What is the EntryLevel Registration Examination?
The EntryLevel Registration Examination (ELRE) is the national assessment that determines whether a candidate is qualified to practice as a registered dietitian (RD) or a registered dietetic technician (RDT) in the United Kingdom. It is administered by the British Dietetic Association (BDA) in partnership with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
The exam tests the knowledge, skills and professional behaviours required to deliver safe, evidencebased nutrition care across a range of settings, from acute hospitals to community health programmes.
Who Should Take the Exam?
There are two distinct routes:
- Dietitians candidates who have completed an accredited BSc/MSc in Dietetics (or an equivalent degree) and a recognised preregistration placement.
- Dietetic Technicians candidates who have completed an accredited Level 3 or Level 4 Diploma in Dietetic Technology and a supervised practice placement.
If you have finished a programme that is not on the approved list, you may still be eligible after a competency assessment by the HCPC.
Exam Structure & Content
The ELRE is a computerbased test (CBT) composed of three sections:
- MultipleChoice Questions (MCQs) 120 questions, 90minute duration.
- Extended Matching Items (EMIs) 30 items, integrated within the MCQ block.
- Clinical Scenario (CaseBased) Questions 10 vignettes, 30 minutes, assessing reasoning and decisionmaking.
Key content areas include:
- Nutrition science and biochemistry
- Medical nutrition therapy
- Public health nutrition
- Food safety, legislation & policy
- Research methods and evidence appraisal
- Professional ethics, communication and leadership
Each question carries one mark; there is no negative marking.
Eligibility & Registration
To sit the ELRE you must:
- Hold a recognised qualification (see HCPC eligibility guide).
- Complete at least 1000 hours of supervised practice, documented in a Placement Logbook.
- Be under the age of 65 on the date of the exam (exceptions may be made for health reasons).
- Pay the exam fee (currently 225 for dietitians, 175 for technicians).
Once you have passed, you will be entered onto the HCPC register and may use the postnominals RD or RDT.
Preparing for the Examination
Effective preparation blends revision of core theory with practical application. Below is a sample study plan that spans eight weeks.
WeekbyWeek Overview
- Week 12: Review anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Use flashcards for metabolic pathways.
- Week 3: Focus on medical nutrition therapy read clinical guidelines (e.g., NICE, BDA) and complete casestudy worksheets.
- Week 4: Public health nutrition and food policy. Summarise key statistics on obesity, micronutrient deficiencies, and food insecurity.
- Week 5: Practice EMIs work through past paper items and analyse why each answer is correct or incorrect.
- Week 6: Research methods brush up on study design, pvalues, confidence intervals, and systematic review appraisal.
- Week 7: Simulated exam set a timer, complete a fulllength practice test, then review every question.
- Week 8: Refine weak areas, review ethics and professional standards, and ensure your logbook is complete.
Recommended resources:
- BDA Learning Hub
- Nutrition Therapy and Pathophysiology a core textbook for dietitians.
- HCPC's CPD guidance for ongoing learning.
Exam Day Logistics
- Venue: Registered testing centres across the UK (e.g., Pearson VUE). You will receive a confirmation email with the address and a QR code for entry.
- Timing: Arrive 30 minutes early for ID verification.
- What to bring: Photo ID (passport or driving licence), the QR code, and a water bottle (no food or electronic devices).
- Breaks: One 10minute optional break is scheduled halfway through the MCQ block.
- Result release: Scores are posted online within 10 working days. A pass mark is currently set at 70%.
After Passing Maintaining Registration
Registration with the HCPC is valid for two years. To maintain it you must:
- Complete a minimum of 20hours of continuing professional development (CPD) each year.
- Submit a CPD record and pay the renewal fee (142 in 2024).
- Adhere to the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
Failure to meet these requirements can lead to suspension or removal from the register.
Common Questions
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Yes. You may sit the exam up to three times in a 12month period. Each attempt requires a new registration fee.
Do foreigntrained dietitians need extra assessment?
International qualifications are assessed on an individual basis. You will likely need to provide evidence of equivalence and may be required to complete an additional competency portfolio.
Is there a difference in the exam for dietitians versus technicians?
The format is identical, but the content weighting differs. Technicians have a greater emphasis on food service management and nutrition education, while dietitians focus more on clinical nutrition and complex therapeutic interventions.
