Chiropodists and Podiatrists

The College of Chiropodists of Ontario (COCOO) regulates the practice of podiatry and chiropody and governs the members in accordance with the Chiropody Act, 1991, the Regulated Health Professions Act and the regulations and by-laws.

There are 3 classes of registration for chiropodists and podiatrists: General, Academic and Educational.

Registration Requirements

To practise chiropody and podiatry in Ontario, internationally educated chiropodists and podiatrists must hold a Certificate of Registration and meet the requirements set out by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. To become eligible for the Certificate of Registration, internationally educated chiropodists and podiatrists must meet the following registration requirements:

1. Complete a COCOO application form and submit fee
2. Provide proof of reasonable fluency in written and spoken English or French
3. Completion of COCOO’s 3-part examination administered by the Michener Institute
4. Proof of Canadian citizenship, Permanent Resident Status or valid employment authorization under the Immigration Act (Canada)
5. Show evidence that the applicant has not been found guilty of any criminal offence, an offence under the Narcotic Control Act or the Food and Drugs Act or any other offence relevant to suitability to practise chiropody
6. Show evidence that the applicant has not been found guilty of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity in relation to chiropody or another health profession in or outside of Ontario
7. Show evidence that the applicant has not been the subject of a current proceeding of professional misconduct, incompetence or incapacity, in relation to chiropody or another health profession in or outside of Ontario

The requirements for a General certificate of registration are:

1. Successful completion of a chiropody program approved by the Council of the College
2. Successful completion of the registration examination set or approved by the Council of the College 
3. The applicant must have been engaged in clinical practice for a total of at least 3 months during the 2 years immediately preceding the application. (This does not apply to those who successfully completed an approved program within 2 years preceding the date of the application.)

The requirements for an Academic certificate of registration are:

1. Successful completion of a chiropody program approved by the Council of the College
2. The applicant must have an appointment to the faculty of an approved chiropody program

The requirements for an Educational certificate of registration are:

1. The applicant is enrolled in Ontario in an approved chiropody program, or
2. The applicant is practising under the supervision of member who holds a General or Academic certificate of registration to meet requirements imposed by the Registration Committee

For further details please visit the College of Chiropodists of Ontario website.

How the Access Centre Can Help

The Access Centre within HFO MRA can assist internationally educated chiropodists and podiatrists on their path to practise by providing advisory services by appointment via telephone, in-person or Skype.

If you have previously registered as a client of the Access Centre and are seeking services offered to registered clients or have questions regarding any aspect of the licensure process, please call 416-862-2200 or toll free 1-800-596-4046 or e-mail AccessCentre@HealthForceOntario.ca.

If you are not a registered client of the Access Centre and would like detailed information on the licensing process for internationally educated respiratory therapists, please register online.

Information Sessions

Information sessions bring together groups of internationally educated health professions with a common goal. These sessions focus on various aspects of the registration process. Learn more.

Resources

• The College of Chiropodists of Ontario (COCOO)