If you have not graduated from a naturopathic program accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME), you may still be accepted for registration if you have an equivalent combination of education, experience and demonstrated competency.

The College’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) program allows you to be assessed with the same objective competency criteria as all applicants, regardless of where you received your naturopathic training. You will be asked to demonstrate your level of knowledge, skills and judgment in naturopathy to determine your readiness to practise safely, competently and ethically.  

Learn more about the PLAR process here, including initiating PLAR, timelines for completion of each assessment component and the associated fees.

Principles of PLAR

 We adhere to the following principles when assessing PLAR applicants:

• All applicants for registration are assessed using the same objective criteria, which reviews an applicant’s competency to practise the profession.
• Judgments regarding the equivalence of education and experience are based on criteria relevant to the practice of naturopathy in Ontario, and which protect the public.
• The College supports the principles set out by the Office of the Fairness Commissioner and conducts its assessment of applicants from non-accredited institutions accordingly.
• Applicants from non-accredited institutions are not required to meet different or higher standards than those required of applicants from CNME-accredited educational programs.