Canadian Dietetic Registration Exam (CDRE)
The Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE) is a national examination that tests the necessary knowledge, skill, attitude and judgment required to competently practice dietetics. The CDRE is a requirement for registration in all provinces except Quebec.
Only applicants who have met the requirements for registration and have been approved to the Temporary Register of the College are eligible to schedule for the next sitting of the CDRE. For information on Requirements for Registration, click here. For information on applying to the College, click here.
The CDRE is a four-hour computer-based multiple-choice examination offered twice a year.
National examination committees comprised of provincial representatives set the CDRE. The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies approves the examination blueprint as well as policies and procedures for administration of the examination, and monitors exam results.
Dates and Deadlines
Exam Dates
The CDRE is offered in May and November each year. The next sittings of the CDRE are:
- May 22-23, 2025
- November 6-7, 2025
Registration Deadlines
Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for Temporary Registration and the CDRE in advance of finishing their internship so that, as soon as they have completed internship and are approved to the Temporary Register, candidates can schedule their seat for the exam early within the scheduling period. Exam scheduling information will be provided once a Temporary Registration has been issued. Candidates may choose to write on a day within the exam date range listed above.
Applicants must have submitted a complete application to the College office prior to the registration deadline below in order to schedule a seat for the CDRE.
May 2025 CDRE Deadlines
- Thursday, March 27, 2025 – deadline to submit CDRE Accommodations request
- Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – deadline to have a complete application within the College office
- March 25 to May 13 – scheduling window with Meazure Learning for approved candidates of the CDRE
Accommodations
A candidate who has a disability, a temporary disability or special condition that warrants accommodation may request accommodations to take the examination. The candidate is responsible for submitting a written request for accommodation to the provincial dietetic regulatory body for consideration by the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies (the Alliance), no later than deadline noted above. The written request must include the information contained within the required forms:
i) Completion of Form A: Candidate Application for Testing Accommodation (Appendix E) by the candidate (English, French); AND
ii) Completion of Form B: Candidate Application for Testing Accommodation-Mental of Physical Disability Related Needs Form (Appendix F) by the candidate’s health care provider (English, French); OR
iii) Completion of Form C: Candidate Application for religious Accommodation (Appendix G) by the candidate (English, French).
The decision to approve or deny an accommodation request will be made by the Alliance Accommodations Committee.
For more information on the accommodation policy and the required information and forms for the request, please review the CDRE Preparation Guide or contact the College office.
Preparation Guide
The CDRE Preparation Guide explains how the examination is designed, the examination process (including sample questions), study guides and references. This is the only resource provided to applicants and approved by the College for preparation for the CDRE.
The CDRE Preparation Guide can be found here (English) and here (French). (updated September 2024)
The Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies has also made a webinar available for candidates to view.
- Webinar (English) https://youtu.be/IQbGtgL4dAk
- Webinar (French) https://youtu.be/TQp7y_9RrcU
Technology Requirements
Candidates for the CDRE should ensure they have reviewed Meazure’s technology requirements and should test their technology’s ability to connect with the online remote proctor system. Candidates are required to ensure all technical requirements are in place and operational for the exam. Emails from Meazure include important information about the examination. Please read correspondence from Meazure carefully, including the section dealing with frequently asked questions: https://cdre.ysasecure.com/faq
Candidates should test the internet connection at their testing station to ensure a speed of at least 5 Mbps or higher is available. Anything lower than 5 Mbps will not ensure optimal performance during the examination. Candidates are recommended to find an appropriate testing station that meets minimum internet connection prior to the beginning of your examination. You can test your connection speed using one of the following 3 sites:
Please contact the College office as soon as possible if you cannot access a computer and writing location with the technical requirements.
Request for Nullification of Exam
Candidates who become ill during their examination, and who feel that their capacity was significantly impaired by their health status, may submit a request for nullification (link to required form is below). Test takers who do not submit a request for nullification cannot appeal a failure based on the illness that arose during the examination. As a reminder, test-takers who choose to start writing the examination while being ill cannot appeal a failure nor request a nullification.
A test-taker choosing to submit a request for nullification must do so within five (5) business days of the examination date. The request must outline their grounds for nullification and include an original medical report that attests to the health impairment that occurred during the CDRE. The report must be signed by an appropriate health professional. This health professional must be registered to practice in their province, and they must have assessed the test-taker and attest to the impaired health status and capacities. The health professional must be regulated and be qualified to assess and make a diagnosis. Test-takers must pay the $75 fee when submitting their request for nullification.
The College will acknowledge the nullification request from the candidate within five (5) business days of receiving the request and confirm that the request has been forwarded to the Alliance of Canadian Dietetic Regulatory Bodies’ Appeals Committee. Additional information can be found in the CDRE Preparation Guide.