Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam
The Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) is a national examination developed and administered by the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies. It assesses the practice-based knowledge, application and critical-thinking skills required to practise dietetics safely and competently.
The CDRE is a four-hour, computer-based, multiple-choice examination delivered online with remote proctoring. It is offered in May and November each year and is required for registration as a dietitian in every Canadian province except Quebec..
Exam dates and deadlines
Exam dates, application deadlines, accommodation request deadlines and payment deadlines are set for each sitting.
| Exam dates | May 13 & 14, 2027 |
| Deadline to apply for candidate license1 | TBD |
| Deadline to request exam accommodations2 | TBD |
| Deadline to submit $750 exam fee | TBD |
2. Please refer to Appendix D, CDRE Candidates Requiring Accommodation, within the CDRE Preparation Guide for the complete procedure and process on requesting an accommodation.
Candidates must apply for a conditional licence and declare that they will write the next available CDRE sitting. See the Conditional licence page for application requirements.
Exam fees and scheduling
The CDRE fee is $750.
Once you hold a conditional licence and have paid the exam fee, NSRD will submit your name to Meazure Learning, the examination service provider. You will receive an email with instructions for scheduling your exam.
Schedule your exam as early as possible to have the best choice of available dates. The booking window and payment deadline will be provided for each sitting.
Exam accommodations
If you require an accommodation for the CDRE, including permission to write in person at a testing centre, you must submit your request to NSRD by the published accommodation deadline. Late requests cannot be accepted.
Review Appendix D, CDRE Candidates Requiring Accommodation, in the CDRE Preparation Guide for the full procedure and required forms.
- Form A: Email the completed form to deputyregistrar@nsrd.ca.
- Form B: Your health professional must send the completed form directly to NSRD by email or mail. It must be received by the accommodation deadline.
A request for an accommodation related to breastfeeding does not require documentation from a health professional. However, you must submit a written request outlining the accommodation needed.
Preparing for the CDRE
Preparation guide
The CDRE Preparation Guide (English) includes information about the examination, sample questions and reference materials. A French version of the guide is also available.
This is the official preparation guide approved for the CDRE. The Alliance has not endorsed other examination preparation guides.
Exam information webinar
The Alliance has produced webinars in English and French with information about the examination. The exam service provider also sends relevant information by email when you schedule your exam.
Privacy information
In compliance with CSA’s Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information, NSRD wishes to advise writers of the Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE) that your name and contact information will be sent to Meazure Learning, the exam developer and to ProctorU the company that provides the remote proctoring service. This information will be collected, used and disclosed according to their privacy policies. Your personal information is subject to U.S. laws, including the USA Patriot Act.
After the CDRE
If you pass
Once you pass the CDRE, your conditional licence automatically transitions to a practising licence.
If you do not pass
If you do not pass the CDRE, you must submit a supervision plan to NSRD within five business days of receiving your results. If NSRD does not receive the plan within this timeframe, your conditional licence will expire, and you must immediately stop practising dietetics and using protected titles.
If you do not pass your second attempt, your conditional licence will be revoked. NSRD will notify your employer, if applicable.
You may attempt the CDRE up to three times. All attempts must be completed within three years of your practicum completion. You must hold a conditional licence to write your first attempt; registration with NSRD is not required for subsequent attempts.
Questions?
Contact registration@nsrd.ca if you have questions about applying to write the CDRE or about NSRD’s requirements.
