Requirements for Registration as a Naturopathic Doctor in BC

If you are interested in becoming a registered naturopathic doctor in BC, please review the information and procedures on the How to Apply page. The College requires your complete application package and payment of the application fee in full to process your submission.

Please note that you must not practice naturopathic medicine in BC, or use the restricted titles of “naturopath”, “naturopathic physician”, “naturopathic doctor”, “physician”, “doctor”, or the abbreviation “Dr.”, until you have provided the College with proof of insurance, and have obtained full (practising) registration.

To be eligible for registration as a licensed naturopathic doctor in British Columbia, an applicant must meet the following education, training, and evaluation requirements:

  1. Successful completion of not less than three (3) years liberal arts or sciences study.
  2. Graduation from a naturopathic medical school accredited by the Council on Naturopathic Medical Education (CNME) and recognized by the College in Schedule “A” of CNPBC bylaws.
  3. Successful completion of the following Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examinations (NPLEX) administered by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE):
    • Part I – Biomedical Science: includes Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Physiology;
    • Part II – Core Clinical Science: includes Botanical Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Public Health, Lab Diagnosis and Diagnostic Imaging, Nutrition, Pharmacology, Physical and Clinical Diagnosis, Physical Medicine, Psychology;
    • Part II – Clinical Elective: Minor Surgery
  4. Successful completion of the College’s examinations: Jurisprudence and Oral & Practical. Examinations from other jurisdictions are not accepted in place of this College’s examinations.
  5. Evidence of good character of the person consistent with the responsibilities of a registrant and the standards expected of a registrant, including those in the Code of Ethics.
  6. Evidence verifying the applicant’s identity.   
  7. Evidence that that an applicant is fit to engage in the practice of naturopathic medicine.
  8. Evidence of English Language Proficiency.  
  9. Evidence dated not more than 60 days before the date of application from each applicable regulatory or licensing authority in every jurisdiction where the applicant is or was, at any time, entitled to practice a profession indicating that:
    1. the applicant’s entitlement to practice in the profession has not been cancelled, suspended, limited, restricted, or made subject to conditions in the applicable jurisdiction at any time;
    2. there is no investigation, review, or other proceeding underway in the applicable jurisdiction that could result in the applicant’s entitlement to practice being cancelled, suspended, limited, restricted, or made subject to conditions; or if there is, specifying particulars of any such investigation, review, or other proceeding.
  10. Professional Liability Insurance for all classes of registration except Student Registration.

Please note that some exceptions may apply, for example, for an applicant who is a practising naturopathic doctor in another regulated Canadian jurisdiction.