Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Process
The Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is made up of several steps, including a multiple-choice examination and a performance-based assessment, which are designed to assess your current knowledge, skills, and judgment against the national entry to practice standards for Canadian graduates.
The New Brunswick Association of Dietitians (NBAD) considers the PLAR process to be a more fair and valid assessment of your dietetic knowledge because it directly assesses what you currently know and can do, and is not affected by factors outside of your control (for example incomplete course descriptions, or poor translations which don’t reflect the full content of your degree). In addition, the PLAR process provides a way for NBAD to recognize knowledge and skills that you gained after your degree, through continuing education or in practice.
The PLAR Process will directly assess your current knowledge and skills compared to the national standards.
Step 1: Determine eligibility for PLAR Process
To be eligible for the PLAR Process you must:
- Have completed a degree reasonably related to dietetics, nutrition or food;
- Have completed practical training in dietetics or demonstrate that your degree alone (without practical training) qualified you to practice in the country where the education institution is located;
- Meet the minimum language proficiency requirement in English or French.
Assessment Fee: $400
If you wish to apply for the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Process, please complete and submit the Application for the Knowledge and Competency Assessment Test (KCAT) and/or Practice Based Assessment (PBA) to registrar@adnb-nbad.com and submit required documents listed in the application form to the NBAD office.
Step 2: Knowledge and Competency Assessment Tool (KCAT)
If you are deemed eligible for the PLAR Process, the next step is the Knowledge and Competency Assessment Tool (KCAT) – a computer-based multiple choice exam designed to assess your knowledge as compared to the foundational knowledge and performance indicators applicable to education programs in the national competencies. The KCAT is written once a year in Toronto, Ontario.
KCAT Examination Location: Toronto, Ontario
KCAT Fee: $400
Key Dates
KCAT administration: February 2021
Deadline for submitting complete application (i.e. all required documents must be received by NBAD): to be determined
Deadline to pay KCAT fees: to be determined
Deadline to request accommodations to write the KCAT: to be determined
Your results on the KCAT will determine your next steps:
- A level I result means that you demonstrated sufficient knowledge and competence to move to the next step in the process, the Performance-Based Assessment (PBA);
- A level II result means that you have demonstrated partial knowledge and competence. Your score reflects that there are some gaps in your knowledge and competence compared to the national standards. You may rewrite the KCAT a maximum of three times as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements. You may choose (but you are not required) to complete additional studies to increase your knowledge and competence before rewriting the KCAT.
- A level III result 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. You may wish to consider, however that your results identified significant gaps which may best be addressed by completing an accredited degree and accredited practical training in Canada.
Step 3: Performance-Based Assessment (PBA)
If NBAD 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 Performance-Based Assessment (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. The PBA is written once a year in Toronto, Ontario.
PBA Location: Toronto, Ontario
PBA Fee: $2,300
Key Dates
PBA administration: to be determined
Deadline to register for PBA: to be determined
Your results on the PBA determine your next steps:
- If you pass the PBA, you can apply for Temporary Membership with NBAD within three years of passing the PBA. You will be required to submit additional information so that NBAD can determine whether you meet the remaining requirements for registration with the Association. If you meet the other registration requirements, you will obtain a Temporary Membership which will permit you to practice dietetics in New Brunswick while you wait to write the Canadian Dietetic Registration Examination (CDRE).
- If you fail the PBA, you may re-take the PBA a maximum of three times, 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.