Dietetics

Only individuals licensed with the College of Health and Care Professionals may use the title “dietitian” and practise the Restricted Activities stated in the Dietitians Regulation and the Bylaws.  You may not practise as a dietitian or use the title “dietitian” until your application for licensure is approved by the College’s Licence Committee.

Who can apply

• Graduates from accredited Canadian programs
• Internationally educated dietitians
• Dietitians registered with other Canadian colleges
• Former licensees

 Full licensees

• Full licensees may use the title “dietitian.”
• To maintain Full licensure, you must continue to meet requirements related to quality assurance and complete a criminal record re-check every 5 years.

Provisional licensees

• Provisional licensees may use the title “provisional dietitian.”
• You must have a Supervision Agreement (PDF) in place before beginning work as a dietitian in the Provisional class.
• Provisional licensure is available to applicants for a period of up to one year. While licensed in the Provisional class, an individual must write the next available CDRE and must not practise as a sole/private practitioner. See the Sole and Private Practitioner Interpretive Guide for more information.

Graduates of approved programs (academic and internship) are required to submit an application for Provisional licensure with CHCPBC in order to practise dietetics in BC. 

To do so:

• Complete and submit the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org.
• Pay the applicable fees.
• Upload scanned copies of two pieces of notarized government-issued photo ID to the online application (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, healthcare card).
• Request official transcripts to be sent from your university directly to CHCPBC, by email or mail.
• Request for an internship verification letter to be sent directly to CHCPBC, by email or mail.
  

A dietitian who is licensed with another Canadian dietetics regulator can apply directly to CHCPBC. The first step is completing and submitting the application form (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org. Please make sure to be in good standing with your current regulatory body prior to applying to CHCPBC (e.g., no outstanding quality assurance, no outstanding fees, no ongoing investigation).

You will be required to:

• Request a Verification of Registration Form (or Labour Mobility Form) and supporting documents from your current regulatory body, to be sent directly to CHCPBC, and from any other Canadian regulatory body you have previously been registered with. Please note that the Verification of Registration Form expires within 30 days of completion.
• Upload scanned copies of two pieces of notarized government-issued photo ID to the online portal (e.g., passport, driver’s licence, healthcare card).
• Complete the Jurisprudence Examination.
• Complete payment of fees.

To practise dietetics in Canada, all dietitians must be licensed with a regulatory college. The primary duty of the CHCPBC is to protect the public of British Columbia by regulating dietitians and other health professionals. The term “Dietitian” is a reserved title protected by law. Only individuals registered with the CHCPBC may use this title. The reserved title means that dietitians have met strict registration requirements and have a high level of expertise for providing safe, ethical, science-backed nutrition services. In British Columbia, dietitians are regulated under the Health Professions and Occupations Act and CHCPBC Bylaws.

Requirements

Education:
Completion of a post-secondary academic degree equivalent to a Canadian bachelor’s degree or master’s degree with a focus in dietetics.

Practical training or internship:
In BC, practical training is equivalent to 1480 hours, or approximately 10 months full time, in the areas of Clinical Nutrition in hospital, Population and Public Health in the community, Management or Food Systems Administration, and Electives or Research.

An example of the Canadian standard practical training breakdown:

• Clinical Nutrition: 840 Hours
• Population and Public Health: 160 Hours
• Management: 320 Hours
• Elective/Research: 160 Hours

Language Proficiency:

Functional English is needed to be successful for both registration and employment as a dietitian. For the registration process, an applicant may be required to take additional courses for upgrading. Academic institutions which provide these courses will have their own individual requirements for English proficiency. For example, both Langara College and the University of British Columbia requires IELTS of at least 6.5 overall with no bands less than 6.0*

*Different programs and courses may have individual or updated requirements. Please confirm language proficiency requirements with the specific institution.

Timeline:

The timeline for the registration process is very individual and dependent on each applicant’s situation. Overall, the process is estimated to take on average 16 months and cost $3500. If any additional upgrading is required, then the time duration and cost will be higher.

The CHCPBC recommends the applicant thoroughly review the application process and to only start their application when they can commit to completing all steps continuously. Please note, applicant files and accounts will be closed after six months of inactivity. If this happens, applicants will be required to resubmit documents and start from the beginning of the process.

Step 1
Verify Documents
Timeframe: ~ 1 month
Cost: ~$250

Step 2
Submit Documents
Timeframe: ~ 2 months
Cost: ~$10+

Step 3
Assessments
Timeframe: ~ 1-6+ months
Cost: ~$800

Step 4
Upgrading
Timeframe widely
varies: ~ 1-3 years
Cost: ~$1000+

Step 5
Licensing
Cost: ~$1400

Steps to becoming licensed

Step 1: Verify Credentials

Academic qualifications must be verified by an approved third-party agency. The degree must be authentic and show successful completion of an equivalent to a Canadian  post-secondary education with a focus in dietetics.

Approved verification agencies:

• World Education Services (WES) – ICAP Course by Course
• International Credential Evaluation Services (ICES)
• International Qualification Assessment Services (IQAS)
• FAQs

Step 2: Submit documents

The CHCPBC needs to receive these documents below (via email to registration@chcpbc.org or mail, where applicable):

1. Application for assessment (PDF)
2. Verification of Internship or Practicum Completion
   • The letter must include:
     • 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.
     • The items below are not mandatory to include but will add to the application:
       • 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 (Official transcripts should be sent directly from the university or academic institution.)
3. Official transcripts
4. 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 aims to allow 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 clicking on 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.

FAQs

Step 3: Assessments

Once CHCPBC has received, reviewed, and approved all the documents in Step 1 and Step 2, the application moves forward into the assessment stage. The assessment stage contains two consecutive portions: Knowledge and Practical.

Financial fees as outlined in the cost section must be paid and processed before starting each of the assessments. All fees are paid online and are non-refundable.

1. All documents received and approved by CHCPBC

• Review, complete, sign, and upload the Honesty Declaration (KA Exam and PAI) in your online application. This signed declaration is a binding document to declare that all the work completed is the applicants’ own.

2. Knowledge Assessment

• Submit payment online for the Knowledge Assessment.
• The Knowledge Assessment is completed online and can be done from the applicant’s home country. This assessment can be scheduled anytime during the year.

3. Practical Assessment

• Successfully complete the Knowledge Assessment
• Submit payment online for the Practical Assessment
• Contact CHCPBC and arrange interview date
• The Practical Assessment is completed in a virtual panel interview session. This assessment is case-based and covers all the domains of competence listed in the ICDEP. More details for the Practical Assessment will be provided by CHCPBC once the applicant has reached this step in the registration process.
• Upon completion of the Practical Assessment, CHCPBC will be in contact to review the results and provide recommendations on the next steps.

FAQs

Step 4: Upgrading

Once the applicant has completed all the steps above, the results are compiled and reviewed. At this point the applicant should be aware of any areas in which their practice may differ from Canadian dietetic standards. The applicant is expected to respond to any areas which require upgrading with suggested interventions. The CHCPBC will help the applicant through the self-directed learning plan process.

Examples of potential upgrading are:

• 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 Registration Committee. All upgrading must be completed in a span of three years or the process starts anew.

FAQs

Step 5: Licensure

Once all upgrading is completed and verified, the applicant can apply for Provisional licensure with CHCPBC. Provisional licensees may use the title “Provisional dietitian.” A Provisional licensee is not permitted to supervise other dietitians.

To obtain Provisional licensure, there are several items to complete:

• Fulfill all upgrading requirements within 3 years
• Complete and submit the application for licensure (PDF) to registration@chcpbc.org
• Complete Criminal Record Check consent
• Provide any missing identifying documentation
• Process payment for all associated application fees

Provisional licensure expires annually on March 31st, regardless of when the licensure was initially granted. This type of licence may only be renewed once. During Provisional licensure, the licensee must register for and and write the next available sitting of the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE). Upon passing the CDRE, licensure status is converted to “Full”.  Applicants have three attempts at the CDRE. After a first failure, mandatory supervision is required. After a second failure, licensure is revoked and mandatory upgrading must be completed prior to a final attempt.

To view the CHCPBC Fee Schedule, see Fees.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is an ongoing process of assessing healthcare organizations against standards of excellence to identify what is being done well and what needs to be improved. Health Education Accreditation is a quality improvement process that supports health education programs in ensuring that graduates are ready to deliver quality care at entry to practice.

In the context of dietetic regulation, the purpose of accreditation is to assess program compliance with national standards and demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of programs needed to meet registration requirements in order to protect the public and support safe, ethical and competent dietetic services.

Dietetics programs are categorized into the following:

• Undergraduate Degrees: Fully Integrated (Academic Education and Practicum Training)
• Undergraduate Degrees: Partially Integrated (Academic Education with Limited Practicum Training Enrollment)
• Undergraduate Degrees: Not Integrated (Academic Education Only)
• Post Degree Practicums (Practicum Training Only)
• Combined Masters Practicum Programs (Masters Education with Practicum Training)

For information on specific programs, please contact the program directly.

To confirm which programs are approved for the purpose of registration, please consult https://accreditation.ca/assessment-programs/health-education-accreditation/programs/

The Jurisprudence Guide and Examination for Dietitians is one way the ensures protection of British Columbians.

The Jurisprudence Guide serves as the College’s reference tool for dietitians practicing in BC and provides the public with insight into the nature and content of the regulatory processes. The Guide is divided into four chapters that review BC dietetic practice – legally, ethically, and professionally.

The online Jurisprudence Examination for Dietitians (JED) has fifty multiple choice questions that have been developed to test the knowledge in the Guide. The online examination is administered by Claymore’s SkilSure® solution.

All registrants are required to pass the Jurisprudence Examination for Dietitians (JED). Timelines for completion are:

• Temporary registrants, including RDs from another country, must pass the JED before being granted Full registration
• RDs moving to BC from another province, and former CHCPBC/CDBC registrants who are reinstating as Full registrants, must pass the JED before being granted Full registration

The Jurisprudence Examination requirement became effective October 2, 2013.

1. How many times can the JED be attempted?

• The JED requires a 100% pass score. There are unlimited attempts to pass. The JED is a non-punitive learning module designed to ensure you understand the legislative framework you must work within and what the CHCPBC’ expectations are when it comes to practicing dietetics safely and ethically in BC.

2. How is the completion of the JED confirmed?

• A congratulatory message appears on the homepage of the JED program when the exam has been completed. CHCPBC records this information.

3. How do I know if my Jurisprudence Examination for Dietitians (JED) is due?

• You can log in to Skilsure and select “Continuing Competence Program” and check to see if the Jurisprudence icon is available (due) or greyed out (not due). Alternatively, you can look in to top right corner to see if “Jurisprudence” has been crossed out, which means you are not due to complete the JED. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the College.

Jurisprudence Guide

Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)

The Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) is the national examination that tests the necessary knowledge, skills, attitudes, and judgment required to practice dietetics competently at the entry level. It is offered twice each year, in May and November.

All those interested in taking the CDRE must submit an application for licensure to CHCPBC. To be eligible to write the CDRE, applicants must first become Provisional licensees of the College.

A Provisional licensee must write the first CDRE sitting available. If the first attempt at the CDRE is failed, the Provisional licensee is permitted to practise only under the supervision of another Full dietetics licensee of CHCPBC. Those who fail a second attempt at the CDRE will have their licensure revoked and must undergo assessment and complete upgrading prior to their third and final CDRE attempt. The maximum number of CDRE attempts permitted is three.

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

Requirements

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

FORMAT

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

COST

The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies manages the CDRE and determines the cost.

Examination Dates

The CDRE is offered over a two-day period twice yearly.

The next CDRE session dates are:

• May 14–15, 2026
• November 5–6, 2026

2026 CDRE Deadlines

The deadline to have a completed application with the college and register for the next CDRE is April 10, 2026.

The scheduling period for this CDRE sitting begins on March 17, 2026 and ends on May 5, 2026.

If you have specific accommodation needs for writing the exam, the deadline to submit your accommodation request and all supporting documents is March 16, 2026. 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.

CDRE Preparation Guide

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

CDRE Preparation Guide 2025 (English) (PDF)

CDRE Preparation Guide 2025 (French) (PDF)

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 one of the following 3 sites:

• http://speedtest.googlefiber.net
• http://beta.speedtest.net
• https://fast.com

CDRE 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.

Fees for dietetic applicants and licensees can be viewed in the CHCPBC Fee Schedule. 

• Two pieces of notarized government-issued photo ID
• Academic transcripts
• Internship letter
• Verification of licensure (labour mobility applications only)

• Application for Assessment (PDF)
• Application for Registration (PDF)
• Assessment for Substantial Equivalence (PDF)
• Assessment for Substantial Equivalence – Requirements (PDF)
• Assessment for Substantial Equivalence – Accommodations (PDF)
• Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (PDF)
• Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination – Supervision After First Failure (PDF)
• Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination – Upgrading After a Second Failure (PDF)
• Identity Documents (PDF)
• Restricted Activities – Declaration to Practice (PDF)
• Self-Directed Learning Plan – Upgrading After Second CDRE Failure (PDF)
• Supervision Agreement for Provisional Licensees (PDF)
• Validity of Applications and Supporting Documents (PDF)