Classes Of Registration

The College registers qualified applicants that have been trained both in Canada and in other jurisdictions. All candidates must complete an accredited program of academic and practical training or the equivalent, and pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination. 

When candidates receive a General Certificate of Registration from the College, it means that they have met all the academic and practical training requirements to practice in Ontario.

1. Academic Preparation from an accredited Canadian university program in foods & nutrition, or equivalent
2. Practical Training in an accredited practical program in Canada, or equivalent
3. Language Proficiency in English or French
4. Record of Ethical and Competent Practice
5. History Good Conduct
6. Current Dietetic Knowledge and Competence
7. Eligible to Work in Canada
8. Pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (Registration Exam)

Applicants who have met the first seven requirements listed above are eligible to receive a Temporary Certificate of Registration only if:

• They have not previously held a Temporary Certificate of Registration;
• They have applied to write the next available Registration Exam and have paid the Temporary Certificate of Registration fee ($120); or
• They have written the exam and are waiting for their results.

An individual holding a Temporary Certificate of Registration may practise using the title “Registered Dietitian” but may not supervise another dietitian.

A Temporary Certificate is issued for up to 16 months, as long as the member is actively attempting the successful completion of the Registration Exam.

• If a member holding a Temporary Certificate fails the exam on their first attempt, an additional condition is added to their certificate which requires that they practise under the supervision of a member holding a General Certificate.
• A Temporary Certificate automatically expires if a member fails the exam for a second time.   

Applicants who have been assessed by the College to require additional education and/or training in only one area of dietetic practice may be eligible to receive a Provisional Certificate of Registration only if:

• A panel of the Registration Committee is satisfied that the applicant will become competent in that area of practice within 18 months after being issued the provisional certificate;
• A panel of the Registration Committee is satisfied that the applicant can practise safely in all other areas of practice.

An individual holding a Provisional Certificate of Registration may practise using the title “Registered Dietitian” but may not supervise another dietitian. 

A Provisional Certificate is issued for up to 18 months, as long as:

• The provisional member does not practise dietetics in the area where they are required to undertake additional education or training; and
• The provisional member actively pursues the education or practical training activities required.

The Emergency Class of Registration may be opened by a request from the Minister of Health and/or the College’s Board.  The purpose of the Emergency Class is to provide a mechanism for the College to expedite the registration of applicants during emergency circumstances.

Applicants who have met the first seven requirements listed above are eligible to receive an Emergency Certificate of Registration. An individual holding an Emergency Certificate of Registration may practise using the title “Registered Dietitian” but may not supervise another dietitian.

An Emergency Certificate is issued for up to six months unless it is renewed. An Emergency Certificate expires 30 days after the Minister of Health and/or the College’s Board declares the emergency circumstances have ended.

A registrant who holds an Emergency Certificate of Registration and has done so for at least six months may be issued a certificate of registration in the Temporary Class without having to immediately register to write the registration exam.

For any questions, please email registration@collegeofdietitians.org

Response Timelines: The registration team will respond to your inquiry (received by email or phone) within 5 business days. We appreciate your patience until we respond to your inquiry.