Providing ethical, safe, and competent care — while always keeping the public interest at the forefront — is a core responsibility of every Registered Kinesiologist (R.Kin).

A simple but important way to demonstrate professionalism and accountability is through the proper and consistent use of your protected titles and designations.

The Kinesiology Act, 2007 states that “no person other than a member shall use the title “kinesiologist”, a variation or abbreviation or an equivalent in another language.”

Expectations for title/designation use

COKO’s Practice Guideline – Use of Title and Designations also outlines clear expectations for how R.Kins must identify themselves in professional settings:

• The protected title “kinesiologist” (or approved variant, such as R.Kin) must be listed immediately after the practitioner’s name. This is true even where other titles are used. The protected title should be placed first.
  • E.g., Jane Doe, R.Kin, [other unregulated/non-registered titles/designations, if any are used]
• The protected title may be followed by a recognized degree, diploma or certificate.
  • E.g., John Doe, R.Kin, B.Sc. (Kinesiology)
• Kinesiologists who are also registered with another college in Ontario are advised to list the title they use or practice under most frequently first.
  • E.g., Jane Doe, R.Kin, [other protected title, such as RMT]; OR, if the member primarily practices using the other protected title:
  • E.g., Jane Doe, [other protected title, such as RMT], R.Kin

The Practice Guideline also advises R.Kins to use the following principles to consider what titles or designations to use, and how they should be used:

• Principle 1: In determining what credentials or designations may be used in advertising and in professional representation, the member should distinguish between additional qualification and ongoing professional development.
• Principle 2: Inclusion of any designation or certificate in addition to R.Kin must be with the intent of better informing the public about the member’s practice area or additional qualification(s), and must not be misleading, but legitimate and verifiable.
• Principle 3: Any designation or certification included in a member’s advertising or professional representation must serve to enhance the image of the profession of kinesiology.
• Principle 4: Any designation or certification used by a member must relate to the scope of practice of kinesiology.
• Principle 5: There should be general acceptance among the membership that the conferring body is qualified.

Title and designation use & Public Protection

Professional titles are more than just labels. They signal qualification, accountability, and regulatory oversight. When members of the public see the titles “Kinesiologist”, “Registered Kinesiologist”, or the designation “R.Kin”, they can be assured that the individual is registered with COKO, meets established entry-to-practice and ongoing competence requirements, and is authorized to practise kinesiology in Ontario.

Consistent title use promotes clarity, reduces the risk of misrepresentation, and supports public understanding of who is regulated under Ontario’s legislative framework. By using protected titles appropriately, registrants help ensure that the public can clearly identify authorized practitioners who are subject to standards of practice, continuing competence requirements, and professional conduct oversight—reinforcing transparency, accountability, and confidence in safe and ethical kinesiology care.