Preceptors provide the practical understanding required for students to become competent practitioners. This self-study guide, supported by the Dietetic Educators of Practitioners practice group, provides a broad perspective applicable for both registered dietitians and other professionals who work with students during the supervised practice experience. It can also be used for group training, and covers such topics as competency-based education, the novice-expert continuum, how precepting differs from teaching and mentoring, precepting techniques, and the value of setting goals to improve preceptor performance.