PrintImprimer On May 12, 2021, the College of Dietitians of Ontario, in collaboration with the exam testing company Touchstone Institute, successfully administered the first online, remote-proctored Knowledge and Competence Assessment Tool (KCAT).

What is the KCAT?

The KCAT is a multiple-choice exam designed to assess an applicant’s knowledge as compared to the foundational knowledge and academic performance indicators in the national competencies. The KCAT is part of the College’s Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process, which was primarily developed to provide internationally educated applicants with a more fair and valid assessment of their dietetic knowledge and skills, because, in comparison to a paper-based credential assessment, it directly assesses what applicants currently know and can do.

The KCAT is also being used to demonstrate current knowledge and skills for former dietitians who are returning to practice after 10 or more years, and for applicants who have completed an accredited undergraduate nutrition degree more than three years ago, and need to demonstrate their current knowledge and competence prior to applying to an Ontario accredited practical training program.

Results of the First Online KCAT

A total of 41 candidates wrote the KCAT on May 12, 2021:

• 20 obtained a KCAT Level I result, demonstrating sufficient knowledge and competence.
• 16 obtained a KCAT Level II result, demonstrating partial knowledge and competence.
• 5 obtained a KCAT Level III result, demonstrating insufficient knowledge and competence.

Next Steps

Level I

Internationally trained and return-to-practice applicants who obtained a Level I result may move to the next step of the PLAR process to challenge the Performance Based Assessment (PBA). The PBA is a written and oral assessment designed to assess the competence of applicants compared to the practicum-related performance indicators in the national competencies.

These applicants also have the option to apply to Ryerson University’s Internationally Educated Professionals in Nutrition (IEPN) bridging program or an Ontario accredited practical training program (both post degree practicum or combined masters practicum programs). Applicants who wrote the KCAT to demonstrate academic currency after completing an accredited undergraduate nutrition degree more than three years ago and obtained a Level I result are eligible to apply to an Ontario accredited practical training program (both post degree practicum or combined masters practicum program). 

Level II

Internationally trained and return-to-practice applicants who obtained a KCAT Level II result are not eligible to move onto the next step of the PLAR process to challenge the PBA. These applicants may rewrite the KCAT to a maximum of three attempts. They also have the option to apply to Ryerson University’s Internationally Educated Professionals in Nutrition (IEPN) bridging program.

Applicants who wrote the KCAT to demonstrate academic currency after completing an accredited undergraduate nutrition degree more than three years ago and obtained a Level II result are not eligible to apply to an Ontario accredited practical training program. These applicants may rewrite the KCAT, for a maximum of three attempts.

Level III

Internationally trained and return-to-practice applicants who obtained a KCAT Level III result are not eligible to move onto the next step of the PLAR process to challenge the Performance Based Assessment (PBA). These applicants may rewrite the KCAT to a maximum of three attempts. The College recommends these applicants complete self-study and/or enrol in an accredited academic and practical training program before seeking registration with the College.

Applicants who wrote the KCAT to demonstrate academic currency after completing an accredited undergraduate nutrition degree more than three years ago and obtained a Level III result are not eligible to apply to an Ontario accredited practical training program. These applicants may rewrite the KCAT to a maximum of three attempts.

Successful Administration

The success of the online KCAT can be attributed to extensive planning on behalf of CDO and the Touchstone Institute as well as candidate preparedness. While this was the sixth administration of the KCAT, it was the first via an online format. Overall, the College is pleased with the results and the few technical issues that arose during the KCAT administration were easily and efficiently resolved.

Moving forward, the College will work with the Touchstone Institute to continue to offer the KCAT via an online remote-proctored process, including a hybrid option for candidates to write in-person in an exam testing centre.