Digitising Dietetics Assessment: The New National Common Assessment Tool Goes Live on MyProgress

Until recently, each UK university offering dietetics programmes was responsible for designing its own assessment approach which led to variations, despite all students working toward the same professional standards.

Now, for the first time, the British Dietetic Association (BDA) has introduced a nationally standardised assessment framework: the Common Assessment Tool (CAT). This brand-new tool is designed to unify dietetics student assessment across all UK institutions, ensuring consistency and fairness in clinical placement evaluation.

However, as education increasingly moves toward digital-first, accessible, and real-time solutions, there’s been growing demand for a smarter way to manage dietetic assessments. That’s where MyProgress by MyKnowledgeMap steps in. 

From Paper to Platform: Digitising the CAT 

In collaboration with academic leaders at Wrexham University and University of Surrey, MyKnowledgeMap has successfully digitised the Common Assessment Tool within the MyProgress platform. 

This digital version mirrors the structure and purpose of the original CAT PDF while bringing powerful new capabilities: 

• Real-time assessment of competencies and learning outcomes. 

• Secure digital sign-off by practice educators and academic staff. 

• Seamless evidence collection and annotation by students. 

• Clear visual progress tracking across placements and time. 

The result? A full-featured, mobile-friendly, and paperless platform, tailored to the evolving needs of dietetics programmes. 

Piloted: Two-Week Trial at Wrexham 

In early 2025, the new digital CAT was trialled at Wrexham University over a two-week period, where students, clinicians, and faculty were invited to test the platform under real clinical conditions. 

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with 99% of participants providing positive feedback on the usability, clarity, and enhanced support the MyProgress platform offers. Comments highlighted how intuitive it was to navigate and how easily evidence could be captured on the go. 

"I was extremely impressed with how quickly and accurately our implementation consultant created a user-friendly platform, which has been easy to navigate and amend as required. MyKnowledgeMap provided lots of support and sought and acted on feedback to optimise the user experience. The use of this interface has simplified the way we deliver practice education and provides endless opportunities for future innovation"

Vicky Davies, Registered Dietitian, Programme Leader for Nutrition and Dietetics at Wrexham University

Live Launch in September 2025 

Following the success of the pilot, both Wrexham and University of Surrey have formally adopted the digital CAT on MyProgress, with full implementation scheduled for September 2025. 

This transition reflects a broader movement within clinical education toward smart, sustainable, and scalable assessment practices, without compromising rigour or alignment to national standards. 

Why This Matters 

This project demonstrates what’s possible when universities and edtech providers work together to modernise key elements of professional education. 

For universities and placement providers, it means: 

• Reduced admin workload and better placement oversight. 

• Consistent assessment experiences across partners. 

• A robust digital record of learning, ready for audits and reviews. 

  
  

For students, it means: 

• Easier access to assessments and feedback on any device. 

• More meaningful engagement in their learning journey. 

• A platform that supports development, not just evaluation. 

The Future of Dietetics Assessment 

By turning the well-established CAT into a dynamic digital experience, MyKnowledgeMap continues to support healthcare educators in delivering forward-thinking, learner-centred programmes. 

As more institutions look to streamline and enhance their dietetics programmes, the success at Wrexham and Surrey offers a compelling blueprint. 

If your institution is interested in the digitised Common Assessment Tool or exploring how MyProgress can support your dietetics or wider healthcare curriculum, get in touch with our team today.