online resources. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the exam format to manage time effectively during the test.

Effective Study Strategies

To succeed in the CDRE, developing a structured study plan is crucial. Practice exams with detailed explanations can help reinforce knowledge and boost confidence. Collaborating with peers or joining study groups may also provide valuable insights and additional resources. Visit for More Nursing Examination

By diligently preparing, candidates can increase their chances of passing the CDRE and embarking on a successful career as a registered dietitian in Canada.

Sample Questions and Answers for CDRE Test

A client with celiac disease needs to avoid which of the following grains?

A. Rice
B. Corn
C. Barley
D. Quinoa

Correct Answer: C. Barley
Explanation: Individuals with celiac disease must avoid gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Barley contains gluten, while rice, corn, and quinoa are naturally gluten-free.

What is the primary purpose of a nutrition care plan in clinical practice?

A. To replace the need for physician referrals
B. To outline long-term health insurance coverage
C. To guide individualized nutrition interventions
D. To standardize meal offerings in institutions

Correct Answer: C. To guide individualized nutrition interventions
Explanation: A nutrition care plan is tailored to the individual’s nutritional needs, guiding the implementation and monitoring of dietary interventions.

Which of the following is a key indicator of protein-energy malnutrition in an elderly patient?

A. Elevated blood glucose
B. Decreased serum albumin
C. Increased LDL cholesterol
D. Elevated white blood cell count

Correct Answer: B. Decreased serum albumin
Explanation: Low serum albumin levels can indicate poor protein status and are commonly used to assess malnutrition, especially in older adults.

The Dietitians of Canada Code of Ethics emphasizes which principle most strongly?

A. Clinical productivity
B. Scientific advancement
C. Client-centred care
D. Advertising guidelines

Correct Answer: C. Client-centred care
Explanation: The Code of Ethics promotes respect, integrity, and a focus on the client’s well-being and autonomy.

A nutrition label states a food item contains 20% DV of saturated fat. This is considered:

A. Low
B. Moderate
C. High
D. Unsatisfactory

Correct Answer: C. High
Explanation: In Canada, 15% or more of the Daily Value (DV) is considered a high amount of a nutrient. Therefore, 20% DV for saturated fat is high.

Which foodborne pathogen is most associated with soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk?

A. Salmonella
B. Clostridium perfringens
C. Listeria monocytogenes
D. Escherichia coli

Correct Answer: C. Listeria monocytogenes
Explanation: Listeria is commonly found in unpasteurized dairy products and poses serious risks, particularly to pregnant individuals.

What is the purpose of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP)?

A. To ensure consistent dietitian salaries
B. To regulate product advertising
C. To provide a systematic approach to nutrition care
D. To determine food safety laws

Correct Answer: C. To provide a systematic approach to nutrition care
Explanation: The NCP includes assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring/evaluation, enhancing consistency in dietetic practice.

Which nutrient must be supplemented in a vegan diet to prevent deficiency?

A. Vitamin C
B. Vitamin B12
C. Vitamin A
D. Calcium

Correct Answer: B. Vitamin B12
Explanation: Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products, so supplementation is often necessary for vegans.

Which macronutrient provides the highest caloric density per gram?

A. Carbohydrates
B. Protein
C. Alcohol
D. Fat

Correct Answer: D. Fat
Explanation: Fat provides 9 kcal/g, whereas carbohydrates and protein provide 4 kcal/g. Alcohol provides 7 kcal/g.

In menu planning for long-term care facilities, which factor is most important?

A. Budgetary restrictions
B. Cultural food preferences
C. National food trends
D. Supplier availability

Correct Answer: B. Cultural food preferences
Explanation: Respecting cultural and personal food preferences supports dignity and quality of life in long-term care settings.

A food service operation uses 150 servings of soup per day. If the portion size is 250 mL, how many liters are needed daily?

A. 25 L
B. 37.5 L
C. 45 L
D. 50 L

Correct Answer: B. 37.5 L
Explanation: 150 servings × 250 mL = 37,500 mL → 37.5 L.

In motivational interviewing, what is the main role of the dietitian?

A. Correct misinformation
B. Act as the expert authority
C. Explore client ambivalence
D. Provide meal plans

Correct Answer: C. Explore client ambivalence
Explanation: Motivational interviewing is a client-centered technique to help resolve ambivalence and build motivation for change.

What dietary modification is most appropriate for a patient with ascites due to liver cirrhosis?

A. High-fat diet
B. Sodium-restricted diet
C. High-fiber diet
D. Low-protein diet

Correct Answer: B. Sodium-restricted diet
Explanation: Reducing sodium intake helps manage fluid retention and control ascites in liver disease.

What is the acceptable range for hemoglobin A1c in diabetes management (per Canadian guidelines)?

A. Below 8.5%
B. Less than 6%
C. Below 7%
D. 5.5–6.5%

Correct Answer: C. Below 7%
Explanation: Most Canadian guidelines recommend an HbA1c goal of <7% for adults with type 2 diabetes to reduce complications.

Which of the following is considered an anthropometric measure?

A. Blood pressure
B. BMI
C. Serum glucose
D. Physical activity level

Correct Answer: B. BMI
Explanation: BMI (Body Mass Index) is a measure of weight relative to height, commonly used in nutrition assessments.

What does HACCP stand for in food service management?

A. Health and Care Control Program
B. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
C. Hygiene and Allergen Control Plan
D. Humanitarian Aid Control Procedure

Correct Answer: B. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
Explanation: HACCP is a preventive food safety system used to identify and control potential hazards in food production.

Which document must be completed before a client’s meal preferences can be changed in a hospital setting?

A. Medical Directive
B. Nutrition Assessment Form
C. Physician’s Order
D. Menu Audit Form

Correct Answer: C. Physician’s Order
Explanation: Changes to prescribed diets often require a physician’s order to ensure they align with the treatment plan.

Which tool best assesses household food security in Canada?

A. Diet History Interview
B. 24-Hour Recall
C. Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM)
D. Community Needs Assessment

Correct Answer: C. Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM)
Explanation: The HFSSM is the validated tool used in national surveys to measure food insecurity in Canadian households.

Which of the following is NOT part of the Nutrition Care Process (NCP)?

A. Nutrition Diagnosis
B. Medical Diagnosis
C. Nutrition Monitoring and Evaluation
D. Nutrition Assessment

Correct Answer: B. Medical Diagnosis
Explanation: A medical diagnosis is made by physicians; dietitians focus on the Nutrition Care Process components.

Which vitamin enhances iron absorption when consumed concurrently?

A. Vitamin D
B. Vitamin A
C. Vitamin C
D. Vitamin K

Correct Answer: C. Vitamin C
Explanation: Vitamin C increases the absorption of non-heme iron by reducing it to a more absorbable form.

For which population group is iron deficiency most prevalent in Canada?

A. Middle-aged men
B. Postmenopausal women
C. Pregnant individuals
D. Adolescent boys

Correct Answer: C. Pregnant individuals
Explanation: Pregnancy increases iron requirements, making this group particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency.

Which dietary pattern is most supported by evidence to reduce cardiovascular risk?

A. Ketogenic diet
B. Mediterranean diet
C. Carnivore diet
D. Raw food diet

Correct Answer: B. Mediterranean diet
Explanation: Rich in vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats, the Mediterranean diet supports heart health.

What is the primary focus of population health nutrition?

A. Clinical nutrition therapy
B. Hospital menu design
C. Preventing disease at the community level
D. Analyzing metabolic panels

Correct Answer: C. Preventing disease at the community level
Explanation: Population health nutrition emphasizes policies, education, and programs to prevent chronic disease and improve health outcomes.

What is the energy yield from one gram of alcohol?

A. 4 kcal
B. 7 kcal
C. 9 kcal
D. 6 kcal

Correct Answer: B. 7 kcal
Explanation: Alcohol provides 7 kilocalories per gram, more than protein or carbohydrates but less than fat.

Which type of fiber helps lower LDL cholesterol levels?

A. Insoluble fiber
B. Soluble fiber
C. Synthetic fiber
D. Animal-based fiber

Correct Answer: B. Soluble fiber
Explanation: Soluble fiber, found in oats, legumes, and flaxseeds, helps reduce cholesterol by binding bile acids.

Which lab value is used to assess long-term glucose control?

A. Fasting glucose
B. Insulin sensitivity
C. HbA1c
D. Random glucose

Correct Answer: C. HbA1c
Explanation: HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months.

What is the recommended gestational weight gain for a woman with a normal BMI?

A. 5–10 kg
B. 11.5–16 kg
C. 18–25 kg
D. 8–9 kg

Correct Answer: B. 11.5–16 kg
Explanation: According to Health Canada and WHO guidelines, this is the recommended range for healthy weight women.

What is the main role of a dietitian in interprofessional teams?

A. Provide social support services
B. Prescribe medication
C. Deliver nutrition expertise and interventions
D. Diagnose mental health disorders

Correct Answer: C. Deliver nutrition expertise and interventions
Explanation: Dietitians bring specialized knowledge in food and nutrition to support holistic patient care.

A patient with lactose intolerance should avoid:

A. Yogurt with active cultures
B. Aged cheddar cheese
C. Butter
D. Milkshake with whole milk

Correct Answer: D. Milkshake with whole milk
Explanation: Whole milk is high in lactose, while other dairy products like aged cheese and yogurt with cultures are better tolerated.

Which term refers to the process of tracking progress and outcomes in the NCP?

A. Evaluation
B. Diagnosis
C. Monitoring and Evaluation
D. Implementation

Correct Answer: C. Monitoring and Evaluation
Explanation: The final step in the NCP involves assessing the effectiveness of interventions and adjusting care plans accordingly.

Which mineral is crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones?

A. Zinc
B. Selenium
C. Iodine
D. Iron

Correct Answer: C. Iodine
Explanation: Iodine is essential for the production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) by the thyroid gland.

Which of the following would be most appropriate for treating hypoglycemia in a conscious diabetic patient?

A. A high-protein snack
B. One slice of whole wheat bread
C. 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate
D. A glass of water

Correct Answer: C. 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate
Explanation: Standard treatment for hypoglycemia is 15g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrate like juice or glucose tablets.

What is a common symptom of refeeding syndrome?

A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypertension
D. Increased appetite

Correct Answer: A. Hypokalemia
Explanation: Refeeding syndrome often leads to shifts in electrolytes like potassium, phosphate, and magnesium, with hypokalemia being common.

Which macronutrient has the greatest thermic effect of food (TEF)?

A. Carbohydrates
B. Protein
C. Fat
D. Alcohol

Correct Answer: B. Protein
Explanation: Protein has the highest TEF, meaning it requires the most energy to digest and metabolize.

What is the first step in the Nutrition Care Process (NCP)?

A. Nutrition intervention
B. Nutrition monitoring
C. Nutrition diagnosis
D. Nutrition assessment

Correct Answer: D. Nutrition assessment
Explanation: The NCP begins with assessing nutrition-related data to identify nutrition problems.

A client following a renal diet should limit their intake of:

A. Vitamin C
B. Phosphorus
C. Saturated fat
D. Fiber

Correct Answer: B. Phosphorus
Explanation: In kidney disease, phosphorus accumulates in the blood, so dietary restriction is often necessary.

Which type of validity is measured when a new nutrition tool is compared to a gold standard?

A. Content validity
B. Face validity
C. Construct validity
D. Criterion validity

Correct Answer: D. Criterion validity
Explanation: Criterion validity tests how well a tool correlates with an already accepted measure or gold standard.

What is the purpose of blanching vegetables before freezing?

A. Enhance flavor
B. Improve vitamin retention
C. Reduce microbial load
D. Inactivate enzymes

Correct Answer: D. Inactivate enzymes
Explanation: Blanching deactivates enzymes that cause spoilage, preserving texture, color, and flavor during freezing.

The use of evidence-based guidelines ensures:

A. Cost savings for clients
B. Uniform prescription of diets
C. Better clinical outcomes through validated practices
D. Compliance with government regulations

Correct Answer: C. Better clinical outcomes through validated practices
Explanation: Evidence-based practice uses the best current research to guide effective and safe interventions.

What is the BMI classification for someone who weighs 70 kg and is 1.65 meters tall?

A. Underweight
B. Normal weight
C. Overweight
D. Obese

Correct Answer: C. Overweight
Explanation: BMI = 70 / (1.65)^2 = 25.7 → Overweight (25–29.9).