To be a physiotherapist (also known as a physical therapist) in Canada, you must be registered with a regulatory body often called a College. Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession, and each Canadian province/territory has their own regulatory body. In Ontario, the regulatory body is the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. You must receive a license from the College before you can practice in Ontario.
If you received your physiotherapy education or training outside of Canada, you must have your education and training assessed (this process is called credentialling) and successfully complete a written competency exam before you can apply for a license with the College.
The College does not administer credentialling services or the written competency exam. Both steps are managed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR). If you received your physiotherapy education outside of Canada, you must connect with CAPR first.
After completing the credentialling process and written exam, you will need to successfully complete the Ontario Clinical Exam – a virtual, clinical exam that is administered by the College.
We have outlined the entire process to become a licensed physiotherapist in the steps below. There are also two physiotherapy associations – the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Ontario Physiotherapy Association – that can be helpful to you throughout this process. The associations are bodies that advocate on behalf of physiotherapists, while the College’s mandate is to protect the public interest.
Questions?
Registration Team
Contact the Registration Team for assistance at registration@collegept.org or call 1-800-583-5885 ext. 222.
Alternate Formats or Translation
If you would like information in an alternate format or another language, please contact communications@collegept.org or call 1-800-583-5885 ext. 234.