How to Become a Dietitian in Nova Scotia

• 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
• 3 steps without a listed fee
• Annual fees: $640 (2026-27 license year), $670 (2027-28 license year)

1. Submit application

   Complete the online application form for a conditional license, which you can submit before finishing your practicum.

   Source

   “Complete the Online Application Form for a ‘conditional license’. You can submit your application for conditional licensure before you complete your practicum.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/candidate-license
2. Provide supporting documentation

   Arrange for your university transcript and practicum completion letter to be sent to NSRD directly from the university or program.

   Source

   “Arrange to have supporting documentation sent to NSRD directly from the university/program. Email is acceptable. (a) University transcript ... (b) Practicum completion letter.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/candidate-license
3. Pay fees

   Pay the applicable application and licensing fees listed on the NSRD fees page.

   Source

   “Please refer to the NSRD Fees page for applicable application and licensing fees. Please note, fees are non-refundable.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/candidate-license
4. Schedule the CDRE

   Once licensed as a candidate, pay the exam fee and schedule an appointment to write the CDRE.

   • Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination: $750 (fee to take the November 2026 exam)
     Source

     “The fee to take the November 2026 exam is $750.”

     nsrd.ca/applicants/candidate-license
   Source

   “Once licensed as a registered dietitian candidate, you will receive information from NSRD about how to pay the fee and schedule an appointment to write the CDRE. The fee to take the November 2026 exam is $750.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/candidate-license

Official page for this route

• 4 steps without a listed fee
• Annual fees: $640 (2026-27 license year), $670 (2027-28 license year)

1. Keep your current membership

   Keep your membership in the province where you currently live until you are licensed with NSRD.

   Source

   “Retain your membership in the province where you currently live until you are licensed with NSRD.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/applying-from-out-of-province
2. Apply to NSRD

   Apply to NSRD and submit proof of citizenship, verified ID, criminal record check with vulnerable sector check, and professional liability insurance documentation, but not payment, transcripts, internship verification or exam results.

   Source

   “Apply to NSRD. Do not submit payment*, transcripts, verification of internship or exam results. Do submit proof of citizenship, verified ID, criminal record check with vulnerable sector check, and professional liability insurance documentation.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/applying-from-out-of-province
3. Request verification of registration

   Ask the regulatory bodies where you are or were licensed to send NSRD a Verification of Registration Form confirming your registration in good standing along with copies of your credentials.

   Source

   “Contact the regulatory body where you are currently licensed, and any jurisdiction(s) where you were previously licensed, and request that they send NSRD a Verification of Registration Form. This confirms your registration in good standing. They will also send NSRD copies of your credentials.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/applying-from-out-of-province
4. Start the Continuing Competency Program

   New registrants must begin NSRD's Continuing Competency Program upon registration.

   Source

   “New registrants will be required to start NSRD’s Continuing Competency Program (CCP) upon registration.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/applying-from-out-of-province

Official page for this route

• 3 steps without a listed fee
• Annual fees: $640 (2026-27 license year), $670 (2027-28 license year)

1. Apply for the PLAR process

   Submit an application for the PLAR process through the College of Dietitians of Ontario and, if eligible, complete the PLAR requirements.

   Source

   “Submit an application for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process through the College of Dietitians of Ontario (CDO) located here. If eligible, complete the PLAR requirements.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/internationally-educated
2. Apply to NSRD for a conditional license

   After receiving confirmation of eligibility (or passing the PBA for applicants educated outside Canada and the US), arrange for CDO to send the required documents to NSRD and submit an application for a conditional license.

   Source

   “Apply to NSRD after receiving confirmation that you are eligible for a temporary license with CDO. The applicant is responsible for arranging for CDO to send a letter confirming registration eligibility directly to the NSRD along with the applicant’s transcripts, practicum completion documentation and other applicable supporting documents. To apply to NSRD, the applicant must submit an application for a conditional license.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/internationally-educated
3. Write the CDRE

   As a candidate dietitian, write the next available sitting of the Canadian Dietetics Registration Exam, offered in May and November.

   Source

   “A candidate dietitian must write the next available sitting of the Canadian Dietetics Registration Exam (CDRE). The CDRE is written two times each year, in May and November.”

   nsrd.ca/applicants/internationally-educated

Official page for this route