The process to complete the required examinations and apply for registration takes approximately four months, from application for the required examinations to receiving a certificate of registration. The typical timeline is as follows:

• Apply for CCEB examination: 3-4 months before examination sitting
• Apply for CCO Legislation and Ethics Examination: 1-4 months before examination sitting
• Receive results of examinations: 4 weeks
• Process application for registration: 5-7 business days
• Refer matter to Registration Committee (only in extenuating circumstances): within a month

 

In this time period, applicants are required to apply for the examinations of the Canadian Chiropractic Examining Board and CCO’s Legislation and Ethics Examination before the application deadline, successfully pass the examinations, receive the results, and submit an application for registration. Applicants should ensure they plan out their examination and application process in advance and meet all required deadlines. Please see the examination section for more information.

This timeline may vary based on extenuating circumstances, such as failing to successfully pass an examination, or having your application for registration referred to the Registration Committee.

On successful completion of all examination requirements, candidates will receive a letter of successful passing and a registration form and may apply for registration. Application and certificate fees should be submitted with your registration form. Applications are generally processed in 5-7 business days.

The cost of registration for the first year of practice is $340 (certificate fee) plus $52 (application fee). Payment must be by certified cheque or money order. This registration is valid until December 31 of the year in which a candidate registers. Registration renewals and annual fees are due January 1 of each year of registration.

Once an application for registration is received by CCO, The Registrar will either:

• register the applicant, or
• refer the application to the Registration Committee.

The registration application process can take as little as five to seven business days once an applicant has submitted all supporting documentation. Once registered, new members will receive the following letter of registration.

However, a referral to the Registration Committee could typically lengthen the process. The Registration Committee generally meets once a month to review referrals; however, it may meet more frequently if required. Decisions of the Registration Committee are communicated to applicants within 1-2 business days.

Candidates are encouraged to apply for registration upon receipt of successful completion of the examination requirements.

Candidates are strongly advised to refrain from entering contractual arrangements until they have satisfied the requirements for registration, including successful completion of all examinations.

Candidates are reminded that they must not have their names listed in any directory or any other advertising media in Ontario until they have been registered to practise by CCO.

Referral to the Registration Committee

An application for registration will be referred to the Registration Committee if there are concerns as to whether the applicant has satisfied the requirements for registration or if there may be a reason to impose terms, conditions or limitations on the certificate of registration. Examples of applicants who are referred to the Registration Committee are:

• first-time applicants where there is a question that they have satisfied the requirements for registration;
• experienced applicants from other regulated jurisdictions who may not have satisfied all of the requirements for registration;
• applicants who have been in the Inactive or Retired class, or who have had their license revoked or resigned, who wish to re-enter the General class of registration;
• applicants with previous offences, discipline decisions or other findings that are relevant to their suitability to practise chiropractic. 

The Registration Committee generally meets once every six weeks to review referrals; however, may meet more frequently if required.

The Registration Committee will typically review an application referral at the next available meeting of the Committee and may require the applicant to submit additional documentation or be interviewed before rendering a decision.

The Registration Committee will review referrals with reference to CCO regulations and policies. The following chart outlines the typical requirements for registration for various applicants:

• Members Previously Registered with CCO
• Initial Applicants

In rendering a decision, the Registration Committee may:

• register the applicant
• register the applicant with terms, conditions or limitations
• exempt the applicant from certain exemptible requirements of the registration requirements if the applicant demonstrates that he/she is competent to practise chiropractic in Ontario
• direct the applicant to submit additional information or fulfill additional requirements

Additional information that is typically requested may include:

• a completed professional portfolio
• a letter of good standing from jurisdictions in which the applicant has practised chiropractic
• a transcript or other proof of graduation from an accredited chiropractic program
• a copy of any past discipline, professional negligence, malpractice or criminal decisions involving the applicant

The Registration Committee may require the applicant to complete requirements for registration if not already completed, which may include:

• successfully completing CCO’s Legislation and Ethics Examination
• successfully completing certain components of the CCEB clinical competency examination
• undergoing a peer and practice assessment within a specified period of time
• attending CCO’s Record Keeping Workshop, once registered
• otherwise satisfying the Registration Committee that the applicant is competent to practise chiropractic in Ontario

Please see the referral to registration flowchart for further information.

An applicant may access their registration records and relevant information at any time during the review process for no fee. Please contact Ms Madeline Cheng, Registration Coordinator (mcheng@cco.on.ca).

An applicant may request a review of a decision of the Registration Committee by the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). An applicant has 30 days following a decision of the Registration Committee to request a review by HPARB.

Re-entering the General Class of Registration

The Registration Committee also reviews applications from applicants who are re-entering the General (i.e. active) class of registration.

Please see Policy P-053 for more information about this process.