Language Proficiency Requirements Policy - English or French - Minimum language fluency requirements

Aug 29, 2026

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Language Proficiency Requirements Policy defines minimum English or French fluency that applicants must demonstrate to meet Section 2.5 of the Registration Regulation (833/93). It explains how fluency is deemed based on first language or relevant education, and when applicants must complete recognized language proficiency tests or submit non-objective evidence. The policy also describes validity of test scores, including possible extensions, and lists recognized tests with required cut-scores in Appendix A.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages4

Reading Time10 min

AccessFree to download

Intent

Background

The Policy

Demonstrating Language Fluency

Extending the Period of Validity of Language Proficiency Test Scores

Related Legislation

Appendix A: Recognized Language Proficiency Test & Cut-Scores

COLLEGE OF DENTURISTS OF ONTARIO | TYPE | Registration | | --- | --- | | NAME | Language Proficiency Requirements Policy | | DATE APPROVED BY COUNCIL | December 12, 2014 | | DATE REVISED BY COUNCIL | March 22, 2019, December 6, 2019, September 7, 2021, December 9, 2022, June 14, 2024 | INTENT This policy outlines the minimum language proficiency requirements that must be demonstrated in order to satisfy Section 2.5. of the Registration Regulation (833/93), which states: The applicant must have reasonable fluency in either English or French. O. Reg. 833/93, s. 2. BACKGROUND English and French are the official languages used in the health care system in Ontario. All health care professionals need to be able to communicate (speak, read and write) in either English or French with reasonable fluency. Language proficiency assessment contributes to public protection by ensuring that registrants can communicate effectively with patients, other members of the health care team, and the College. Candidates, applicants and registrants must be able to communicate effectively with the College, Registered Denturists must be able to understand and respond to College materials that are related to registration, quality assurance, and complaints, and discipline This is an essential part of a Denturist’s accountability to the College as a regulated health professional. THE POLICY An applicant whose first language is English or French, and/or their relevant health care education and instruction was in English or French is considered to have demonstrated fluency in either language. An applicant whose first language is not English or French or did not complete their relevant health care education and instruction in English or French is required to demonstrate proficiency either through a test of language proficiency or by providing non-objective evidence of language proficiency at the time of application for a Certificate of Registration While examination candidates are not required to provide proof of language proficiency prior to attempting the Qualifying Examination, language proficiency is an essential component for success in both the written and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) portions of the Qualifying Examination. 1. Demonstrating Language Fluency: An applicant whose first language is not English or French or did not complete their relevant health care education and instruction in English or French are required to either: a) Complete a standardized language proficiency test administered by a recognized 3rd party testing agency and meet or exceed the minimum cut-off score for that test (Appendix A) . The cut-off scores required in the approved language tests reflect the minimum level of English or French language proficiency the College believes is necessary for a prospective applicant to function successfully as a Registered Denturist. Applicants are responsible for the cost of language proficiency tests. Test results will be considered valid for 2 years from the date the test was administered and must be sent directly from the language testing agency to the College. OR b) Provide non-objective evidence of language proficiency. The College accepts alternatives to a standardized language proficiency test. An applicant who wishes to meet the language proficiency registration requirement through non-objective evidence (NOE) of their language proficiency must submit at least TWO of the following four: 1. Successful completion of relevant professional health care education in a majority English or French country; 2. Relevant health care employment in a country in which English or French is the majority language in a role with a scope of practice similar to that associated with the Certificate of Registration for which the application is being made; 3. Successful completion of the four final years of school in Canada that establishes eligibility to apply for university or college; or

FAQs

Who must demonstrate language proficiency under the policy?

Applicants whose first language is not English or French, or whose relevant health care education and instruction were not completed in English or French, must demonstrate proficiency to satisfy the registration requirement.

How can applicants demonstrate language proficiency besides a standardized test?

Applicants may use non-objective evidence by submitting at least two alternatives, such as professional health care education in a majority English or French country, qualifying health care employment, completion of final four years of Canadian school for postsecondary eligibility, or completion of a Canadian college/university degree.

How long are language proficiency test scores valid, and can validity be extended?

Test results are valid for two years from the test administration date. The College may extend validity up to one year, and a second extension of up to one year may be requested if the decision criteria are met.

Aug 29, 2026

Upload by Maeve