Certifications/Healthcare
LicenceHealthcareRequired to startVaries by province

Registered Dietitian (provincial regulator, Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination)

A Registered Dietitian is a regulated health professional who gives food and nutrition advice based on science. In Canada, you must register with your provincial regulator to use the title "dietitian".

Official website ↗
Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
about CA$2,000 to CA$4,000
an estimate in Canadian dollars
Time to earn it
about 5 years
Renewal
every year
Issued by Provincial dietetic regulators
Required to start: The title "dietitian" is protected; using it needs registration with the provincial regulator.

About

Registered Dietitians help people use food to prevent illness, manage health conditions and stay well. They work in hospitals, clinics, public health units, schools, long-term care homes, sports programs and private practice.

The title "dietitian" is protected by law. Only people registered with a provincial or territorial dietetic regulator can use it. Many people call themselves nutritionists, but the rules for that title vary. If you want to work as a dietitian, registration is required.

This credential is used in many careers. These include clinical dietitian, oncology dietitian, pediatric dietitian, diabetes care specialist, nutrition support specialist, public health nutritionist and sports nutritionist. Some people also use it as a base for roles in functional medicine and private nutrition counselling.

How to get it

  1. Complete a recognized degree
    Earn a university degree in dietetics or nutrition from a program your regulator accepts. Check the program details before you apply, since requirements must be met in full.
  2. Finish supervised practical training
    Complete a supervised internship or practicum in real settings such as hospitals, community health and food service. This gives you hands-on skills before you work on your own.
  3. Apply to your provincial regulator
    Send your application, transcripts and proof of training to the regulator in the province or territory where you want to work. Expect to provide identity documents and answer questions about your background.
  4. Pass the national exam
    Write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination. You usually must pass it before you can be fully registered.
  5. Get registered and start practising
    Once your regulator approves you, you can use the title Registered Dietitian. You pay registration fees and agree to follow the regulator's standards of practice.

The exam

The Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination is a written exam that tests whether you are ready to practise safely and well. It covers the knowledge and judgment needed for everyday dietetic work, such as assessing needs, planning care and applying nutrition science. Your regulator will tell you when and how to register for it, and how many attempts are allowed.

Licensed by each province

Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Each province and territory has its own dietetic regulator, so the rules can differ. Application steps, fees, renewal timing and learning requirements may vary from place to place. Many regions have agreements that make it easier to move your registration, but you still need to apply to the new regulator. Always check with the regulator where you plan to work.

Careers that mention it

Keeping it

Registration must be renewed on a regular schedule set by your regulator. You usually pay a renewal fee and confirm that you are still practising safely. Many regulators also ask you to keep learning and to record your professional development. Keep your contact details up to date so you do not miss notices.

At a glance
Issued byProvincial dietetic regulators
TypeLicence
Where it appliesEach province and territory
Required to workYes
Typical costabout CA$2,000 to CA$4,000
Time to earn itabout 5 years
Renewalevery year
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-25