Frequently Asked Questions

Physiotherapist in blue scrubs helping man extend his arms using yellow stretching band

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

The Comparability Pathway evaluates the knowledge and skills of physiotherapists trained outside Canada to determine whether those competencies are comparable to the knowledge and skills of expected of a graduate of an approved Canadian physiotherapy program.

The pathway determines whether applicants meet the credentialling criteria and are eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE).

Physiotherapists educated outside of Canada have asked for clearer guidance regarding areas of knowledge and skill that may impact success on the CPTE process and integration into practice.

Modernizing credentialling was identified as a priority by CAPR and its system partners.

The modernized pathway helps identify whether differences in knowledge and skills are minor, moderate but remediable, or significant, while providing applicants with clearer next steps and available supports.

Comparable means the applicant’s knowledge and skills meet the standard expected of a graduate from an approved Canadian physiotherapy program. The applicant is eligible to attempt the CPTE.

Detailed fee and document information will be available soon.

Note – Fees remain similar to current fees. CAPR will be splitting the fee into two payments to provide more flexibility to applicants.

Eligibility

Internationally educated physiotherapists who:

Applicants who applied under the previous Standard Credentialling Pathway will remain in that pathway and will not automatically transition into the Comparability Pathway.

Applicants must first demonstrate that they meet the qualifications assessment requirements, including demonstrating proof of:

  • Completion of an entry-to-practice physiotherapy university degree
  • Completion of a supervised clinical practicum or placement
  • Language proficiency requirements
  • Completion of a Canadian Healthcare Context course

Review the Comparability Pathway Policy for more information.

Stayed connected for new streamlined document requirements.

Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool

The Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool is a core component of CAPR’s modernized credentialling program.

The PET is:

The PET measures whether an applicant’s knowledge and skills are comparable to Canadian physiotherapy education standards and identifies areas where additional learning may be required.

Learn more by reviewing the Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool Blueprint.

The Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool (PET) was developed using internationally recognized assessment development and psychometric best practices to ensure it is fair, valid, reliable, and defensible.

Development of the PET included three key phases:

  • Blueprint development: A national panel of physiotherapy subject matter experts identified the knowledge and skills expected of a recent graduate of an approved Canadian physiotherapy program. This work informed the PET blueprint, which defines the content areas and weighting of the assessment.
  • Pilot testing: The PET was pilot tested with a sample of final year physiotherapy students and recent graduates from approved Canadian physiotherapy programs, as well as sample of internationally educated physiotherapists who recently passed the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination. The purpose of the pilot was to evaluate item quality, test performance, and reliability, and to obtain qualitative feedback about the assessment. Results from the pilot informed revisions to the assessment before implementation.
  • Standard setting: A separate panel of experienced physiotherapists established the performance standards for the PET using recognized standard-setting methods. This process defined the score thresholds used to support fair, evidence-informed decisions about applicants’ outcomes. The standard-setting workshop involved structured expert judgment and established performance expectations aligned with the knowledge of a minimally competent recent graduate of an approved Canadian physiotherapy program.

Together, these activities ensure that the PET is grounded in current Canadian physiotherapy practice and developed using rigorous, evidence-informed methods that support valid and consistent decision-making.

Learn more by reviewing the Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool Blueprint.

Outcomes & Remediation


Comparable

The applicant’s knowledge and skills meet the standard expected of a graduate from an approved Canadian physiotherapy program. The applicant is eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination.

Partially Comparable

The applicant has some gaps in knowledge and skills and must complete targeted remediation to meet the standard expected of a graduate from an approved Canadian physiotherapy program. Following successful completion of remediation, the applicant will be eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination.

Not Comparable

The applicant has demonstrated significant gaps in knowledge and skills and does not meet the standard expected of a graduate from an approved Canadian physiotherapy program. Targeted remediation is not available as the gaps are too significant. The applicant is not eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination.


Applicants identified as partially comparable will receive individualized learning plans that include:

  • Practice resources
  • Learning modules

CAPR’s remediation approach is designed to help applicants address specific gaps identified through the PET process.

Remediation resources are from trusted system partners, accessible and low cost or free.

Fairness & Transparency

CAPR credentialling pathways are 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.

The Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool (PET) was developed using internationally recognized assessment and psychometric best practices and is based on the knowledge and skills expected of a graduate from an approved Canadian physiotherapy program. Applicants are assessed using the same standardized evaluation process, and decisions are based on objective evidence rather than individual opinion.

All applicants are evaluated using the same eligibility requirements, assessment, scoring procedures, and decision rules. The PET uses predetermined performance standards established through a structured standard-setting process. This ensures that comparable decisions are made consistently for all applicants, regardless of where they completed their physiotherapy education.