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If you’re taking the AP Exam (or interested in taking it) and overwhelmed by the thought of studying, I’ve got you.
The AP Exam is designed to be an exam that tests top of scope clinical practice. Most of us are already practicing at top of scope. So…how exactly do you study for this exam?
Why The AP Exam isn’t Designed for Traditional Studying
Traditional studying like you would for the CNSC, CSO, or CSR, is not really in the spirit of the exam. Because the AP exam is not a multi-disciplinary exam like the CNSC, this is all information we, as dietitians, “should” know.
And yet…it’s impossible to keep everything fresh. You definitely want to brush up on a few things.
That’s why I designed my AP Exam Resource Kit as a take-what-you-need “buffet” of resources. Once you open the Resource Kit, you’ll be able to tell how much studying you need to do.
If you already have ~75% of this content down pat, go ahead and register for the exam now 🎉
How to Register for the AP Exam
To register, go to CDRnet.org, and log in like you do to submit CPEs.
Click on “Advanced Practice Certification” on the lefthand side, and click “Certify.”
You’ll have to submit an application to verify clinical hours (2000 hours in the past 5 years). Your manager will need to confirm your hours, so be sure to give them a heads up.
Then, you’ll enter your graduate degree, clinical credential, or proof of published work or professional presentation.
RD-AP + CNSC Study Strategy
If you need more time, I still encourage you to register now to have an end date in mind. Studying for the CNSC exam + AP is a strong strategy, as there is substantial crossover between the two. If you are set to take the CNSC Exam in Fall 2026, Spring 2027 or Fall 2027, plan to sit for the AP Exam within 3-4 weeks of the CNSC.
If you are not taking the CNSC (maybe you don’t want to, or you’re in between recertification years), give yourself 2-3 months to brush up on all the clinical and nutrition support content you’ll be expected to know.
My Resource Kit is designed to be used in companion with my CNSC Exam Study Guide. If you are an experienced clinician, you can grab my Study Guide Basic, which includes a paper copy of the study guide itself, for $450.
Scholarships to Cover the Exam Fee
Did you know the Academy offers scholarships to cover the $450 exam fee? Learn more & apply here.
Want to learn more? Watch this YouTube video about the AP exam.
Note there is an error in the video; the CNSC exam does count for AP Exam eligibility!
Q: What is the RD-AP exam?
A: The RD-AP (or RDN-AP) exam is CDR’s Advanced Practitioner Certification in Clinical Nutrition, recognizing dietitians who practice above specialist level.
Q: Who is eligible for the RD-AP exam?
A: Registered Dietitians in the United States with 2,000 clinical practice hours in the past five years, plus one of: a science-related graduate degree, a professional presentation, published research, or a specialist certification in clinical nutrition like the CSO, CSG, or CNSC.
Q: How do you study for the RD-AP exam?
A: Traditional studying isn’t the right approach, since the RD-AP tests clinical judgment you’re expected to already use daily rather than multi-disciplinary facts. The better strategy is to identify your specific knowledge gaps first, then target only those areas. Pairing RD-AP prep with CNSC study is also effective, since the two exams have significant content overlap.
Q: How long should you study for the RD-AP exam?
A: If you’re also preparing for the CNSC, plan to take the AP exam 3-4 weeks after. If you’re not taking the CNSC, give yourself 2-3 months to review clinical and nutrition support content.
Q: Is the RD-AP exam hard?
A: It’s scenario-based rather than fact-recall, so it tests how you apply clinical judgment across case studies rather than memorized numbers. It’s supposed to be hard 😉 As of 2025, 80% of dietitians sitting for the exam for the first time passed.
Q: Are there scholarships to cover the RD-AP exam fee?
A: Yes! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers scholarships to cover the $450 exam fee.
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