The Application Process for Internationally Trained Applicants

If travelling to Canada, please make sure you have official copies of the documents needed for your application to NSDA before you leave your country of origin.  If any of your records are not in English, you must provide the document in the original language as well as notarized English translations.

NSDA will assess qualifications of internationally trained applicants to determine if the applicant's academic and practical training are substantially equivalent to the requirements for registration obtained through Canadian accredited dietetic education programs.

STEP I

Before applying to NSDA, contact World Education Services (WES) for an academic assessment.  WES will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine if your degree is equivalent to a Canadian university degree.  This assessment does not confirm equivalency to a Canadian dietetics degree.  When completing the WES application, request the "Comprehensive Course by Course Report" and request that WES send the assessment certificate, original documentation and notarized copies directly to NSDA.

World Education Services
45 Charles Street East, Suite 700
Toronto, Ontario  M4Y 1S2

Telephone (toll-free):  1-866-343-0070
Fax:  (416) 972-9004
Website:  www.wes.org/ca/application/apply_now.asp

STEP II

Submit a complete application package to NSDA.  Click here to download the application form.  

STEP III

The Registration Committee at NSDA will assess your qualifications to determine if your university degree and program of practical training are substantially equivalent to the requirements for registration obtained through accredited Canadian programs.  The Registration Committee will request course descriptions from university calandars and course outlines.  A detailed summary of your practical training will be required.  If the Registration Committee finds that your education and training does not meet registration requirements, you will receive detailed direction about how to meet requirements.

STEP IV

If your first language is not English, you must complete and provide official results of language proficiency tests for English. 

STEP V

The Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE) is written twice each year, in May and November.  Once you qualify to write the CDRE, you may register as a Temporary Member with NSDA.