There are few areas of study that offer as much hands-on, in-person interaction and discussion between students and instructors as does the nutrition education field. In this fast paced arena, it is not uncommon for instructors to require students to take a nutrition education exam prior to the start of each semester. This exam is administered between courses in a course of study and is administered by a professional nutrition educator who has taken the time to educate students on the various topics covered in the course. In order to effectively prepare for the nutrition education exam, students need to have a solid understanding of the material covered, including: how different foods affect the body, why some foods are better than others, and how the food consumption needs to be examined in relation to your lifestyle. In order to adequately prepare for your nutrition education test, consider these tips as you create an effective study schedule:

It is recommended that you take the exam the night before you class. This will allow you the opportunity to fully stretch your muscles before the exam. It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes early so you can easily walk through your nutrition classroom and review any information that is provided to you on your way into class. If you decide to take the exam at the same time that you come into class, keep in mind that you should have a snack ready so that you can stay alert throughout your lecture. You will be required to complete a couple of dietary components before you will hear your instructor’s voice, so it is important that you have a healthy breakfast prior to walking through the nutrition center.

When you sit down to take the nutrition education test, you will find that it is much like taking any other quiz. You are going to be asked to answer several brief questions about your knowledge of nutrition and you will be asked to select an area of your expertise that fits under the specific heading of your test. For example, you may be asked to answer a question about your understanding of organic foods. As you listen to the instructor tell you the definition of organic foods, you will gain a fuller idea of what this means to you and how it applies to your class. You will likely be asked to examine several different sections of organic foods in order to fully understand this term.

Once you have completed the nutrition education test, you will need to write a reflection paragraph about each of the topics that were covered. You will not be given enough time to compose more than one paragraph about each topic, so you will want to spend the majority of time writing these reflections. Your remarks must be sincere and honest in order to help your instructor determine your readiness for the exam. You may also be asked to write an essay that is based on the topics you discussed during the lecture.

After you have completed the nutrition education exam, you will be given the results. It is important that you read the results thoroughly so that you can begin to review the materials that were covered during your lecture. The nutritionist who prepared you will likely send you a test page or workbook that can serve as a guide. You will want to familiarize yourself with the concepts covered in these materials and begin developing your own knowledge base concerning the nutrition facts and information that you review.

Once you have finished the nutrition education course, you will be able to take the actual exam. This exam is designed to test your understanding of the material that was taught in the course and give you a score for your specific knowledge level. You will likely be given a time limit in which you must pass the exam before you become certified. If you fail the first time, you will likely be required to take the test again.

To gain admission into one of the many nutrition continuing education courses, you will need to meet minimum educational requirements. These requirements will vary by state and will be found on the website of your local state Board of Nutrition. If you meet the minimal requirements, you will be able to register for the nutrition education course that best fits your needs.

Completing the nutrition education course and passing the certification exam gives you the credential that allows you to become a Certified Nutrition Assistant. You may also be able to take the National Certificate for Therapeutic Lifestyle (NCBT) that is accredited by the Council for Health and Clinical Evidence (CHC). This exam is taken multiple times for credentialing. The National Certificate for Therapeutic Lifestyle can be renewed yearly, upon completion, or if you complete the program and pass the exam. Your certificate will allow you to become a nutrition counselor or nutritionist.