2.1 Standard Credentialling Pathway Policy
Date Approved: November 30, 2012
Date Effective: February 25, 2013
Date Revised: May 9, 2013, November 7, 2023, December 10, 2024
Scope
This policy applies to all internationally educated physiotherapists applying to the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators’ (CAPR) credentialling process.
Principles
This policy has been designed in accordance with the Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications principles of fairness, transparency, timeliness, and consistency, and in consideration of the minimum required standards of physiotherapy programs offered in Canada.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to define the credentialling process for internationally educated physiotherapists. This process compares the education and qualifications of internationally educated physiotherapists to those of Canadian educated physiotherapists to assess if there are substantial differences that would prevent the internationally educated applicant from being eligible to attempt the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE).
Definitions
“Credentialling Process” The credentialling process involves comparing an internationally educated physiotherapist’s education and credentials to that of a Canadian educated physiotherapist to determine if there are substantial differences in the qualifications that would prevent the internationally educated physiotherapist from being eligible for the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE).
Policy
To determine if an internationally educated physiotherapist’s training is substantially equivalent to that offered in Canada, the following five criteria must be met:
Criterion 1: Verification of qualifications and credentials through authentic and valid documentation
All documents, including identity documents, submitted for assessment shall be checked and verified. If any documentation is found to be irregular or fraudulent, the credentialling application shall be closed in keeping with CAPR Policy 2.3 Fraudulent/Irregular Documents and Cheating.
Criterion 2: Completion of a university-level, entry-to-practice degree in physiotherapy
Completion of a university-level, entry-to-practice degree (or equivalent credential by another name) in physiotherapy, awarded by a recognized institution authorized to issue credentials equivalent to a degree in Canada is required. Diplomas awarded by a non-university institution may be accepted if assessed and determined to be equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree in Canada.
Criterion 3: Successful completion of a minimum of 1025 hours of supervised clinical education
As part of their university level, entry-to-practice degree in physiotherapy, credentialling applicants must have successfully completed supervised clinical education, sometimes called supervised clinical practice, or clinical internship, or clinical placement or practicum. The minimum number of supervised clinical practice hours is the minimum standard for Canadian physiotherapy programs as set by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC). Applicants must demonstrate that they have received at least 1025 hours of supervised clinical education, with at least 100 hours in musculoskeletal, 100 hours in neurological and at least 40 hours in cardiorespiratory conditions.
Criterion 4: Demonstrated Fluency in English or French
CAPR requires that most internationally educated physiotherapy applicants undergo mandatory language testing from one of the CAPR’s approved testing organizations. Applicants who have completed their physiotherapy education in certain countries are exempt from language testing. Please see Policy 2.2 Language Proficiency for details.
Criterion 5: Knowledge of the practice of physiotherapy within the Canadian healthcare system
CAPR requires all applicants in the credentialling process to complete a pre-approved course on the Canadian healthcare system and the role of physiotherapists within it. Approved courses must include a formal method of assessment that tests students on the course content.