Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)

Dietetics

The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies administers the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) twice per year, in May and November. The CDRE is the national examination that tests the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment required to practice dietetics competently at the entry level.

Those interested in taking the CDRE must apply through CHCPBC. CHCPBC determines eligibility to sit the CDRE. For information about the process, email licensure@chcpbc.org.

The exam is based on the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice.

Format

  • Computer-based multiple-choice exam
  • Written over 4 hours, divided into two 2-hour parts with a 15-minute break between parts 1 and 2

Requirements

Payment of CDRE fee

The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies manages the CDRE and determines the cost. Beginning with the November 2026 sitting, the CDRE fee is $750.

Day-of-examination requirements

  • One piece of current government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, healthcare card)
  • Internet speed of 10 Mbps or higher

Session dates and deadlines

The CDRE is offered over a two-day period twice yearly. The next CDRE session dates are:

  • November 5–6, 2026
    Scheduling to take place between September 8 and October 27, 2026
    Deadline to have completed application with CHCPBC and registered for CDRE: October 5, 2026
    Deadline for accommodation requests: August 31, 2026
  • May 2027 (Exact dates to be determined)

CDRE preparation

Please review the CDRE Preparation Guides for more information on the CDRE—what to expect, sample exam questions with answer key, study resources, and more.

Technology requirements

Once you are scheduled to take the exam, you will be able to log into an account where you will be able to test your technology’s ability to connect with the online remote proctor system.

Candidates should test the internet connection at the testing station you intend to write the CDRE. You MUST ensure an internet speed of at least 10 Mbps or higher is available. Anything lower than 10 Mbps will not ensure optimal performance during the examination. If your speeds are lower than what is required, you are recommended to find a better internet connection prior to the beginning of your examination. You can test your connection speed using any of the following sites:

Accommodations

A candidate who has a disability, including a temporary disability or special condition, that warrants accommodation may request accommodations to take the examination. The candidate is responsible for submitting a written request for accommodation to the provincial dietetic regulatory body for consideration by the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance), no later than deadline noted above.

Please refer to Appendix D: CDRE Candidates Requiring Accommodation within the CDRE Preparation Guide for the complete procedure and process on requesting an accommodation.

Depending on the accommodation request, applicants may not be able to write the exam on their preferred date. Accommodation requests are reviewed by a national committee. Specific information may be requested in order to understand your needs and confirm that you are eligible. We encourage applicants to send their requests early to avoid additional delays to book the exam.

Examination attempts

Under College policy, a maximum of three attempts is permitted for any entry-to-practice examination, whether taken while licensed or not (see Examination Number of Attempts (PDF)). An individual is eligible to apply for a Full licence only upon successful completion of the required entry-to-practice examination(s).