Provision of Information About Registration Practices (1 / 13)
Describe how you make information about registration practices available to individuals applying or intending to apply for registration. Specify the tools used to provide information, and the manner in which you make that information available, current, accurate and user friendly in each of these subcategories:
a) steps to initiate the registration process
The following general information applies to all of the subcategories for section 1, but for ease of use, is included only once in this first subcategory. Please refer to this general information, for each subcategory for question 1 (a-p) in addition to the information that is specific to the subcategory.
Availability
The CDO website is the central source for registration information for potential applicants. The website has both English and French versions and many of the registration related resources are also available in French. Potential applicants may not be aware of the need for registration with the College or may begin their search for information in a variety of places. The websites of many other organizations include information about CDO and provide a link to our website. Some examples include:
The Alliance of Dietetic Regulatory Bodies
Dietitians of Canada
The Federation of Health Regulatory Colleges
The Internationally Educated Dietitians Pre-Registration Program (IDPP)
HealthForceOntario
The Office of the Fairness Commissioner
Potential applicants who contact the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) for registration information are referred to the College website and invited to contact the appropriate registration staff member if they have additional questions or need assistance. Staff members provide 1:1 assistance for any applicants who call with questions about the registration process or who need assistance in preparing their submission, and refer the potential applicants to the appropriate section of the website to access additional information and download forms and checklists.
User Friendly Information
Applicants who contact the College by phone or email are guided through a few questions, to ensure that they obtain information specific to their situation. The website guides potential applicants through this same series of questions. Once an applicant has gone through the questions, they are directed to a checklist which lists everything that should be included in a complete application package.
The registration landing page on the website lists the nine registration requirements that all applicants must meet. Because the documentation required to demonstrate some of these requirements is different for different groups, applicants are directed to separate pages depending on where their academic and practical training was completed. There are separate pages for applicants:
currently registered in another province
educated in Canada
educated in the US
Educated Internationally (other than the US)
To ensure that improvements are ongoing, CDO’s website includes a link to allow users to provide feedback about the site or its content. Prior to major updates or redesign, the College conducts satisfaction surveys and ensures that the feedback received from these surveys is addressed.
Current and Accurate information
The College updates the website regularly as legislation, policies or tools change. Registration requirements do not change frequently, however when a change is made to requirements or the tools that we use to collect and assess information from our applicants, relevant staff are educated about the change, and the website is updated accordingly. The content of the website forms and checklists are written by registration staff. Prior to being posted on the website, the content is reviewed by the Registrar & Executive Director to ensure that it is current, accurate and in plain language. In addition, the Communications Manager reviews and edits content for clarity, language and readability.
The following information is relevant to how CDO makes information about the registration requirements available to potential applicants in the categories of section b – requirements for registration; section c – how the requirements are met; section d – education or practical experience that must be completed in Canada; section e – requirements that may be satisfied through acceptable alternatives; section g – documentation that must accompany each application:
Availability
User Friendly Information
The 9 registration requirements, which are common to all applicants, are listed on the registration landing page. They are repeated on the dedicated landing page for each category of applicant (educated in Canada, US, or internationally). By clicking on any one of the requirements, the applicant is brought to a table which lists each requirement and explains how those requirements are demonstrated by someone in their situation.
There is a separate table for applicants who are educated in:
The College also provides potential applicants with application checklists that are individualized; each containing a list of the specific documents that should be provided by someone in their situation. Potential applicants who contact the College by phone or email are guided through a few questions, to ensure that they are directed to the appropriate checklist. For applicants who visit the website first, the website also guides potential applicants through this same series of questions. These checklists outline the alternative documentation that is acceptable for someone in each individual situation. There are 17 checklists in total: 8 Canadian applicants, 8 for US applicants and 1 for all other internationally educated applicants.
Information specific to subsection a) Steps to complete the registration process.
In addition, CDO staff members are invited annually to give presentations to Ontario dietetic internship programs, as well as the bridging program. During these presentations, the application process and fees are outlined, and applicants have an opportunity to ask questions.
requirements for registration
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
Available, Current, Accurate and User Friendly
This information is provided to applicants in the table of registration requirements and application checklists that are described in section a, and by CDO staff, by phone or email.
CDO staff conduct annual presentations to dietetic interns and applicants from the bridging program. In these presentations, the registration requirements are outlined along with the application process, and the applicants have an opportunity to ask questions.
The College developed a two page fact sheet which summarizes the steps for registration and directs potential applicants to the appropriate section of the College's website. The fact sheet is updated annually and provided to the coordinators of internship/practicum programs, who forward it to their interns/candidates 2-3 months prior to the end of their program. This ensures that potential applicants receive current and accurate information, at the time that it is most relevant to them.
requirements for registration are to be met, such as the number of years of schooling required for a degree to be deemed equivalent to an Ontario undergraduate degree, length and type of work experience, credit hours or program content
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
requirements that may be satisfied through acceptable alternatives
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
assessment process
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
CDO’s website provides applicants and potential applicants with information about the criteria used for assessment (e.g. list of course content that must be covered in undergraduate degree; minimum language test scores)
documentation of qualifications that must accompany each application; indicate which documents, if any, are required only from internationally trained applicants
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
Academic Assessment – CDO requires that applicants provide a copy of an assessment by World Education Service (WES) regarding the level of the degree. CDO considers only those degrees that have been assessed by WES to be equivalent to a university level degree in Canada.Course Outlines/Descriptions – Any applicant, from Canada or other countries, who has completed a nutrition degree that has not been accredited by Dietitians of Canada or the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetic Education (US) must undergo an academic equivalency assessment. This means that in addition to transcripts, they are required to produce detailed course outlines or descriptions. All non-US internationally educated applicants would fall in to this category. Only some Canadian and US educated applicants fall in to this category.Language Proficiency Test – May be required of some internationally educated applicants, because CDO’s registration requirements include proficiency in either English or French. If the applicant received their dietetics education or training in English or French, they are deemed to meet the language proficiency requirement. Applicants who complete the bridging program (IDPP) are also considered to meet the language proficiency requirement. All others must provide documentation of passing a language proficiency test.
acceptable alternatives to the documentation if applicants cannot obtain the required documentation for reasons beyond their control
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
It is extremely rare that this situation occurs. On the few occasions that it has occurred in the past, the circumstances have been different each time, such that it would be impossible to develop a policy. Currently, should an applicant indicate that, for reasons beyond their control, they are unable to obtain the required documentation, staff work with them to verify the situation and provide personalized assistance to identify appropriate alternatives. The website includes a statement under “Step 2” that invites applicants to contact the College for assistance if they are having difficulty accessing the required documents.
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
The communications initiated by CDO for these different scenarios are outlined below.
Communications for applicants who have completed accredited undergraduate and practical training programs:
Application is received, but is incomplete (documentation or information is missing) - CDO sends email to the applicant acknowledging receipt of application and advising of information or documentation that is missing.
Complete file is received, and all registration requirements have been met - CDO sends letter by mail advising applicant that they are eligible to register for the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE). Applicant is also advised of the option to obtain Temporary Registration with the College, which allows the applicant to practice and use RD title until the exam results are received.
Temporary Membership Fees are processed - Applicants are sent a registration package by mail, with membership information and password for members’ website.Registration for CDRE is complete - Applicants are sent exam package by mail, with exam rules, preparation guide, and information regarding date, time and venue of the exam.
Exam results are received - CDO sends exam results by mail. Applicants who have passed the exam are provided with information regarding fees for general membership. Applicants who have failed the exam are asked to contact the College to review their results.
General Membership Fees are processed - CDO sends a letter by mail advising RD of their General Membership status. If applicant did not have a temporary membership, the Registration package is sent at this time.
Communications for applicants who have not completed accredited undergraduate and practical training programs
Application is received, but is incomplete (documentation or information is missing) -CDO sends letter by mail acknowledging receipt of application and advising of information or documentation that is missing. Applicant is given 60 days to provide the missing information or file will be closed.
Deadline passes and applicant has not provided missing information or requested an extension - Registration Coordinator sends letter by mail advising that the application has been deemed inactive and has been closed. The file closure letter includes information about the College's file retention policy and the process for initiating a new application.
Missing documentation is received and file is now complete; referred to Registration Committee- Registration Coordinator contacts the applicant by phone or email to advise that the file is complete and to confirm the date of the Registration Committee meeting at which the file will be reviewed.
Application is received with all required documentation - CDO sends letter by mail acknowledging receipt of application and advising applicant that their file will be referred to the Registration Committee. The applicant is referred to the appropriate sections of the Health Professions Procedures code and advised of their right to submit additional documentation.
Registration Committee Decision: File Refused - CDO sends decision and reasons by mail. The cover letter includes information about appeal process. The applicant is also provided information about where to access courses or practical training that were deemed missing from the applicant's education or training.
Registration Committee Decision: Conditional Admission- CDO sends Decision and Reasons by mail which outlines the requirements that applicant must met before becoming eligible to write CDRE, and the deadline for completion. The applicant is also provided with information about where to access courses that are required and/or the format for submitting information about practical training.
Deadline passes and applicant has not provided documentation or requested an extension - Registration Coordinator sends letter by mail advising that the application has been deemed inactive and the file has been closed. The file closure letter also includes information about the college's file retention policy and the process for initiating a new application.
Throughout the application process, the Registration Coordinator notifies the applicant by email when documents are received at CDO, regardless of whether or not the file is complete.
Registration Committee Decision: Admit - CDO sends letter by mail advising applicant that they are eligible to register for the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE). Applicant is also advised of the option to obtain Temporary Registration with the College, which allows the applicant to practice and use RD title until the exam results are received.
Temporary Membership Fees are processed - Applicants are sent a registration package by mail, with membership information and password for members’ website. Registration for CDRE is complete - Applicants are sent exam package by mail, with exam rules, preparation guide, and information regarding date, time and venue of the exam.
Exam results are received - CDO sends exam results by mail. Applicants who have passed the exam are provided with information regarding fees for general membership. Applicants who have failed the exam are asked to contact the College to review their results.
General Membership Fees are processed - CDO sends a letter by mail advising RD of their General Membership status. If applicant did not have a temporary membership, the Registration package is sent at this time.
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
verbally by Registration Program staff
on the application checklist
on the table outlining the fees and potential costs of registration
Documents that are not in English or French must be translated for the application. The applicant is asked to provide the original documents, along with an English translation that has been notarized or certified.
assessment agencies, organizations that conduct examinations or institutions that provide bridging programs, that applicants may come into contact with during the registration process
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
10-14 days for Canadian and US applicants from accredited undergraduate and internship programs.
4-12 weeks for Internationally Educated Applicants or Canadian/US applicants from non-accredited undergraduate or internship programs.
The time lines are calculated from the time that all required documents are received at the College until the application has been reviewed by the Registrar or the Registration Committee and a decision has been issued. It is explained to applicants that the range of 4-12 weeks is dependent on the timing of the next Registration Committee meeting in relation to when all of the required documentation is received. The Registration Committee typically meets every 6-8 weeks. The deadline for submitting a completed application package is three weeks before the meeting. This allows time for the application packages to be sent and reviewed by committee members in advance of the meeting, and allows one week after the meeting for the decision and reasons letters to be drafted, reviewed, signed and mailed to the applicant.
The actual time, from receipt of the application form, to notice of decision and reasons can vary considerably, depending on how long it takes for the applicant to provide the required documentation.
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
Information about application and assessment fees is provided in tabular form on the website and on the application form itself. In 2011, the table was updated to include all other potential costs of Registration.
Information about fees for the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) is provided on the website. It is also provided in the letter that applicants received once they have been deemed eligible to write the exam.
Each year, CDO staff are regularly invited to give presentations to Ontario dietetic internship programs, as well as the bridging programs. During these presentations, the application process and fees are outlined, and applicants have an opportunity to ask questions.
Please refer to the general information for provision of registration information, which is included in the response to subsection a, in addition to the information below, which is specific to this question:
CDO rarely encounters requests for accommodation of applicants with special needs during the application process. Requests are sometimes received for accommodation for the exam. As a result, the only accommodation policy that exists is related to the Registration Examination. If a request should be received for accommodation with respect to other application processes, it is dealt with on an individual basis and appropriate arrangements are made to address the needs of the applicant.
The following are the changes that were implemented in 2011:
In previous years, College staff had been invited to present information about registration with the College to current interns at their annual professional development days. Feedback from the interns was that, while they found the information to be important and helpful, the timing of the professional development days was too early for them to be thinking about application with the College. As a result, many still ended up rushing to submit their application and acquire the documents when they completed their program. Thus, in 2011, the College developed a two page fact sheet which summarizes the steps for registration and directs potential applicants to the appropriate section of the College's website. The fact sheet is updated annually and provided to the coordinators of internship/practicum programs, who forward it to their interns/candidates 2-3 months prior to the end of their program. This ensures that potential applicants receive current and accurate information, at the time that it is most relevant to them. (See section b)
The table of fees on the College's website was updated in 2011 to include potential additional costs, in addition to the application and assessment fees.
Resources for Applicants (5 / 13)
a) List and describe any resources that are available to applicants, such as application guides, exam blueprints or programs for orientation to the profession.
Resources for Application
The College has developed a two-page fact sheet which summarizes the steps for registration for applicants from accredited academic and practical training programs. The fact sheet directs potential applicants to the appropriate section of the College's website. The fact sheet is updated annually and provided to the coordinators of internship/practicum programs, who forward it to their interns/candidates 2-3 months prior to the end of their program. This ensures that potential applicants receive current and accurate information, at the time that it is most relevant to them.
• World Education Services (WES) – for assessment of the degree
Resources for Applicants who are required to complete Upgrading Courses or Practicum:
Supervising/Coordinating an Upgrading Practicum – This document is meant to help registered dietitians who supervise or coordinate an upgrading practicum for an applicant. It provides the forms that dietitians must during the submission process, and describes the expectations of the practicum, and the responsibilities of the RD in this process. The document also outlines the learning outcomes and discusses the key elements that must be addressed during the upgrading practicum.
Sample Learning Diary – This document provides a sample of a learning diary to help applicants reflect on the learning that came from each activity, and help them to plan additional activities to address learning outcomes that have not yet been achieved.
Course Information – Applicants who are asked to complete upgrading courses and who require help in choosing an appropriate course are sent an email with a list of courses that have been previously approved by the Registration Committee. The list includes courses available on-site, on-line and those that are open to special students (as opposed to those enrolled in a degree program). Because course content and availability changes, applicants are advised not to rely solely on this course list. The email also includes the description of the course content that should be addressed in the course.
Resources for Applicants Who Complete a Canadian Academic and Practical Training (CAPT):
Supervising/Coordinating a Canadian Academic and Practical Training (Practical Component)– This document is meant to help registered dietitians who supervise or coordinate a CAPT practicum for an applicant. It provides the forms that dietitians must use during the submission process, and describes the expectations of the practicum, and the responsibilities of the RD in this process. The document also outlines the learning outcomes and discusses the key elements that must be addressed during the upgrading practicum.
Sample Learning Diary – This document provides a sample of a learning diary to help applicants reflect on the learning that came from each activity, and help them to plan additional activities to address learning outcomes that have not yet been achieved.
Resources for Preparing for the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination
CDRE Audio Visual Guide - CDO has produced an audio-visual resource for helping applicants to prepare for the CDRE. It is available on the website. Applicants are notified about the Audio-visual guide in the letter that they receive to confirm that they are registered for the exam.
Resources for Individualized Practicum
Resources for Orientation to the Profession
CDO Staff
CDO’s website is the main source of information for applicants. Potential applicants are first guided to the appropriate section of the website where they can access a checklist that applies to their individual situation (there are 17 separate checklists).
Information about the resources for applicants who are required to complete an upgrading or CAPT practicum are provided in writing to the applicant along with their decision and reasons letter. This information is also available on the How to Become an RD section of the website, under Resources and Links.
The Preparation Guide for the CDRE is provided to applicants in hard copy when they are notified that they are registered for the exam. It is also available on the website.
The Audio Visual Guide for preparing for the CDRE is available on the CDO website. There are links to the Guide from the home page of the website, as well as the CDRE page of the website. Applicants are advised about the guide in the letter that they receive to confirm their registration for the exam. Additionally, internship coordinators and the coordinators of the bridging program provide information to potential applicants about the guide.
The Jurisprudence Handbook is available on the website, and is provided to applicants in hard copy once they have been granted temporary membership while waiting to write the CDRE.
The following were the changes to resources for applicants during the 2011 reporting year:
In previous years, College staff had been invited to present information about registration with the College to current interns at their annual professional development days. Feedback from the interns was that, while they found the information to be important and helpful, the timing of the professional development days was too early for them to be thinking about application with the College. As a result, many still ended up rushing to submit their application and acquire the documents when they completed their program. Thus, in 2011, the College developed a two page fact sheet which summarizes the steps for registration and directs potential applicants to the appropriate section of the College's website. The fact sheet is updated annually and provided to the coordinators of internship/practicum programs, who forward it to their interns/candidates 2-3 months prior to the end of their program. This ensures that potential applicants receive current and accurate information, at the time that it is most relevant to them. (See section b)
Internal Review or Appeal Processes (6 / 13)
In this section, describe your internal review or appeal process. Some regulatory bodies use these two terms (internal review and appeal ) for two different processes, some use only one of these terms, and some use them interchangeably. Please use the term that applies to your profession. If you use both terms (for two different processes), please address both.
a) List your timelines for completing internal reviews or appeals of registration decisions.
Internal Reviews
The Registrar has authority to grant a certificate of registration for 2 types of applicants
i) Applicants who have completed both academic and practical training programs that have been accredited by either Dietitians of Canada or the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (US). The Registrar can only admit applicants in this category who have completed their education and training within the past 3 years, or have practiced safely as an RD in another jurisdiction during the past 3 years. All others must be referred to the Registration Committee to determine whether upgrading is necessary.
ii) Applicants who are currently registered with another Canadian dietetic regulatory body.
The Registrar will refer the applicant to the Registration Committee in the situations noted above, or in any other situation in which she has any doubt as to whether the applicants meets the registration requirements. In these situations, review by the Registration Committee constitutes the original (first) decision.
The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) has advised the College that they consider any referral to the Registration Committee to be an “internal review”. Likewise, the OFC considers any second review of an application - initiated either by the applicant or the College - to be an internal review.
For applicants who will be referred to the Registration Committee
The timeline is 3-11 weeks from the time that the completed application is received, until the Registration committee reviews the file and makes a decision.
In 2011, the average time to mail the decision and reasons was 4.5 business days (excluding one outlier, which was a complicated file and required the consultation with legal counsel and an additional teleconference meeting for the panel to complete the review of the file).
Currently the College has data about the time between the committee meeting and when the decision is mailed. In 2011, there were 2 internal reviews that exceeded these timelines.
1 of the internal reviews that exceeded the timeline was from an internationally trained applicant.
Given that the definition of an “internal review” is a file that is referred to the Registration Committee, the “submissions regarding internal reviews or appeals” are, in fact, the documents in the initial application. See answer to question 1g (provision of information about the documentation of qualifications that must accompany each application).
Additionally, each applicant receives a “File Open” letter, which acknowledges receipt of their application. If the applicant’s file is being referred to the Registration Committee, they are advised of this fact in the File Open Letter. The letter also advises the applicant of their right to submit any additional documentation within 30 days, and that the 30 day waiting period may be waived if they wish to be referred to the Committee sooner.
Given that the definition of an “internal review” is a file that is referred to the Registration Committee, the “submissions for internal reviews or appeals” are, in fact, the documents in the initial application. See answer to question 1g (provision of information about the documentation of qualifications that must accompany each application).
Each applicant receives a “File Open” letter, which acknowledges receipt of their application. If the applicant’s file is being referred to the Registration Committee, they are advised of this fact in the File Open Letter. The letter also advises the applicant of their right to submit any additional documentation within 30 days, and that the 30 day waiting period may be waived if they wish to be referred to the Committee sooner.
This question is relevant to an appeal but not to an “internal review” as defined by the Office of the Fairness Commissioner (i.e. a file that is referred to the Registration Committee, or a file that is reviewed by the Committee for a second time).
Registration decisions are made by either the Registrar, in the limited scope outlined in the answer to question 6a, or by a panel of the Registration Committee. If a file is referred to the Committee for a second time, it is typically to answer a specific question from the applicant that was not answered in the decision and reasons, or to consider additional information that was supplied by the applicant in response to the decision and reasons. In either of these situations, the file is returned to the original panel for clarification of the decision, or to consider the additional information provided by the applicant along with the rest of the file.
The Office of the Fairness Commissioner (OFC) has advised the College that they consider any referral to the Registration Committee to be an “internal review”. Likewise, the OFC considers any second review of an application - initiated either by the applicant or the College - to be an internal review.
The Registrar has authority to grant a certificate of registration for 2 types of applicants:
Applicants who have completed both academic and practical training programs that have been accredited by either Dietitians of Canada or the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (US).
The Registrar can only admit applicants in this category who have completed their education and training within the past 3 years, or have practiced safely as an RD in another jurisdiction during the past 3 years. All others must be referred to the Registration Committee to determine whether upgrading is necessary.
Applicants who are currently registered in another Canadian Dietetic Regulatory body.
The Registrar will refer the applicant to a panel of the Registration Committee in the situations noted above, or in any other situation in which she has any doubt as to whether the applicants meets the registration requirements.
The panel of the Registration Committee will review the applicant’s file and complete an assessment of the equivalence of the academic and/or practical training programs as compared to Canadian accredited academic and/or practical training programs. The panel of the registration committee then reviews the file with respect to all of the other exemptible and non-exemptible requirements, and makes the initial registration decision.
As set out in the Regulated Health Professions Act, applicants who wish to appeal a registration decision from CDO are referred to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). The cover letters for all Decisions and Reasons provide applicants with instructions about filing an appeal with HPARB. These cover letters also include an invitation for applicants to contact the Registrar & Executive Director if they have any questions about their decision. If an applicant has a question about their registration decision that requires interpretation or further explanation, College staff do not have the authority to answer the question. In this case the file would be returned to the same panel for clarification of the decision. Likewise, if an applicant produces additional information or documentation in response to the registration decision, the file will be returned to the original panel to review the new/additional information.
In 2011 the Registration Committee was composed of :
i. Two elected councilors (members of the profession);
Composition of the panels follow the provisions of the Health Professions Procedures Code of the Regulated Health Professions Act:
Panels
Composition of Panels
Quorum
In addition to the provisions of the RHPA, the Registration Committee’s policies indicate that each panel must include at least one member of the profession. A panel that will be considering a practical training equivalency must contain at least two members of the profession.
Given that the Registration Committee is composed of elected members of the profession (elected Council members) and members of the profession who have applied for appointment to the Committee, the College does not have a policy that would require an internationally educated member of the profession to be on a panel.
No changes were made to CDO's practices regarding internal reviews and appeals during the reporting period (2011).
Assessment of Qualifications (8 / 13)
This category covers your processes for assessing all qualifications, such as academic credentials, competencies, language ability or practical experience.
a) List the criteria that must be met in order for an applicant’s qualifications to satisfy the entry-to-practice requirements for your profession.
The registration requirements for becoming a dietitian in Ontario are:
1. Academic Preparation from an accredited Canadian university program in foods & nutrition or equivalent
requirements for registration.
CDO recognizes the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education (CADE), in the United States. Undergraduate programs and internship practicums that have been accredited by (CADE) are considered equivalent to undergraduate or internship programs accredited by Dietitians of Canada. Thus no further assessment is required.
CDO also recognizes registration with the American Dietetic Association’s Commission on Dietetic Registration, for the purpose of assessing continuing competence activities.
All applicants (Canadian and international) who have completed an undergraduate degree or internship program that was not accredited by Dietitians of Canada (DC) or CADE in the US, must have the degree or internship (or both) assessed by the Registration Committee. Undergraduate degrees that have been completed outside of Canada and the US must first be assessed by World Education Service, who will determine the equivalent level of the degree. Only those degrees that are assessed to be equivalent to a university level (bachelor’s degree or higher) will be considered by the Committee.
For undergraduate degrees, the Committee reviews the syllabus/descriptions of each course to ensure that the subject matter from the following courses are covered:
Humanities/Social Sciences (12 credits)
For all applicants (Canadian and internationally educated) who have not completed an internship or practicum that is accredited by DC or CADE, the internship program is assessed by the Registration Committee. The applicant provides documentation from the program which describes the length, the structure of the program, the format for evaluation, and the competencies or learning outcomes that must be demonstrated or achieved for successful completion. These aspects are compared to the standards for accredited Canadian internship programs:
The program must be a minimum of 1300 hours.
It must provides supervised practical experience at an appropriate level of complexity (i.e. the activities should represent the activities that would be performed by an entry-level dietitian in Canada, meaning that they should be more complex than the activities that may be assigned to a dietetic technician or assistant in a Canadian healthcare system).
The competency statements or learning outcomes must address all of the Competencies for the Entry Level Dietitian
The practical experiences must be supervised by a dietitian who is qualified to practice in the country where the experiences were achieved.
The practical experiences must address all 3 areas of Canadian dietetic practice (Clinical, Community and Food Services Management).
There are three potential outcomes of a practical training assessment:
The committee may deem the practical training to be equivalent to an accredited practicum or internship in Canada
Academic and practical training are two separate non-exemptible requirements, under CDO’s Registration Regulation. Currently, there is very little legal latitude to substitute work experience for formally structured, supervised practical training based on a comprehensive set of competencies. The nature of work experience, however, may be used to inform the Committee regarding the level of competency that was attained during the practicum. The College is currently reviewing its registration regulation in order to permit more flexibility in this area.
In addition, the College accepts completion of the dietetic bridging program as meeting the practical training equivalency, pending a favourable review by the Registration Committee of the documentation of learning activities completed by the applicant.
assessment about educational systems and credentials of applicants from outside Canada is current and accurate.
CDO’s Registration Manager regularly participates in the accreditation process for dietetic internship/practicum programs (programs outside of Ontario) as a reviewer.
CDO maintains current and accurate information on the accreditation processes in both Canada and the US by maintaining copies of the Accreditation Standards for both Dietitians of Canada and the Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education.
The Registration Committee meets with academics and reviews course descriptions from Ontario programs.
The Registrar & Executive Director also represents CDO in the Partnership for Dietetic Education and Practice. Members of this group represent regulatory bodies, dietetic educators and the professional association from across Canada, and are dedicated to the development of national competency standards (knowledge, skill and judgment) for entry to practice. PDEP will also be developing the new accreditation standards for academic and internship programs in Canada.
The Registrar & Executive Director also maintains a link with the Dietetic Education Leadership Forum of Ontario, which is an action group comprised of internship coordinators and university course directors within Ontario.
The Registrar & Executive Director meets with dietetic regulatory bodies within Canada as part of the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies. The Alliance is where policies for the development and administration of the exam are developed and approved, and where qualifications and assessment approaches are discussed. The Alliance has also been the forum where the reciprocity agreement with the Australian Dietetic Association was discussed and negotiated (though each provincial regulatory body will sign the agreement individually, it was discussed and negotiated at the Alliance table).
assessment decisions are used to assist in maintaining consistency when assessing credentials of applicants from the same jurisdictions or institutions.
CDO staff identify any previous decisions that would provide past precedent. This may include files from the same jurisdiction or school, but may also include other information or scenarios that are relevant to the file in question. Any relevant files are provided to for review during their assessment.
CDO considers the content of completed courses from university level institutions in Canada and other countries. We rely on the expertise of World Education Services (WES) to assess whether an applicant's education is at a level equivalent to a university level in Canada. See section 9 c for information on the procedures used by WES for recognition of institutions.
CDO does not often receive requests for accommodation of special needs. When received, such requests are considered on an individual basis, and appropriate accommodations are made to address the specific needs of both the applicant and the College. Print material can be adapted and special needs are accommodated, as necessary, in the writing of the exam.
The typical time from the date that a complete application is received, to the date that a registration decision is mailed is:
3-7 days for applicants who will not be referred to the Registration Committee. This represents for 85% of the applications that are processed by this College.
5-13 weeks for applicants who must be reviewed by the Registration Committee
The applications from internationally trained individuals are reviewed by the Registration Committee. There is no difference in the average time from when the file is complete, until when the registration decision is issued.
The College does not currently have actual data, however there there may be a difference is in the time from when the process is initiated,
The average time from when the application is initiated until the decision is issued may be longer for internationally trained individuals.
Applicants often submit their applications before all of the required documents have been retrieved, thus increasing the time it takes for them to be referred to the Registration Committee (applicants are not referred to the Committee until all documents have been received). For some internationally trained individuals it can take more time to collect the required documents.
i) If your organization conducts credential assessments :
i. Explain how you determine the level (e.g., baccalaureate, master’s, Ph.D.) of the credential presented for assessment .
To ensure that information used in the assessment about educational systems and credentials of applicants from outside Canada is current and accurate, CDO relies on the expertise of World Education Services. The first step in the assessment process for a university degree completed outside of Canada is for the degree to be assessed by World Education Service (WES) to determine the level (e.g. baccalaureate, master’s, Ph.D). For information on how WES determines the level of the credential, see the response for question 9(c).
The criteria for determining equivalency of the undergraduate degree are:
The degree must be assessed as equivalent to a Canadian University degree
The formal education must be a minimum of 14 years in length
The academic degree must not be lacking more than one 3-credit course from the following:
Humanities/Social Sciences (12 credits)
Natural Sciences (9 Credits: 3 each in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Microbiology)
Professional Subjects (18 Credits: 3 each in Basic Foods, Advanced Foods, Basic Principles of Management and Communications Arts and 6 in Basic Human Nutrition)
Human Nutrition (9 Credits: 3 each in Advanced, Clinical and Community Nutrition)
Food Service Systems Management (9 Credits: Foodservice systems organizations and Management, Quantity Food Production Management, Foodservice Facilities, Cost Control & Accounting and Personnel)
Supporting Sciences (12 Credits: 9 total in Biochemistry and Physiology and 3 total in Advanced Social Science, Statistics and Computers)
The following are the criteria used for determining the equivalency of practical training:
The program must be a minimum of 1300 hours.
It must provides supervised practical experience at an appropriate level of complexity (i.e. the activities should represent the activities that would be performed by an entry-level dietitian in Canada, meaning that they should be more complex than the activities that may be assigned to a dietetic technician or assistant in a Canadian healthcare system).
The competency statements or learning outcomes must address all of the Competencies for the Entry Level Dietitian
The practical experiences must be supervised by a dietitian who is qualified to practice in the country where the experiences were achieved.
The practical experiences must address all 3 areas of Canadian dietetic practice (Clinical, Community and Food Services Management).
Academic and practical training are two separate non-exemptible requirements, under CDO’s Registration Regulation. Legally, there is very little latitude to substitute work experience for formally structured, supervised practical training based on a comprehensive set of competencies. The nature of work experience, however, may be used to inform the Committee regarding the level of competency that was attained during the practicum.
j) If your organization conducts competency assessment :
i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate competency.
CDO does not conduct competency assessments other than through the Canadian Dietetic Education Examination (CDRE). See section 8 (l) for information regarding the CDRE.
CDO does not conduct competency assessments other than through the Canadian Dietetic Education Examination (CDRE). See section 8 (l) for information regarding the CDRE.
assessment of competency.
CDO does not conduct competency assessments other than through the Canadian Dietetic Education Examination (CDRE). See section 8 (l) for information regarding the CDRE.
k) If your organization conducts prior learning assessment :
i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate prior learning.
CDO does not conduct prior learning assessments
CDO does not conduct prior learning assessments
assessment of prior learning.
CDO does not conduct prior learning assessments
l) If your organization administers examinations:
i. Describe the exam format, scoring method and number of rewrites permitted.
The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance) is the body that is responsible for the decisions about exam policy and content. The Alliance appoints an exam committee made up of dietitians from across the country to provide content expertise, and contracts an exam company (Schroeder Measurement Technologies, SMT) to provide the technical expertise in exam development, administration and psychometric analysis.
CDO Administers the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) in Ontario. The CDRE is a multiple choice exam, consisting of approximately 220 questions. Applicants complete the exam by filling out bubble cards, which are returned to the exam company, which then:
scans and scores the exams
performs item analysis and consults the exam committee to determine the cut score
generates exam pass/fail reports and exam bulletins and distributes them to each regulatory body
If an applicant has concerns about their exam score, they may request that their exam be re-scored. They may also appeal the administration and content of the exam. These appeals are investigated and reviewed by the Registrar and a decision is made in consultation with the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies. A successful appeal would result in a rewrite of the exam at no cost and extension of a temporary certificate of registration permitting a candidate to continue to practice as an RD.
After failing for the first time, the applicant is invited to write the exam for a second time by simply registering for the exam. After failing on the second or subsequent attempt, applicants are required to complete upgrading (in the form of course work and supervised practicum), before they can write the exam again. The purpose of the upgrading requirement is to ensure that applicants have the opportunity to assess their performance and address any learning needs before writing the exam.
The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance) is the body that is responsible for the decisions about exam policy and content. The Alliance appoints an exam committee made up of dietitians from across the country to provide content expertise, and hires an exam company (Schroeder Measurement Technologies, SMT) to provide the technical expertise in exam development, administration and psychometric analysis.
The Alliance is the body that is ultimately responsible for the decisions about exam policy and content. CDO has direct input in to these policies in several ways:
Direct involvement as a member of the Alliance
CDO's Registrar & Executive Director represents the Alliance by acting as the "Exam Authority" (i.e. the Alliance's liaison with the exam company)
The Alliance maintains control over the exam through the contract with SMT, which outlines the expectations and policies for the development and the administration of the exam.
The exam results have never been below the desired levels.
The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance) is the body that is responsible for the decisions about exam policy and content. The Alliance appoints an exam committee made up of dietitians from across the country to provide content expertise, and hires an exam company (Schroeder Measurement Technologies, SMT) to provide the technical expertise in exam development, administration and psychometric analysis.
Each examination consists of 220 items, approximately 70 of which are newly developed tested in the first and subsequent examinations. The remaining items that are selected from the bank to be part of the exam are reviewed by the examination development committee as the first step in the development of an examination. Items are reviewed in terms of latest psychometric performance, currency, relevancy and relation to the specified competency. New questions are subject to multiple reviews to ensure clarity, accuracy, regional relevance, and for translation in to French.
Each question on every exam is also subjected to psychometric testing. If a question does not perform well in this testing, it is removed from the exam (i.e. it does not count in the scoring). The question is then either modified before it goes in to the question bank or removed from the bank altogether.
No changes were made to CDO's practices regarding assessment of qualifications during the reporting period (2011).
Third-Party Organizations (9 / 13)
a) List any third-party organizations (such as language testers, credential assessors or examiners) relied upon by your organization to make assessment decisions.
CDO relies upon the following organizations in the registration process:
World Education Services – for assessment of the level of the degree
TOEFL - for English language proficiency testing
CanTEST - for French language proficiency testing in
The Internationally Educated Dietitians Pre-Registration Program (IDPP) – the dietetics bridging program is sometimes relied upon for assessment of language proficiency
Although CDO Administers the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) in Ontario, the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance) is the body that is responsible for the decisions about policies and content for the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE). CDO is a member of the Alliance and has input in to the policy decisions. The Alliance appoints an exam committee made up of dietitians from across the country to provide content expertise, and contracts an exam company (Schroeder Measurement Technologies, SMT ) to provide the technical expertise in exam development, administration and psychometric analysis.
b) Explain what measures your organization takes to ensure that any third-party organization that it relies upon to make an assessment :
i. provides information about assessment practices to applicants
The CDO website contains links to some of the third parties on which it relies (WES, IDPP). These websites are reviewed regularly to ensure that applicants are able to find the necessary information. Information about the registration examination is provide directly by CDO (through the preparation guide, the audio-visual guide, and direct communication with applicants).
IDPP – CDO maintains a complete program binder and the Registration Committee meets with the IDPP Manager and Coordinator once a year. The Registration Committee has reviewed and approved the language assessment system used in the IDPP program (Ryerson University), which is based on CAELS.
CDO relies upon the expertise of other third parties to determine the appropriateness of the information that is used for assessing the level of education (WES) and language proficiency (TOEFL).
CDO makes note of significant changes to the timeliness of decisions, responses and reasons. Where significant delays result in the applicants’ access to timely responses, CDO investigates. In 2008, issues related to the timeliness of the U of T Comparative Education Services resulted in selection of WES to assess the level of education for applicants.
The Canadian dietetic regulatory bodies collectively contract with SMT. The contract specifies the timeframe for scoring the CDRE and providing the results. The results are provided to each provincial regulatory body via a secure web portal. CDO (and all of the other provincial regulatory dietetic regulatory bodies) prints the results and notifies their applicants within 1-2 business days after receiving the results.
training to individuals assessing qualifications
(WES) CDO relies on the expertise of third party organizations to determine the appropriate training for individuals involved in their assessment processes.
(Exam) The Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies collectively contract with SMT. The contract details the services to be provided and includes education and direct guidance of those involved in the development of the exam items and process.
(Bridging Program) The bridging program provides orientation to preceptors. In addition, the Registration Committee directly reviews the learning activities of applicants from the bridging program as submitted globally by the program and as submitted by each applicant.
assessment to applicants
CDO and the Registration Committee confirmed that WES provides appropriate access to records during an interview and presentation provide by WES for the Registration Committee.
CDO directly provides records, i.e. results of the registration examination, rescoring and appeals.
The CDRE policy for accommodation of special needs is controlled by the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies. CDO’s Registrar & Executive Director is the lead for the Alliance on development of policies related to the Exam.
c) If your organization relies on a third party to conduct credential assessments :
i. Explain how the third party determines the level (e.g., baccalaureate, master’s, Ph.D.) of the credential presented for assessment .
The Evaluation Methodology used by WES includes the following:
• Review for recognition of awarding authority and foreign educational institution.
CDO relies on World Education Services (WES) to provide a judgment on educational documents and the level of the degree only. Equivalency to an accredited university degree in foods and nutrition in Canada is assessed by CDO’s Registration Committee.
When evaluating academic credentials WES considers the level, scope and intent of the program in question. They draw from a variety of resources in the field of comparative education and actively remain abreast with current developments. Resources they use include national and international sources.
WES employs a number of clearly defined factors (length of programs, admission requirements, standing of institutions, presence of quality assurance mechanisms and educational outcomes).
Not Applicable. WES does not evaluate accomplishments outside of actual academic education. Academic education is a non-exemptible requirement, under CDO’s Registration Regulation. Legally, there is no latitude to substitute work experience for undergraduate study in foods and nutrition.
d) If your organization relies on a third party to conduct competency assessments :
i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate competency.
Not applicable. CDO does not rely on a third party to conduct competency assessments.
Not applicable. CDO does not rely on a third party to conduct competency assessments.
assessment of competency.
Not applicable. CDO does not rely on a third party to conduct competency assessments.
e) If your organization relies on a third party to conduct prior learning assessments :
i. Describe the methodology used to evaluate prior learning.
Not applicable. CDO does not conduct prior learning assessments or rely on a third party to conduct prior learning assessments.
Not applicable. CDO does not conduct prior learning assessments or rely on a third party to conduct prior learning assessments.
assessment of prior learning.
Not applicable. CDO does not conduct prior learning assessments or rely on a third party to conduct prior learning assessments.
f ) If your organization relies on a third party to administer examinations:
i. Describe the exam format, scoring method and number of rewrites permitted.
The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance) is the body that is responsible for the decisions about exam policy and content. The Alliance appoints an exam committee made up of dietitians from across the country to provide content expertise, and contracts an exam company (Schroeder Measurement Technologies, SMT) to provide the technical expertise in exam development, administration and psychometric analysis.
CDO Administers the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) in Ontario. The CDRE is a multiple choice exam, consisting of approximately 220 questions. Applicants complete the exam by filling out bubble cards, which are returned to the exam company, which then:
scans and scores the exams
performs item analysis and consults the exam committee to determine the cut score
generates exam pass/fail reports and exam bulletins and distributes them to each regulatory body
If an applicant has concerns about their exam score, they may request that their exam be re-scored. They may also appeal the administration and content of the exam. These appeals are investigated and reviewed by the Registrar and a decision is made in consultation with the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies. A successful appeal would result in a rewrite of the exam at no cost and extension of a temporary certificate of registration permitting a candidate to continue to practice as an RD.
After failing for the first time, the applicant is invited to write the exam for a second time by simply registering for the exam. After failing on the second or subsequent attempt, applicants are required to complete upgrading (in the form of course work and supervised practicum), before they can write the exam again. The purpose of the upgrading requirement is to ensure that applicants have the opportunity to assess their performance and address any learning needs before writing the exam.
The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance) is the body that is responsible for the decisions about exam policy and content. The Alliance appoints an exam committee made up of dietitians from across the country to provide content expertise, and contracts an exam company (Schroeder Measurement Technologies, SMT) to provide the technical expertise in exam development, administration and psychometric analysis.
The Alliance ensures that the examination is valid and reliable by:
maintaining an exam blueprint, which guides the development of the exam. The blueprint is based on a job analysis of dietetic practice in Canada and shows how each question in the exam is linked to the competencies for the entry-level dietitian (knowledge, skills and judgment).
reviewing and revising the exam entry-level competencies and the exam blueprint periodically.
regular evaluation of the exam questions
using standardized quality control methods
using the expertise of external consultants
regular evaluation of the examination
Item Analysis: An item analysis refers to the calculation of statistics for each item on an examination for the purpose of assessing item and exam performance. Typical item statistic calculations include:
Number and percent of candidates selecting each response
difficulty index (p-value) for each item and the proportion of examinees selecting the correct answer
discrimination index for each item (biserial correlation)
Standard deviation
Standard error of measurement (SEM)
mean score for all candidates
KR-20 estimate of reliability
distribution of item test discrimination indices
distribution of item difficulty indices
Item comments from examinees are reviewed along with item statistics. Poorly performing items are either salvaged through a revision process or discarded.
Item Review and Revision: For each item (question), an assessment is made to determie if the item meets the standards for accuracy, clarity, readability, and the inadvertent introduction of bias. Items are reviewed to ensure they fit within the examination test specifications (are content valid), are of appropriate difficulty, and meet program form and grammar standards, and all items are referenced against an approved and published reference listing.
Items are developed by subject matter experts that test specific competencies. Each item is reviewed by 7-10 registered dietitians to ensure that it represents current dietetic practice.
Technical Test Report: The Technical Test report includes information concerning the quality of item banks, and individual examination items and their distribution by domain, classification, difficulty, historic use, and future item writing needs. Information is also provided concerning examination administration history and examination reliability statistics
The exam results have never been below the desired levels.
The Alliance holds an item-writing workshop once per year where new questions are generated and where extising questions are revised, as necessary. The items needing review or development are identified through a needs analysis that results from review of data from several sources:
The exam questions are reviewed after each administration of the exam. SMT (the examination and measurement consultants) provide an Item Analysis. An item analysis refers to the calculation of statistics for each item on an examination for the purpose of assessing item and exam performance. Typical item statistic calculations include:
Number and percent of candidates selecting each response
difficulty index (p-value) for each item and the proportion of examinees selecting the correct answer
discrimination index for each item (biserial correlation)
Standard deviation
Standard error of measurement (SEM)
mean score for all candidates
KR-20 estimate of reliability
distribution of item test discrimination indices
distribution of item difficulty indices
Item comments from examinees are reviewed along with item statistics. Poorly performing items are either salvaged through a revision process or discarded.
Item Review and Revision: For each item (question), an assessment is made to determine if the item meets the standards for accuracy, clarity, readability, and the inadvertent introduction of bias. Items are reviewed to ensure they fit within the examination test specifications (are content valid), are of appropriate difficulty, and meet program form and grammar standards, and all items are referenced against an approved and published reference listing.
Technical Test Report: The Technical Test report includes information concerning the quality of item banks, and individual examination items and their distribution by domain, classification, difficulty, historic use, and future item writing needs. Information is also provided concerning examination administration history and examination reliability statistics.
There have been no changes with respect to third parties during the reporting year (2011).