Conditional Licence
In Nova Scotia, you must be licensed with NSRD before practising dietetics or using the protected titles, including candidate registered dietitian, RD(c), or any derivation of dietitian or nutritionist.
A conditional licence allows eligible applicants to practise dietetics while completing the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) requirement. Individuals who hold a conditional licence are known as Candidate Registered Dietitians.
Eligiblity
To be eligible for a conditional licence, applicants must meet all requirements for a practising licence except successful completion of the CDRE.
Applicants must declare in their NSRD application that they will sit the next available CDRE sitting.
Candidate Registered Dietitians who practise must:
- Be mentored by a dietitian who holds a practising licence and whose scope of employment is similar to the candidate’s intended scope of practice.
- Use only the titles Candidate Registered Dietitian or RD(c).
Before beginning practice, candidates must submit a completed Candidate Registered Dietitian Mentor Agreement Form to NSRD.
Four Step Application Process
Step 1 – Submit your application
Complete the online application form for a conditional licence and pay the applicable application fee.
Your application must include the following documents to be considered complete. Applications missing any of these items will be returned.
- Verified identification.
- Proof of citizenship or authorization to work in Canada.
- Vulnerable sector check (VSC) issued within the last four months.
- Proof of professional liability insurance that meets NSRD requirements.
Step 2 – Submit supporting documentation
Arrange for the following documents to be sent directly to NSRD by your university or practicum program. Your application can remain in progress while these documents are outstanding.
- Official university transcript confirming that degree requirements have been met.
- Practicum completion letter.
If your transcript does not confirm that degree requirements have been met, ask your university’s registrar to send confirmation directly to NSRD. Email is acceptable.
Step 3 – Complete registration
Refer to the Fees page for applicable fees. Fees are non-refundable.
Once your full application and supporting documentation have been received, allow up to five business days for processing.
If you have questions or would like to schedule a virtual or telephone appointment, contact registration@nsrd.ca. You can expect a reply within three business days.
If you intend to practise: Before beginning practice, you must submit a completed Candidate Registered Dietitian Mentor Agreement Form and receive authorization from NSRD to practise.
Step 4 – Write the CDRE
Once you hold a conditional licence, NSRD will provide information about paying the exam fee and scheduling your CDRE appointment. The fee for the May 2027 exam is $750.
Accommodation requests, including requests to write the exam in person, must be received by [deadline to be confirmed].
For more information, visit the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination page and review the NSRD Registration Policies.
Candidates have three opportunities to pass the CDRE within three years of completing their practicum.
