Quality Assurance Program
Self-Assessment
Self-Directed LearningTool
All members are expected to submit their SDL Tool by October 15th each year.
The purpose of the SDL Tool is to support Registered Dietitians' (RDs') reflection on the nature of their practice and their professional competence, and to require them to develop plans for professional improvement.
Members use the SDL Tool to:
- Identify areas of strength;
- Identify areas that need improvement;
- Evaluate learning plans from the previous year to determine whether specific areas of competence have been met; and
- Develop learning plans to enhance specific areas of competence.
Section 30:18 of the Quality Assurance Regulation states that "every member shall, on an annual basis ... assess his or her own professional performance using criteria related to professional standards and competencies, reflect on his or own current and future practice environment, record his or her professional development goals for the previous year and record a learning plan for professional development goals for the current year".
Dietitians with temporary membership are not required to submit an SDL Tool until they pass the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination and gain general membership. Such dietitians are required to submit a completed SDL Tool starting the year after which they passed the registration examination. Only those holding a general membership at the time of mailing of the renewal notification will be required to complete an SDL tool.
A member may be granted amnesty from completing an SDL Tool for one or more year for exceptional circumstances such as a long term disability or illness that prevents them from working.
Deadline for Submission
All members are expected to submit their SDL Tool by October 15th each year. Notification of the submission process for the SDL Tool is mailed to all members in August.
How to Submit Your SDL Tool
Instructions, as well as useful tips and suggestions, on completing the SDL Tool can be found in the
- Guide to Completing Your Self-Directed Learning Tool
- Completing the SDL Tool for RDs in Atypical Situations and
- the SDL Tool FAQs
The College offers a convenient online option for you to complete your SDL Tool. To access the web-based SDL Tool, log into your Member Home Page by using your Registration ID and Password. If you have completed your SDL Tool online the previous year, you will be able to access it online for review. To minimize costs we will no longer be offering a hard copy of the tool.
What to SubmitEvery member is required to complete and submit the entire SDL Tool every year by October 15:
- Part 1: Self-Assessment and Self-Reflection;
- Part 2: Challenges & Barriers to Quality Practice;
- Part 3: An Evaluation of Professional Improvement Plan (EPIP) for each Professional Improvement Plan (PIP) submitted last year; and,
- Part 4: A minimum of two Professional Improvement Plans (PIP).
Every member is expected to retain a copy of each completed SDL Tool for a period of five years. For more information on records members are expected to keep for the Quality Assurance Program, see Policy Guidelines for the Retention of Documentation Related to the Quality Assurance Program .
Requests for Extension in Submission of the SDL Tool
Written requests for extensions in submitting an SDL Tool are considered by the Quality Assurance Committee for extenuating circumstances such as maternity, personal hardship, current hospitalization, illness or bereavement, or sabbatical. For further information on requesting an extension, please refer to the FAQs section or contact the College.
