Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination

The Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) is a four-hour, online remote-proctored multiple-choice exam required by every Canadian province, except Quebec. The exam is offered twice a year, in the spring and fall. The next opportunity to write the CDRE will be on May 16th or 17th , 2024.

Key Dates

 
Activity/Timeline Important Dates
Exam Dates: May 16-17, 2024.

Choosing an exam date - Once eligible, you will schedule your exam on one of two days
You must schedule your exam date by using the online exam scheduling window which will be open from March 6-May 8, 2024.
 
IMPORTANT: Candidates who do not schedule their exam date by May 8, 2024, will be transferred to the November 2024 exam, and may be subject to a transferring administrative fee of $55.
Deadline for the College to receive your Application Form and all required documents.
 
 
Non-Accredited Programs Applicants: February 16, 2024.

Accredited Program Applicants: April 19, 2024.
Deadline to pay CDRE fees. April 28, 2024.

As of April 29, 2024 the fees received will be applied towards the November 2024 exam.
Deadline to submit requests for special accommodations to write the CDRE. This includes receipt of your Application Form, registration documents, and all supporting materials as required in Appendix D "CDRE Candidates Requiring Accommodations" of the  CDRE Preparation Guide.

Accommodation requests will only be considered once you have been deemed eligible to write the CDRE and your exam fees have been received.
March 15, 2024.


Please start your application process early to ensure you meet the College's deadline dates.

Exam Preparation Guide

Take time to review the CDRE Preparation Guide for detailed information on the CDRE policies and procedures, as well as how to prepare for the CDRE.

Qualifying for the Exam

To qualify for the exam, you must apply to be a member of the College, meet all the requirements for membership, and receive confirmation that you are eligible to write the exam. Click here for information on applying to the College.

  • A candidate must successfully complete the examination within four years of being deemed eligible. 
  • An applicant who fails the exam on the first attempt may write it a second time. 
  • An applicant who fails on the second attempt is not eligible to continue in the examination process without further education and training and a new application to the College. 
  • A candidate may attempt the exam no more than three times.

Special Accommodations

If you have a disability, temporary disability or a special condition and wish to request a special accommodation, you must request this in writing by the examination application deadline. The request must be from a regulated health professional, who is specialized in assessing individuals with the type of disability or special condition.

A request for accommodation related to breastfeeding does not require documentation from a regulated health professional, but a written request outlining the accommodation is required.
 
Please refer to Appendix D ‘CDRE Candidates Requiring Accommodation’ within the CDRE Preparation Guide for the complete procedure and process on requesting an accommodation.

Exam Format

  • The CDRE is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam.
  • Candidates will take the May 2024 CDRE, from their personal computer via an online remote-proctored process.
  • It is written over four hours, divided into 2 two-hour parts with a 15-minute break between part 1 and part 2.
  • The CDRE is bilingual. Candidates will be able to view all questions in both English and French.

Technology Requirements

Candidates seeking to write the CDRE may review and check the technology requirements HERE. Once 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. Ensure you have the recommended minimum internet speed to ensure optimal performance during the examination. If your speeds are lower than what is recommended, please 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:


For any questions, please email registration@collegeofdietitians.org.

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