Credentialling Program Enhancements: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
This document is designed to provide quick answers to the most common questions about the new credentialling pathway.
The Comparability Evaluation Pathway evaluates the knowledge and skills of individuals trained outside of Canada. It determines whether their knowledge and skills are “comparable” to the knowledge and skills of Canadian educated physiotherapists. This pathway determines if an individual is eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (the exam). The Comparability Evaluation Pathway will replace the Standard Credentialling Pathway.
Comparable means that any differences in knowledge and skills are minor. They do not impact the individual’s ability to practise safely and effectively.
Individuals trained outside of Canada who are not eligible for the Pre-Approved Pathway are required to complete the Comparability Evaluation Pathway.
See the Comparability Evaluation Pathway Policy for information about assessment criteria for the new pathway.
No. Individuals who applied under the Standard Pathway will stay in that pathway and will not be moved.
Individuals must meet all the requirements for the Standard Pathway within the required timelines. If they do not meet the requirements in time, their application will be closed. To continue the credentialling process, they will need to reapply and will be assessed under the pathway that is in place at the time that they reapply.
Yes, CAPR will continue to have an Alternative Evaluation Pathway for individuals who are unable to submit required documents for valid reasons. This includes individuals who are refugees, or who are impacted by conflict or natural disasters.
However, individuals in this pathway must complete the Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool as part of their assessment process.
The Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool is a core component of CAPR’s new credentialling program. The Evaluation is a multiple-choice assessment designed to evaluate whether an individual has knowledge and skills comparable to those gained through completion of an approved Canadian physiotherapy program.
The Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool is based on the National Physiotherapy Entry-to-Practice Curriculum Guidelines (2024). The Evaluation provides a fair, transparent, objective, and consistent approach to assessing an individual’s knowledge and skills. If there are differences in knowledge and skills, the Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool will identify those differences, and feedback will be provided to the individual.
Individual results determine the next steps in the pathway. There are three possible outcomes:
- Knowledge and skills are comparable to those gained through an approved Canadian program. Applicants will be eligible for the exam.
- Knowledge and skills are partially comparable. Applicants will be required to address these gaps by completing targeted remediation. Once CAPR receives proof of completion, the applicant will be eligible for the exam.
- Knowledge and skills are not comparable to those gained through an approved Canadian program. When there are significant gaps, applicants receive advice, such as a recommendation to complete an approved Canadian physiotherapy program, or a recommendation to consider an alternative career.