Overview of Dietetics in Canada
Dietetics in Canada is a regulated health profession, with each province and territory having its own regulatory body (e.g., College of Dietitians of Ontario, Ordre professionnel des diététistes du Québec). These provincial regulatory colleges protect the public by ensuring dietitians meet entry-to-practice and ongoing professional standards.
Registered Dietitians (RDs) are qualified professionals who use evidence-based knowledge of food, nutrition, and health to support individuals and communities in achieving optimal nutritional well-being.
College of Dietitians
The College of Dietitians in each province regulates the practice of dietitians through:
- Registration and licensing of qualified applicants
- Quality assurance and continuing competency programs
- Investigating complaints and disciplinary processes
- Providing public protection and guidance for ethical practice
In Ontario, for example, the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) is responsible for granting the use of the title “Registered Dietitian” and ensuring members adhere to provincial legislation and professional standards.
Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)
The Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) is a mandatory national exam that must be successfully completed to become registered as a dietitian in most Canadian provinces (except Québec, which has its own provincial process).
Key Facts About the CDRE:
- Administered by: Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (ACDRB)
- Frequency: Offered twice a year (typically in May and November)
- Format: Computer-based exam with multiple-choice questions
- Length: Approximately 4 hours
- Purpose: To assess whether a candidate has met the minimum level of competence required for safe and effective dietetic practice in Canada
Passing the CDRE confirms that the candidate has achieved the entry-to-practice competencies outlined in the ICDEP.
ICDEP – Integrated Competencies for Dietetic Education and Practice
The ICDEP is a national framework developed collaboratively by dietetic educators and regulators to outline the competencies required for entry-level dietitians in Canada. It serves as the blueprint for both education and regulatory assessments such as the CDRE.
ICDEP Competency Categories (2021 version):
- Professional Practice
- Ethical conduct, accountability, self-regulation, and professional development
- Interprofessional collaboration
- Cultural competence and inclusivity
- Communication and Collaboration
- Effective verbal and written communication
- Collaboration with clients, communities, and healthcare teams
- Nutrition Care
- Assessing nutritional needs
- Planning, implementing, and evaluating nutrition care
- Monitoring and documenting outcomes
- Population and Public Health
- Developing, implementing, and evaluating nutrition programs for population health
- Addressing health disparities and social determinants of health
- Management
- Managing resources, food services, and quality improvement initiatives
- Leadership and organizational management
Each competency includes performance indicators and practice illustrations, which guide education programs and regulatory assessments such as the CDRE.
