Equivalency determination

for licensure as a dietitian

If you have not completed a Recognized Education Program, as listed in Schedule 5 of the CHCPBC Bylaws, you may be required to complete an equivalency determination before applying for licensure with CHCPBC.

Step 1

Complete credential evaluation through any of the following organizations:

Arrange to have your credential evaluation report(s) sent directly to CHCPBC by the credential evaluation organization. Please request that it be addressed to Licensure Department: Dietetics at the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.

Step 2

Arrange for the following documentation to be sent to CHCPBC (via email to licensure@chcpbc.org or mail, where applicable):

  • Your completed Application for Assessment (PDF)
  • Verification of internship or practicum completion (letter)*, including:
    • Total length of time of the practical experience
    • Types of rotations or areas of practice (e.g. clinical, community, administrative)
    • Length of time in each area of practice
    • Optional additional details:
      • Types of experiences and skills developed in each area of practice (e.g., nutrition care planning, individual or group counselling)
      • Types of clients
      • Level of competence achieved (e.g., observing, providing, supervising)
      • Methods of evaluation or assessment
      • Contact information
      • Position
      • Credentials of the internship supervisor
  • Official transcripts
    (must be sent directly to CHCPBC by your educational institution)
  • Results of the Orientation and Self-Assessment Tool (OSAT)
    The OSAT is an assessment tool which allows applicants to rate themselves compared to Canadian Dietetic Practice Requirements. This tool enables dietitians trained outside of Canada to see what is expected of dietetics practice within Canada. The OSAT is completed online and will take up to two hours. Within the OSAT, please make sure to open each of the Competency Areas by selecting the numbers above the rating scale tables. Upon completion, you can upload your results directly to the online application. The College will not penalize you for any low ratings. Submitting the results merely shows that you are aware of what is expected of Canadian dietitians.

All documents need to be provided in English. If translation is required, use a certified translator such as MOSAIC or Society of Translators and Interpreters of BC.

* Please contact the College to determine if a verification letter is required. Verification letters must be signed by the Internship or Practicum Program Director or Supervisor and sent directly to CHCPBC by the provider.

Please allow time for the Licensure team to review your documentation. Once they have completed their review, they will contact you.

Step 3

Review, complete, and upload the Honesty Declarations (for the Knowledge Assessment and Practical Assessment) in your online application. These are binding declarations that all work completed will be your own.

Step 4

Submit payment for the Knowledge Assessment.

Complete the Knowledge Assessment online. (This can be done at the time and place of your choosing.)

Step 5

Submit payment for the Practical Assessment, and contact CHCPBC to schedule your interview.

The Practical Assessment is completed as a virtual panel interview. It is a case-based assessment, which covers all the domains of competence listed in the Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice. More details will be provided by CHCPBC once you reach this step in the process.

Once you have completed both assessments, the Licensure team will compile and review your documentation and assessment results. We will contact you to discuss your results and any areas in which your practice may differ from Canadian dietetics standards.

Step 6

Based on your assessment results, you will be asked to respond to any areas that require upgrading with suggested interventions. We will assist you in the development of a self-directed learning plan.

Examples of potential upgrading could include:

  • Additional university or college level courses
  • Self-study courses and continuing education
  • Full practical training
  • Partial practical training

Final upgrading requirements are determined by CHCPBC Licence Committee. All upgrading must be completed within 3 years, or you will be required to start the process again.

Estimated timeline: Approximately 16 months (average), up to 5 years

Do not begin your application for licensure until you have received the results of your equivalency determination and been invited to submit an application.

Frequently asked questions

The need for upgrading is determined as part of your assessment. It is common that internationally educated dietitians require some amount of academic and/or practical upgrading in dietetics. The amount of upgrading will depend on your assessment results.

Most academic course upgrading can be completed online. However, only specific upgrading courses that have been approved by CHCPBC are considered acceptable. CHCPBC will identify suitable courses during your assessment.

Currently, there are three institutions across Canada that offer practical upgrading specifically for internationally educated dietitians:

  • Alberta – University of Alberta (priority given to Alberta residents)
  • Ontario – Ryerson University
  • Nova Scotia – Mount St. Vincent University

Spaces are extremely limited, and admission to all programs is highly competitive. These programs may require additional upgrading over and above upgrading required by CHCPBC. There are currently no bridging programs in BC.

For more information, see the Equivalency Determination – Knowledge, Skills, Ability and Judgment policy (PDF) specific to dietetics.