QCHP Dietitian exam-day guide
QCHP Dietitian · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring the original, unexpired ID in the name used on your registration. Confirm with the provider which specific ID types are accepted and whether a secondary ID is required.
Exam appointment confirmation / admission document
Print or save the confirmation email or admission letter showing your test date, time, and location or testing-center details. Confirm with the provider whether a printed copy is mandatory.
Know your testing location and route
Confirm the exact address or remote-proctoring setup in advance. Do a practice run or log into the platform ahead of time. Arrival and check-in cut-off times should be confirmed with the provider.
Review the candidate handbook / test-day instructions
Read the official handbook for permitted items, calculator policy, and conduct rules. Policies vary by provider; confirm anything unclear with the provider rather than assuming.
Permitted calculator (if allowed)
Dietetics exams often involve calculations. Confirm with the provider whether an on-screen calculator, a personal calculator, or none is permitted, and which models are allowed.
Layered clothing
Testing rooms may be cold or warm. Dress in layers and avoid clothing with large logos or prohibited items. Confirm the provider's dress/accessory rules.
Water and a light snack for breaks
Bring only items the provider permits into the testing area; storage rules for personal items vary. Confirm with the provider what can be brought to your desk versus stored.
Leave prohibited items at home or in storage
Phones, smartwatches, notes, and study materials are typically banned from the testing room. Confirm the provider's list of prohibited items and storage arrangements.
Plan meals and caffeine for steady energy
Eat a normal balanced meal before the exam and avoid unusual caffeine intake. Timing of breaks should be confirmed with the provider.
Rest and sleep plan
Aim for normal sleep in the days before; avoid last-minute cramming the night before. This is general guidance, not a provider policy.
Backup plan for travel or technology
Allow extra travel time, or for remote testing confirm your internet, camera, and microphone meet requirements. Confirm technical requirements with the provider.
Confirm scoring and results timeline
Know how and when results are released and what constitutes a passing score. These details are provider-specific; confirm with the provider.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Review high-yield summaries, formulas, and your own notes. Do timed practice sets under exam-like conditions, then review errors. Confirm your appointment details, ID, and location or platform requirements with the provider. Protect sleep.
Light review only, focusing on weak areas and reference ranges you tend to forget. Prepare your bag: ID, confirmation, permitted calculator, layers, snack. Re-confirm start time and arrival/log-in instructions. Eat a normal dinner, avoid heavy alcohol, and go to bed at your usual time.
Eat a normal breakfast, hydrate moderately, and avoid trying to cram. Arrive early or log in early per the provider's instructions. Leave prohibited items stored or at home. Do a brief calm-down routine and read all instructions carefully.
Read each question fully and watch for qualifiers like 'best', 'first', 'except'. Answer easy items first if the platform allows review; flag uncertain items and return. Use the permitted calculator for calculations and sanity-check units. Pace yourself against the clock, take permitted breaks as needed, and do not leave items blank if there is no penalty for guessing (confirm the provider's guessing policy).
Rules to check
Bring valid government-issued photo ID in the name used at registration; confirm accepted ID types with the provider.
Follow all check-in and identification procedures, including any photo, signature, or security screening; confirm specifics with the provider.
Do not bring prohibited items such as phones, smartwatches, or notes into the testing area; confirm the provider's list and storage rules.
Follow the provider's break policy, including whether breaks are scheduled or optional and whether the clock stops; confirm with the provider.
Do not communicate with other candidates or attempt to access unauthorized materials; misconduct can lead to score cancellation, per provider rules.
Understand the scoring and passing standard before test day; confirm the passing score and result timeline with the provider.
If testing remotely, follow all proctor instructions and keep your workspace clear; confirm technical and room requirements with the provider.
Report any technical problems or disruptions to the proctor immediately and follow their instructions.