KCAT-Demonstrating Academic Currency

Demonstrating Academic Currency for Eligibility to Apply to Accredited Practical Training Programs in Ontario

Students who have completed an accredited undergraduate nutrition degree more than three years ago must demonstrate their academic currency before they are eligible to apply to accredited practical training programs in Ontario.

An applicant is deemed to have academic currency if they have written the College’s Knowledge and Competence Assessment Tool (KCAT) and obtained a Level I result.

The KCAT is written twice a year. The next opportunity to write the KCAT will be on February 5, 2025, via an online, remote-proctored format. Click here to view the KCAT Preparation Guide.

Please start your application process early to ensure you meet the College’s deadline dates.

To apply to write the next KCAT administration, please complete the KCAT for Demonstrating Currency application form.

If you have a disability, temporary disability, special condition, religious, or other reason that warrants a special accommodation to write the KCAT, you must request this in writing by the examination application deadline. The request must be from a regulated health professional, who is specialized in assessing individuals with the type of disability or special condition.

A request for accommodation related to breastfeeding or religious reasons does not require documentation from a regulated health professional or religious leader, respectfully, but a written request outlining the accommodation is required.

Please refer to Policy 6-20 Candidates Requiring Accommodations for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Examinations for the complete procedure and process on requesting an accommodation.

• Candidates will take the February 5, 2025 KCAT from their personal computer via an online remote-proctored process.
• The KCAT is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam.
• It is written over five hours and twenty minutes, divided into 2 two-hour parts (Part 1: 2 hours 45 minutes; Part 2: 2 hours 35 minutes) with a one-hour lunch break between Part 1 and Part 2.

Your results on the KCAT will determine your next steps:

KCAT Level I Result

This means that you demonstrated sufficient knowledge and competence to move to the next step in the process:

• Apply to an accredited practicum program. If you successfully complete an accredited  practicum program in Canada, you are eligible to apply to the College to write the national licensing exam (the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination).

NOTE: A Level I result on the KCAT does not guarantee admission to an accredited practicum program. Each practicum program has its own eligibility criteria that each candidate must meet. For a complete list of accredited practicum programs in Canada click here. 

KCAT Level II Result

This means that you have demonstrated partial knowledge and competence. Your score reflects re some gaps in your knowledge and competence compared to the Canadian national standards. You may rewrite the KCAT a maximum of three times as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements as outlined in Policy 6-10 (Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). You may choose (but you are not required) to complete additional studies to increase your knowledge and competence before rewriting the KCAT. 

KCAT Level III Result

This means that you did not demonstrate sufficient knowledge and competence. You may rewrite the KCAT a maximum of three times as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements as outlined in Policy 6-10 (Eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). You may wish to consider that your results identified significant gaps which may best be addressed by completing additional studies.

For more information on accredited academic and practical training programs in Ontario, please click here.

Candidates seeking to write the KCAT must meet these requirements:

• Access to a computer (desktop or laptop). This exam cannot be taken on a tablet or mobile device. Dual monitor configurations are not permitted.
• Minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768 is required. However, a screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 or higher is recommended.
• External or built-in webcam. You must be able to move your webcam to show your surroundings.
• Strong and reliable high speed internet connection. At least 1 Mbps upload and 10 Mbps download (please click here to conduct a speed test to confirm your connection speed).
  • Hard wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended to ensure the best exam experience and to reduce the risk of interruption to your internet connection (click here for more information on connecting to internet via Ethernet).
• Windows 8.1 (or above) or Mac OSX 10.13 (or above) operating system.
• The latest version of Google Chrome.
• The latest version of Zoom Client for Meetings.
• Comfort with taking a virtual assessment.
• A quiet, private space with a table and chair to ensure confidentiality of exam
  • Area must be clear of writing utensils, electronics, notes, etc. No additional people can be in the room.

For any questions, please email registration@collegeofdietitians.org

Response Timelines: The registration team will respond to your inquiry (received by email or phone) within 5 business days. We appreciate your patience until we respond to your inquiry.