Examination Eligibility Policy

Date Revised: June 18, 2024

Scope
This policy applies to all examinations candidates who wish to register for the Written Component of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE).

Purpose
To provide clarity regarding who is eligible to register for the Written Component of the PCE and the number of attempts a candidate is permitted to pass the examination.

Policy – Initial Eligibility

Canadian-educated candidates
Canadian-educated candidates who wish to register must be enrolled in, or a graduate of, an entry-to practice physiotherapy program that has been granted Accreditation Status by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC). Canadian-educated candidates may attempt the Written Component of the PCE when they are in their final term of study, as defined by their physiotherapy program. For each Canadian-educated candidate, CAPR will confirm with their physiotherapy program that they satisfy this criteria.

Internationally educated candidates
Internationally educated candidates who wish to attempt the Written Component of the PCE must have written confirmation of eligibility from the CAPR Credentialling Program indicating that they have successfully met the CAPR Credentialling Standards. Eligible internationally educated candidates must attempt the Written Component of the PCE within two years of receiving a credentialling results letter (see Credentialling Policy 2.9 Expiration of Credentialling Results).

Eligibility to Retake the PCE

Prior to 2013
All candidates who attempted the Written Component of the PCE for the first time prior to 2013 are referred to as Section B candidates. These candidates, whether Canadian-educated or internationallyeducated, have a maximum of 5 attempts to pass the Written Component of the PCE, as per the policy in place at the time of their first attempt. There is no time limit within which the 5 attempts must be completed. After 5 failed attempts, Section B candidates have exhausted their exam eligibility.

During or after 2013
All candidates who attempted the Written Component for the first time in 2013 or later are referred to as Section A candidates. These candidates, whether Canadian-educated or internationally-educated, have a maximum of 3 attempts to pass the Written Component of the PCE. There is no time limit within which the 3 attempts must be completed. After 3 failed attempts, Section A candidates have exhausted their exam eligibility.