In order to practice as a naturopathic doctor in Alberta, an individual must first apply for a practice permit to be issued by the Registrar of the College. There are three Registers under which an individual can apply:
General Register
An applicant must have the following requirements:
(a) successfully complete a 4-year program of studies in naturopathic medicine approved by the Council (Refer to Approved Naturopathic Medical Schools);
(b) successfully pass the NPLEX Part I - Biomedical Science Examination OR the College of Naturopaths of Ontario Biomedical Exam;
(c) successfully pass the NPLEX Part II - Core Clinical Science Examination OR the College of Naturopaths of Ontario Clinical Sciences Exam (written);
(d) successfully pass the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia oral practical examinations OR the College of Naturopaths of Ontario clinical examinations (practical);
(e) successfully pass the CNDA's jurisprudence examination; and,
(f) satisfy one of the following conditions:
(i) within the two years prior to the Registrar receiving a completed application, have completed (a), (b) and (c) above;
(ii) within the three years prior to the Registrar receiving a completed application, have completed 1200 hours of professional services while the applicant was a registered member in good standing of a regulatory college of naturopathic medicine and carried on an active practice in a jurisdiction recognized by the College; or
(iii) demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Registrar that the applicant is currently competent to practice as a naturopathic doctor.
For the purposes of subsection (e)(iii) above, the Registrar may require an applicant to undergo any examinations, testing, assessment, training or education the Registrar considers necessary. Please contact the CNDA for further details.
Provisional Register
An applicant must have the following requirements:
successfully complete a 4-year program of studies in naturopathic medicine approved by the Council (Refer to Approved Naturopathic Medical Schools); and,
has not successfully passed the exams in (b) or (c) above
Individuals on the provisional register may only practise while under the supervision of a regulated member on the general register and in accordance with any conditions specified by the Registrar. They are also prohibited from using the title Doctor or the abbreviation Dr in connection with providing a health service within the practice of naturopathic medicine, but may use the title "naturopath".
Courtesy Register
An applicant may apply to the courtesy register if they are in good standing in another jurisdiction recognized by the College. An applicant may apply for registration in Alberta on a temporary basis for a specified purpose approved by the Registrar.
How to apply for a practice permit
*Please click here to be directed to our online application form and then select "Please Sign Up" to begin the application process. Practice Permit applications are only reviewed once complete. Once a complete application is received, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for a practice permit to be issued provided the application is approved.
If you are currently registered with a body that regulates naturopathic medicine in a Canadian province or territory other than Alberta you are eligible to apply as a Labour Mobility Applicant (LMA). Please navigate to the LMA site for more information.
Documentation requirements
The following documents will be required as part of the application process. Please refer to the CNDA Administrative Policy: Applications for more details:
Proof of identify and proof of Canadian citizenship or lawful admittance to work in Canada.
Original current criminal record check from an authorized source. Applicants will be sent an online invitation to complete the criminal record check through MyBackCheck.
CPR certification.
Three character reference letters.
Professional liability insurance.
CNME Accredited Naturopathic Medical School transcripts.
Practical exam results.
Letter of Standing (if applicable).
Certification for Restricted Activities (if applying for authorizations).
post registration requirements
Once an application has been approved there may be additional post-registration requirements. This may include completion of an Emergency Medical Refresher course as well as completion of the Canadian Therapeutics and Prescribing Course/Exam for Naturopathic Doctors. Please refer to the CNDA Administrative Policy: Emergency Medical Refresher Course Requirements and the CNDA Administrative Policy: Pharmacy Therapeutics Course and Exam Requirement for full details.