SEAS STEPS
The SEAS program is divided into three phases, or steps, to help you on your journey to becoming an occupational therapist in Canada. The following is a summary.
Step One
This step, referred to as Academic Credential Assessment, begins with your initial application and application fee.
You will be required to arrange for the World Education Services (WES) to provide ACOTRO with access to the assessment of your education, which will include a WES ICAP Document-by-Document Report. SEAS staff will review your application and WES report and make a determination as to whether or not your academic qualifications meet the minimum requirements. If your academic qualifications meet the minimum requirements of a Canadian Bachelor’s level degree in Occupational Therapy, you may proceed to the next step in the SEAS program.
Proof of identity documents are also to be submitted to SEAS once we have received your application form, initial fee and WES report.
Step Two
This step is comprised of three assessments:
- SEAS Language Readiness Assessment
- Profession-specific Credential Assessment (PSCA)
- Jurisprudence Knowledge Assessment Test (JKAT)
SEAS Language Readiness Assessment ensures that you have proficient English or French language skills to participate in the SEAS program. If you are required to complete a formal English or French language test to participate in SEAS, you can do this at any time prior to writing the JKAT. Formal language testing can also be completed prior to applying to SEAS. Language test results are valid for a period of two years from the date of the test.
The PSCA is an evaluation of your OT course curriculum and fieldwork hours. SEAS requires official course or curriculum descriptions directly from your university. Course curriculum and fieldwork information can be received any time during the first or second steps of the SEAS program. If you would like to include course curriculum from another degree (e.g. pre-requisite courses for a master’s level OT program), a transcript and course curriculum must be received by ACOTRO directly from the university.
The JKAT is an on-line multiple-choice exam that can be completed any time after you pay your second fee installment but must be completed prior to paying your third fee installment. You pick a date and time that accommodates your schedule to complete the test.
Step Three
The Competency Assessment (CA) is the final SEAS assessment. After you pay your third fee installment, the SEAS Associate will schedule a date and time for your assessment. The CA is a 6.5-hour interview-style assessment and is currently being conducted remotely.
After completion of all SEAS assessments, your SEAS file will be reviewed by the Determination Committee, and a decision will be made as to whether or not you have met substantial equivalency.
FAQs
Will SEAS provide accommodation for IEOTs with special needs, disabilities, or religious considerations?
ACOTRO will provide appropriate accommodations for the JKAT and Competency Assessment (CA) for IEOTs who meet our Accommodations Policy, which can be reviewed on the ACOTRO/SEAS Policies page. Please contact seas.associate@acotro.org for a Request for Accommodation form.
How can I prepare for the SEAS program before I apply?
Start by reviewing all information about the SEAS program on this website, including information about ACOTRO/SEAS policies, the steps that follow SEAS, and the links to resources we provide.
It is strongly encouraged that you review the registration process used by the occupational therapy regulator in the Canadian province in which you plan to practice.
You can also begin gathering the following required documents:
- WES Academic Credential Report
- Proof of identity documents
- University curriculum documents and transcripts, if required
- English or language testing, if required
Please refer to the Documents Required page for more information.