Joint Statement about PCE from Branches of the CPA

Provincial/territorial Physiotherapy Associations across the country have been working with regulators, academic leaders and government (where applicable) to speed up solutions for the full entry-to-practice for candidates affected by delays in the clinical component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). 

In response to the announcement by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) regarding the discontinuation of the clinical component of the PCE and the statement from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA), we have noted some concerning misinformation on various social media platforms. As Branches of the CPA, we have joined in this statement to ensure that candidates have the information they need to understand the impact of this announcement. 

The discontinuation of the provision of the clinical component of the examination by CAPR does not remove any requirements referring to clinical or practical examinations within bylaws or regulations for entry to independent practice specific to each province and the Yukon. 

As a result, there is no consistent, national process for entry to independent practice. With each province and the Yukon acting individually to determine how to meet their requirements, candidates face different challenges depending on where they are seeking licensing/registration. The loss of a component of a national examination, where it is still embedded in College bylaws and/or regulations, impacts most jurisdictions, especially smaller ones with more limited resources. In addition, for some candidates, including those who have previously failed the clinical examination, and who have not been eligible for alternate routes to independent practice proposed to date in most provinces, this announcement removes any hope that a clinical examination would be available nationally within the first months of 2022. 

Though we welcome the announcement as a clarification of CAPR’s intent moving forward, we call on all national stakeholders – association, regulators, academics, and accreditor – to work in partnership and engage with experts and candidates to determine a national process for entry to independent practice as soon as possible. In the interim the provincial/territorial Associations across Canada will continue to work together and with all stakeholders, sharing resources, advocating and working to remove barriers to independent practice in each region.