So you want to pass your DTR exam…

1. What is a "DTR" or NDTR"?

   1. (Nutrition and) Diet Technician, Registered

   2. It means that you finished a 2 year diet technician program or 4 year nutrition(al science) program and passed a test

1. Is it required for me to get a job in the nutrition field? 

   1. NO!  Here is a list of jobs that will hire you with your degree alone:

      1. Diet technician (Outpatient facilities, skilled nursing facilities)

      2. Nutrition Educator (WIC)

      3. Healthy Start

      4. Private consulting

1. Then why is it so important!?

   1. If you want to become a Registered Dietitian, it shows internship programs that you can successfully sit for an exam similar to the RD exam.  They figure if you can pass the DTR, you can/will pass the RD exam, leading to the program getting better pass rates and keeping their accreditation.  (so it's for them, not for you)

   2. It opens up more job opportunities if you are waiting to-or choosing not to complete an internship.  I used to think the RD was the only option, and I realize now that it is one of many!  There are plenty of jobs that you may LOVE without needing the RD! 

1. How do I sign up for-and take this test?

   1. Your DPD Director actually starts this process. They submit your verification statement, which triggers an email to you asking you to make an account so you can schedule the exam. **You cant actually do anything without them - or your verification statement**

      1. You have one year from the time that your DPD director submits this to take the test.

   2. You sign up online, and schedule a test wherever there is a testing center near you. The test will take place in said testing center, in person but on a computer.

1. What can I expect on test day? (You will get a big packet of information when you schedule your test

   1. Remember the testing center regulations!

      1. You cannot bring anything in the room with you

      2. You should (in theory) get a scheduled break about halfway through the test.

      3. One question at a time, and you cant go back.  You get a "scratch paper"  i.e. a dry erase board

   2. Speaking of...how many questions are there!?

      1. There is a range of 110-145 questions but you can have more, so be prepared. the test can take up to 3 hours, depending on your speed and the number of questions you get.

      2. Be able to switch between MNT and food service without blinking an eye, because the questions will go back and forth very quickly.

   3. You will get your score right away, before you leave the computer!

2. What is on the test!? What will I be tested on?

   1. the DTR exam is very similar to the RD exam.

      1. Food service, basic food and cooking knowledge (food systems and services)

      2. Medical Nutrition therapy or clinical knowledge

      3. Community

      4. Management

3. What books will I need?

   1. My most helpful book was one that was given to my by an RD, and was put together by someone who gave it to her.  It was a compilation of all of the books below combined, and had a practice test in the back.  Along with this, I received parts of the Jean Inman review and the CRD study guide, so I pieced them together.

   2. MNT book, and food service book from my undergrad classes

   3. http://nofluffstudyguide.weebly.com/ - free!

   4. http://www.dtrstudybuddy.com/ - 165$

   5. Mometrix has a great practice test in the book and online!

      1. https://www.mometrix.com/academy/registered-dietetic-technician-practice-test/

   6. CDR study guide (I didn't use this but I heard it was helpful)

Study schedule:

Obviously studying styles will differ, but here is what I did.

January-February/March

Read my books, cover to cover and stuck post it notes/highlighters on anything that I did not immediately recognize or know.  I read my book multiple times, using the hand-me-down book as my main book, and clarifying things with my undergrad books.

February/March-April

Re-read the book(s), this time making flash cards for each things I still didn't recognize.

Started carrying flash cards with me everywhere

April 30th

Scheduled my exam for May 30th

May

Studied flash cards, started taking practice tests, both online and in the books I had.

I asked my management at work if I could close my office door and set aside an hour or to take practice tests during the work day.

I had Evan and my parents start grabbing flash cards at random and making me explain certain things to them on the fly.

2 weeks before the test, I was visiting family and friends, so I was sort of forced to detox and give my mind a break.  I took the test on a Wednesday, so on Monday, I dove head first, doing nothing but studying

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PRO TIP:  take flash cards on a walk or treadmill.  This will force your mind to think a little harder