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Ontario Clinical Exam Sample Questions

Ontario Clinical Exam

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Ontario Clinical Exam — Sample Questions

Below you will find two examples of questions for the Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE).

The Ontario Clinical Exam uses a structured interview format. Candidates will be provided with scenarios that require them to draw on their own knowledge to provide an appropriate answer given the situation. These examples will provide candidates with the types of questions that will be asked, along with how candidates will engage with the examiners while provided their answer. 

The OCE is a two-part exam. In part one, two case studies will be presented to the candidate based on two different clinical and practice scenarios. Candidates will have to analyze the scenario and respond to the questions. 

In part two, candidates will be presented with a series of vignettes (short one-paragraph scenarios) to assess the candidate’s application of the standards of the profession, Code of Ethics, and critical reasoning skills.

Please review the case study and vignette samples below. We have provided examples of questions that the examiners may ask you after presenting the scenario, along with tips to consider when you provide your answer. 

Please note that these questions are examples only. These are not questions that candidates will be asked during the exam.

Case Study Example

Sam, an 86-year-old retired elementary school teacher, was transferred from an independent retirement facility to an acute care hospital. Sam fell while walking and holding books in each hand. Prior to the fall, Sam was ambulatory without a gait aid. Currently, Sam is confused and is unable to accurately respond to one-step commands. Sam’s daughter is available to answer questions. 


The patient record indicates:

  • X-Ray shows flail chest, 7th, 8th, and 9th right-sided ribs are fractured in multiple places and are free-floating, and 4th and 5th ribs are fractured and are minimally displayed.
  • CT-Scan of the head was unremarkable for fracture or bleeding of the brain.
  • Prior left hip replacement due to osteoarthritis, confirmed with X-Ray as non-displaced from fall.
  • Comorbidities include hypertension, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia.
  • Sam wears glasses and hearing aids. 

Question the examiners will ask about the case study: 

For this case, describe the steps you would take to conduct the assessment.

After you provide your answer to the above question, the examiner may ask some additional follow-up (probing) questions.

Examples of probing questions that the examiners may ask you:

  • What is the most important objective information that you should collect?
  • Why is this information important?
  • How would you determine the patient’s level of pain or discomfort?
  • What effect does the patient’s pain level or discomfort have on your assessment?
  • Explain how you would get informed consent for the assessment.
 

Vignette Example

The owners of a gym offer you a monthly membership to their gym, in exchange for you referring clients to them. The gym is in the same building as the physiotherapy centre, and the monthly membership is valued at $75. 

Question the examiners will ask about the vignette: 
In this scenario, what concerns do you have if any?

After you provide your answer to the above question, the examiner may ask some additional follow-up (probing) questions.

Examples of probing questions that the examiners may ask:

  1. How would you proceed in this situation?
  2. Explain why you would take this action.
  3. Tell me about the conversation you would have with the gym owner.

Tips for Answering Questions: 

Candidates should consider the following tips when answering both case study and vignette-style questions:

  • Your response should be based on your own knowledge, experience, and practice. If you are currently practicing, consider reviewing your patient charts against the Exam Blueprint. If you are not currently practicing, consider examples from your education, training and past practice experience, and how they relate to the Exam Blueprint. 

  • Your response should be in your own words, examiners are not looking for a rehearsed or recited answer. Consider practicing interview style questions with your peers or supervisor to help prepare.

  • When providing an answer be sure to focus on the “why.” Provide an explanation for your decision or actions. 

  • Be sure to review the College standards and resources and supporting FAQs.
 
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