THE path to becoming a Registered Dietitian in the province of Ontario has changed.
On May 20, 2025, amendments to Ontario Regulation 593/94 under the Dietetics Act, 1991 came into force as legislated by the Government of Ontario. These changes, which were recommended by the College of Dietitians of Ontario in 2019, will improve access to the profession by removing entry to practice barriers and streamlining the registration process.
Two Registration Pathways
There are now two routes to registration with the College:
- graduation from a program in dietetics that was offered at the bachelor level or higher at a Canadian university and which was at least four years in duration, and at the time of graduation, accredited by an accrediting agency approved by the board, plus practical training that is supervised, evaluated and accredited, or
- completion of an approved prior learning assessment (PLAR).
The options for independent practicum, credential assessment, and the CDO Board’s ability to directly approve educational programs are no longer available. These legacy pathways no longer meet the needs of system partners and are no longer required given the availability of PLAR.
As the province continues to focus on increasing access to the profession by removing barriers to entry to practice, this standardization of pathways ensures a more direct route to registration aligned with the dietitetic competencies.
Changes to Terms and Conditions of the Temporary Class of Registration
Another significant change relates to the temporary class of dietitians. Temporary certificates will now expire 14 weeks after the CDRE examination is held or 30 days after exam results are released, whichever comes first.
The change in expiry date for temporary registrants affects first time writers and successful CDRE candidates only. Successful CDRE candidates must now apply for a general certificate with the College within 30 days. In doing so, they will receive the full rights and privileges of registration — and comply with the full regulatory obligations — in keeping with their status as healthcare professionals.
Temporary registrants who were unsuccessful for the first CDRE attempt will have 30 days to submit a request to the Registrar to extend their temporary certificate. There will be no fee to extend the temporary certificate extension in 2025.
Other Regulation Changes
- The currency requirement for applicants of 500 hours of practice within the three years preceding the application is now included in the legislation. This requirement was previously a College policy only.
- Registration expires if registrants are no longer authorized to work in Canada.
- Certificates of registration are revoked within 60 days after suspension (previously 12 months).
- Applications for reinstatement of licensure after resignation or revocation must meet all the requirements for issuance of a certificate, including that previous conduct demonstrates the applicant will practise dietetics safely and professionally.
- Registrants must report they do not hold liability insurance to the College within two days of becoming aware. A certificate of registration may be immediately suspended if not in compliance with this condition.
- Revocation of certificates is now permitted if an applicant is issued a certificate and provided false or misleading statements or omissions.
- Use of the pronoun they, instead of he and she.
Moving Forward Together with Our System Partners
2025 has marked a new era in the evolution of the profession, as legislators across Canada focus on restoring capacity in the healthcare system, and creating opportunities for students to enter their chosen profession at a pace and standard that is appropriate to the times.
The College of Dietitians of Ontario supports the principles behind this transition, as we move forward — together with our system partners — in removing barriers to ensure Ontarians have easier access to the connected and convenient care they need and deserve.
Contact the College by email if you have any questions about the changes to provincial legislation.
