Below are answers to common questions asked by individual practitioners interested in the COS-KC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I take the COS-KC?

Taking the COS-KC will give you information about whether you have enough knowledge about the COS process to provide accurate COS ratings. Practitioner knowledge of the COS process is essential for your program and state to have high-quality child outcomes data.

Who can take the COS-KC?

Anyone can sign up for an account and take the COS-KC. However, we encourage you to check with your program or state agency first in case they have required or recommended activities before you take the COS-KC or after you complete it. Each state agency needs to load a list of local programs into the COS-KC system. If your state agency has not done so, you will not be able to select your program from the list.

What content areas does the COS-KC assess?

The COS-KC assesses knowledge of the three child outcomes, functionality of the three child outcomes, COS teaming, the 7-point scale, age anchoring, and evidence/documentation.

How should I prepare for the COS-KC?

We suggest you review any training materials you received to prepare you to participate in the COS-KC process. A list of recommended practitioner resources is available, including a COS Process Quick Reference Guide and other refreshers for people taking the COS-KC.

Should I take the COS-KC if I have not received training in the COS process?

No. The COS-KC is not intended to provide training on the COS process, and practitioners who have very little knowledge of the process are not likely to pass the assessment.

How do I take the COS-KC?

Create an account to access the COS-KC. Again, we encourage you to check with your program or state agency first in case they recommend or require specific activities before you take the COS-KC or after you complete it.

What resources may I consult during the COS-KC?

The COS-KC is an open-book assessment, so you may refer to any resources while taking the assessment. A list of recommended practitioner resources is available, including a COS Process Quick Reference Guide and other refreshers for people taking the COS-KC.

Must I complete the COS-KC in one sitting?

You do not need to complete the COS-KC in one sitting. The assessment saves the data as you progress. You can stop the assessment any time and complete it later.

Will I receive a score and a certificate for taking the COS-KC?

You will not receive a score, but you will receive a notification indicating whether you passed or did not yet pass the COS-KC as soon as you complete it. Participants who pass the COS-KC will be able to download and print a Certificate of Achievement.

What if I do not pass the COS-KC?

Participants can retake the COS-KC, but they must wait at least 24 hours between attempts. Before retaking the COS-KC, we strongly encourage you to prepare by accessing professional development opportunities in your state or studying the practitioner resources or the Resources for More Information about the COS Process. If you do not pass the COS-KC after three attempts, we advise you to undertake a period of more concentrated study (three or more months) before you make another attempt.

If I do not pass, can I receive information on which items that I answered incorrectly?

To maintain the integrity of the assessment, individual items cannot be released. Since the assessment measures general knowledge across key content areas, we recommend revisiting all content areas examined by the assessment and/or accessing professional development opportunities in your state. The following COS resources may also be helpful: Resources for More Information about the COS Process and COS Process Quick Reference Guide.

How do I get help if I have issues with the COS-KC?

If you are signed in to the COS-KC system, click on the help desk icon, or you may contact us directly.

Register For & Access the COS-KC