This information is intended for individuals who have graduated or are about to graduate from accredited Canadian academic and practical training programs in dietetics.
Getting Started
The College sends all communications by email, many of which are automated. Before you begin your application with the College there are important steps you must take:
- Add the College’s domain @collegeofdietitians.org to your email service’s safe senders list.
- Make sure your email provider doesn't block any automated College emails or send them to your junk/spam/promotions folder versus your inbox.
Review the information below about the registration requirements and required documents to ensure that your application is complete, and you have arranged for all documents to be sent to the College.
The College operates a primarily paperless organization. Please request your institutions
to send all documents such as transcripts and practicum completion letters electronically to:
registration@collegeofdietitians.org
If your institution is unable to send documentation electronically, please contact the College for further details.
For any questions, please email
registration@collegeofdietitians.org
Response Timelines: Registration staff will respond to your inquiry (received by email or phone) within five (5) business days. We appreciate your patience.
Registration Program staff are available to answer questions about the application process and required documents, however, registration decisions are made by the Registrar and/or the Registration Committee. Registration Program staff cannot tell you whether or not you meet the requirements or predict whether you will be eligible for registration with the College.
Application Form
- The Application Form must be sent by email (PDF format preferred) to: registration@collegeofdietitians.org;
- Review your application form to make sure you have completed, signed, and dated ALL sections of the form.
- If any section of your application form is incomplete, you will be required to submit a new form.
- All applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
Official Transcripts
You must arrange for all official transcripts to be sent electronically to the College for each post-secondary degree that you have completed.
This includes transcripts related to:
- Your accredited dietetics degree; and
- Any other degrees you have completed.
If the transcript related to a degree does not state that the degree was conferred or awarded, you must arrange for the University to provide an official letter confirming that all degree requirements have been met.
All transcripts and letters must be sent directly from the University to the College at: registration@collegeofdietitians.org
Proof of Accredited Practical Training
You must arrange for an official letter to be sent directly to the College confirming that you have successfully completed an accredited internship or practicum program in Canada. Please request program completion letters to be sent directly to registration@collegeofdietitians.org.
Name Change Information
If your official transcripts are under a different name than the one you are currently using, you must enclose proof of your change in name with this application (e.g. document showing your old name (i.e. marriage certificate) and a government issued ID showing your current name (i.e. driver’s license, passport). You may email proof of name change documentation (PDF format preferred) to: registration@collegeofdietitians.org.
Proof of Authorization to Work in Canada
Authorization to work in Canada is one of the College's non-exemptible requirements . You must provide proof of authorization to work in Canada which permits you to practise dietetics in Canada. You may email proof of authorization to work in Canada (PDF format preferred) to: registration@collegeofdietitians.org.
You are a Canadian Citizen
Provide proof by submitting a copy of one of the following documents:
- Canadian Birth Certificate;
- Canadian Passport;
- Canadian Citizenship Certificate or Card; or
- Indian Status and Identification Card.
You are a Permanent Resident of Canada
Provide proof by submitting a copy of your Permanent Resident Card.
You Have a Valid Work or Study Permit
Your work or study permit authorizes you to practise dietetics in Canada. Provide proof by submitting a copy of your Work Permit.
You Don’t Have a Work or Study Permit yet?
You can request a formal letter from the College to confirm that you have met all the other registration requirements, but will not be eligible for registration until you provide formal proof of authorization to work in Canada.
Once the College has received all of the required documents, your application will be assessed to determine whether you meet the requirements for registration. See Registration Requirements for detailed information about each of the requirements.
Email your completed application form and all supporting documents to registration@collegeofdietitians.org.
Your application ID and temporary password
When your application form is received, the College will send a confirmation email which will include your application ID, a temporary password, and instructions on how to pay all required fees.
Monitor the progress of your application online
Use your ID and password to access the CDO Applicant dashboard to monitor the progress of your application. On the dashboard, you will see:
- the status of your application;
- a list indicating which documents have been received; and
- a list showing which documents are still outstanding to complete your application.
When we have received all required documents and fees, we will proceed with the review of your application.
Your application status and documents received are updated every business day.
Completing the registration process can take up to 10 business days from the time that the College receives all of the required documents, but this is a guideline only. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the timely delivery of all documentation and other information requested by the College.
Answering “yes” to certain questions on the declaration means the College may require additional information to support your application. This information will be reviewed by the College’s Registrar and, in some cases will be referred to the Registration Committee, which will extend the time it takes to process your application.
Factors that may delay the processing of your application include:
- Failing to complete and sign all sections of the application form;
- Failing to arrange for official transcripts and letters confirming the completion of your accredited dietetics degree and practical training;
- Information about your conduct or health that may require further review and follow-up;
- Failing to produce other documents requested by the College.
The CDRE is a non-exemptible registration requirement for a General Certificate of Registration. If you wish to begin practising dietetics while you await to write or receive your results of the CDRE, you have the option of applying for a Temporary Certificate of Registration. See Temporary Class for more information.
To be eligible to write the CDRE, you must be assessed by the College to have met the education and practical training requirements. Click here for more information about the CDRE.
Only registrants of the College can practise as a dietitian in Ontario using the titles “Dietitian,” “Registered Dietitian (RD),” “Dietetiste (Dt.P),” or “Dietetiste Professional (Dt.P).”
It is illegal for anyone to use any of these titles in Ontario without a valid certificate of registration issued by the College.
Your status as an RD informs the public that all individuals who identify themselves as dietitians have the knowledge, skill, and judgment required to provide safe and ethical dietetic services.
If you wish to begin practicing dietetics while you wait for the result of the CDRE, you have the option of applying for a Temporary Certificate of Registration. See Temporary Class for more information.