Jurisprudence Knowledge & Assessment Tool

The JKAT is an online knowledge acquisition and assessment tool designed to improve a RD’s 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 Ontario dietitians can apply their jurisprudence knowledge to practical situations. References are provided online within the exam.

The JKAT is a mandatory requirement for registrants of the College under the College’s Quality Assurance Regulation, which states: “Every registrants shall engage in professional improvement and development in accordance with the guidelines and policies established by the College and distributed to the registrants.”

Three Versions According to Area of Practice

There are three versions based on the legislative requirements of those practice areas. Based on their area of practise, the registrants will complete the appropriate version of the JKAT.  

Every new registrant must complete the JKAT usually within the first year of Membership and every 5 years thereafter.

Out of Province Exception

Dietitians residing outside Ontario who do not work with clients from Ontario may request an exemption from completing the JKAT.

When returning to Ontario, these registrants must notify the College within 10 working days of their return, and complete the JKAT within that year.

Request for an Extension

If a dietitian requires an extension, the request must be submitted in writing. 

The written request must include: 

1. The registrant’s name and registration number clearly identified;
2. A request for the extension in completing the JKAT; 
3. An indication of current work status; 
4. Any information or reasons that are pertinent and supportive of the request and would assist the Committee in making its decision (information may be specific or general in nature). 

Request for Deferral

If a registrant is not able to complete the JKAT, in exceptional circumstances, the registrant may request a deferral from participating in the JKAT.  

Registrants who failed to meet the passing cut score after the third trial must focus on individual learning of Jurisprudence Knowledge to retake the incorrect questions. If the Registrant fails to achieve the passing Score on this knowledge assessment, the Committee will consider the following steps such as:
    •  Directing the Registrant to take a course or workshop in jurisprudence.
    •  Directing the Registrant to work with a mentor who has successfully completed the JKAT.
    •  Directing the Registrant to work with the College’s Practice Advisors or Director of  Professional Practice to improve knowledge in jurisprudence.

Appeal of JKAT Results 

Any Registrant of the College who wishes to appeal their JKAT results can do so after their third unsuccessful attempt. Written appeals should include:

1. Your name and registration number clearly identified; 
2. The reason for appeal of the results; 
3. An indication of current work status; and 
4. Any documentation such as medical certificates, notes or letters that may be pertinent and supportive of the appeal and would assist the Quality Assurance Committee in making its decision. 

The Quality Assurance Committee considers appeals on a case-by-case and includes a review of documents sent in by the registrant as well as the JKAT results.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

A registrant who is required to complete the JKAT and refuses to do so or does not contact the College to explain why they are unable to complete it, may be considered to have committed an act of professional misconduct and, consequently, may be referred to the Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC). 

The College has followed strict assessment, test and examination development processes in creating the JKAT.