Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Process
If you did not complete education and training which were approved by the College, the College will do an assessment to determine whether you have the minimum knowledge and skills to practice as a dietitian in Canada.
The College considers the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) process to be a more fair and valid assessment of your dietetic knowledge and skills because it directly assesses what you currently know and can do, and it is not affected by factors outside of your control, like incomplete course descriptions or poor translations which may not fully reflect the content of your education and training. In addition, the PLAR process provides a way for the College to recognize knowledge and skills that you gained after your degree through continuing education and practice, something that is not achievable in a paper-based credential assessment.
What Is the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Process
The PLAR process will directly assess your current knowledge and skills, compared to the national standards. It is made up of several steps:
Summary of the PLAR Process
Step 1: Determine eligibility for PLAR process
As per Policy 6-10: Eligibility for PLAR you must:
- Have completed a degree at the Bachelor level reasonably related to dietetics, with evidence of completed courses in the three core areas of dietetic practice: nutrition care, population & public health, and food service management; OR
- A degree in sciences at the Bachelor level, followed by a university-level program reasonably related to dietetics, with evidence of completed courses in the three core areas of dietetic practice: nutrition care, population & public health, and food service management; of at least two years in duration.
- Meet the minimum language proficiency requirement in English
Click here for instructions about how to apply for the PLAR process.
Step 2: Knowledge and Competency Assessment Tool (KCAT)
If you are deemed eligible for the PLAR process, the next step is the KCAT – a computer-based multiple choice exam designed to assess your knowledge as compared to the foundational knowledge and academic performance indicators in the national competencies. Click here to view the KCAT Preparation Guide.
The KCAT is written twice a year. The next opportunity to write the KCAT will be February 5, 2025, via an online, remote-proctored format.
Key Dates
| Activity/Timeline | Date |
| KCAT Administration | February 5, 2025 |
| Deadline for submitting complete Application (i.e., all required documents must be received by the College) | January 3, 2025 |
| Deadline to pay KCAT Fees | January 15, 2025 |
| Deadline to request accommodations to write the KCAT | January 15, 2025 |
Please start your application process early to ensure you meet the College’s deadline dates.
Special Accomodations
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.
Exam Format
- 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.
Exam Outcome
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:
- The Performance-Based Assessment (PBA); or
- Apply to an accredited practicum program.
If you successfully complete an accredited practicum program in Canada after you have received a KCAT Level I result, you are eligible 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 applicants 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 some gaps in your knowledge and competence compared to the Canadian national standards. You are not eligible to complete the PBA. 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 (Eligiblity 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 are not eligible to complete the PBA. 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 a Canadian accredited degree and accredited practical training program.
Technology Requirements
Candidates seeking to write the KCAT must meet these technological 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.
Step 3: Performance-Based Assessment (PBA)
If the College determines that you have demonstrated appropriate foundational knowledge and competence related to the academic performance indicators of the national standards, you will move on to the PBA, which is a written and oral assessment designed to assess the competence of internationally educated applicants compared to the practicum-related performance indicators in the national competencies. Click here to view the PBA Preparation Guide.
The PBA is written once a year. The next opportunity to write the PBA will be July 30, 2025, via an online, remote-proctored format.
Key Dates
| Activity/Timeline | Date |
| PBA Administration | July 30, 2025 |
| Deadline for submitting complete Application (i.e. all required documents must be received by the College) |
June 18, 2025 |
| Deadline to pay PBA Fees | July 2, 2025 |
| Deadline to request accommodations to write the PBA | July 2, 2025 |
Exam Format
The PBA is a full day written and oral assessment. Candidates will take the July 30, 2025 PBA from their home or other private location, using their personal computer, via an online remote-proctored process. A private, quiet room is required. See below for technology requirements.
Candidates must be available from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). While candidates have the option to take the online PBA if they are located outside of Ontario, the PBA will only be offered in EDT. Please ensure you allocate your time accordingly.
For more information about the PBA, refer to the PBA Preparation Guide.
Technology Requirements
Candidates seeking to write the PBA must meet these technological requirements:
- Operating System: The PBA exam platform supports:
- Windows 10 & above
- MacOS (Mojave & above)
- ChromeOS (112.0.5615.134 & above)
- Browser:
- The PBA exam platform supports Chrome and Microsoft Edge. The system does not support browsers such as Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari.
- Ensure your browser is updated before exam day, an internet search can show you how to do this.
- Hardware:
- Access to a desktop computer, laptop or a Chromebook with minimum memory of 4GB. This exam cannot be taken on a tablet or a mobile device.
- Dual monitor configurations are not permitted.
- Built-in or external webcam with minimum 640×640 resolution. You must be able to move your webcam to show your surroundings to your proctor.
- Built-in or external microphone.
- Built-in or external speakers, no headsets or audio earbuds are permitted.
- Internet:
- An upload and download speed of at least 10 Mbps.
- Hardwired ethernet connection is strongly recommended to ensure the best exam experience and to reduce the risk of interruption.
- Hot spots are not recommended.
- Comfort with taking a virtual assessment.
Exam Outcome
Your results on the PBA will determine your next steps:
- If you pass the PBA, you will be required to complete the Dietitians of Canada Critical Care Nutrition course and the College’s Jurisprudence Knowledge and Assessment Tool (JKAT).
- If you fail the PBA, you may re-take the PBA. The PBA may be challenged a maximum of three times and, as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. You may choose to complete additional studies (formal or informal) to increase your knowledge and competence before attempting the PBA again.
Special Accommodations
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.
A disability or special condition accommodation request must include supporting documentation 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.
Step 4: Dietitians of Canada Critical Care Course
The Dietitians of Canada Critical Care Nutrition Course provides an intensive, evidence-based, self-paced learning program with the latest information on implementing nutrition care. The course is available on demand. The course takes approximately 15 – 20 hours to complete.
Step 5: Jurisprudence Knowledge and Assessment Tool (JKAT)
The JKAT is an online tool designed to improve your knowledge and application of laws, standards, guidelines and ethics relevant to the profession of dietetics in Ontario. The tool uses scenarios and multiple-choice questions to ensure that you can apply your jurisprudence knowledge to practical situations. References are provided online within the exam.
Step 6: Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE)
Once you have successfully completed the Critical Care Nutrition course and the JKAT, you must submit an application for registration with the College of Dietitians of Ontario. The College will review your application to confirm that you have met all of the other registration requirements in order to confirm your eligibility to write the CDRE. When you are deemed eligible to write the CDRE, you will also be eligible for a Temporary Certificate of Registration, which will enable you to practice as a dietitian in Ontario while you await the results of the CDRE.
Canadian Standards for Dietetic Education and Training
The assessments in the PLAR process are designed to assess knowledge and skills against the Integrated Competencies for Dietetics Education and Practice (ICDEP) and the accreditation standards.
The College has developed a website to explain the minimum standards required for dietetic practice in Canada and to help you assess your current knowledge and skills against those standards.