DTR/NDTR (CDR) - Dietetic Technician, Registered/Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered

The Dietetic Technician, Registered (DTR) certification offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) is a professional credential for individuals who specialize in dietetics and nutrition care. This certification indicates proficiency in food and nutrition services, nutrition education and food service management. DTRs may opt to use the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) title at no additional cost to emphasize the nutrition aspect of their credential.

Eligibility

Candidates for the DTR exam have 2 eligibility options:

Option 1: 

• Complete an associate degree through a university accredited by a United States Department of Education (USDE) recognized accrediting agency

• Complete an Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND) Accredited Dietetic Technician Program with a minimum of 450 supervised practice hours

Option 2: 

• Complete a bachelor’s degree through a university accredited by a USDE-recognized accrediting agency

• Complete an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics

Completion Time: 2.5 hours

Cost: $120

Exam Format

The DTR exam is multiple-choice computer-adaptive, so the total number of questions can vary. However, the minimum number of questions a candidate must answer is 110, with 80 scored and 30 unscored. A maximum of 130 questions, with 100 scored and 30 unscored is possible. If the candidate answers fewer than 110 questions in the 2.5 hours allowed for testing, they receive a failed score of inconclusive. However, testing appointments are 3 hours to include a 20-minute introductory tutorial and a 10-minute post-exam survey.

Topics on the exam include:

• Nutrition Science and Care for Individuals and Groups (41%)

• Food Science and Food Service (21%)

• Management of Food and Nutrition Services (38%)

A minimum scaled score of 25 on a scale of 1 to 50 is required to pass the DTR exam. Unsuccessful candidates can retest in 45 calendar days after receiving reauthorization from CDR and paying the full exam fee again. Candidates can retest an unlimited number of times.

Test Dates

Exams are administered year-round, typically Monday through Friday.

DTRs must pay an annual registration maintenance fee, with registration due every 5 years. Renewal candidates must complete a Professional Development Portfolio with Essential Practice Competencies. 

Renewal Fees

DTRs must pay a yearly registration maintenance fee of $60 to maintain their credentials. Fee notices are sent in early June and are due by August 31.

Late Fees:

• $25 September 1 to October 31

• $50 November 1 to December 31

• $200 January 1 to March 31
  

Continuing professional education units (CPEUs) are part of the renewal process and vary each cycle. However, DTRs must complete at least 1 CPEU pertaining to the topic of ethics during each 5-year recertification cycle.

• Scope and Standards of Practice for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

• Scope and Standards of Practice for the Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered

• DTR Handbook for Candidates

The CDR also offers the Registered Dietitian/Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RD/RDN).

Other related certifications include:

• BPS Board Certified Nutrition Support Pharmacist (BCNSP)

• NBNSC Certified Nutrition Support Clinician (CNSC)