Exam Transition – Important Updates for Candidates  

In January 2026, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) will launch a new single-step licensure exam called the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE). This exam will combine the written and clinical components into one exam.

The move to this single-step exam will change the process to become a physiotherapist in Ontario.

Important changes include:

• The College will stop offering the Ontario Clinical Exam in late 2026.
• The Provisional Practice Class will be phased out. Applications for Provisional Practice will not be accepted after January 31, 2026.

Single Exam Coming In 2026 

CAPR will start administering the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam in January 2026.  

The Canadian Physiotherapy Exam will: 

• Be offered eight times in 2026 

• Be conducted virtually over one day 

• Combine written and clinical components with a single pass mark 

• Evaluate critical competencies necessary for safe and effective physiotherapy practice 

The cost of the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam is $2,500. A discounted rate is available for candidates who passed the Physiotherapy Competency Examination – Written Component in 2025. From February through December 2026, the discounted fee is $1,800.

Transition Period 

There will be some overlap between the end of the two-exam process and the launch of the single-exam pathway.

This means during the transition period, some applicants will be able to choose between taking the Ontario Clinical Exam with the College, or taking the new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination with the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR).

All options are time-limited and subject to deadlines and available exam seats. 

The last administration of CAPR’s written exam is November 26, 2025. The last administration of the Ontario Clinical Exam will be in late 2026.

If you want to take the Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE), you must:

• Have successfully completed CAPR’s written exam
• Submit your application for a Provisional Practice Certificate of Registration and an OCE date no later than January 31, 2026

Option 1: Two-Exam Pathway 

1. Successfully complete the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) written exam (written component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination). The last administration will be November 26, 2025. 

2. Register for either the College’s Ontario Clinical Exam or CAPR’s new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (subject to the eligibility criteria for each organization). 

• If taking the OCE: You must submit your application for a Provisional Practice Certificate and an exam date by January 31, 2026. You must be registered in Provisional Practice in order to take the Ontario Clinical Exam. Learn more.

3. Successfully complete either the Ontario Clinical Exam or the new Canadian Physiotherapy Exam. 

4. Apply for an Independent Practice Certificate with the College. 

What Happens If I Attempt the Ontario Clinical Exam and Am Unsuccessful? 

All Ontario Clinical Exam candidates are guaranteed one attempt at the exam.

If you take the OCE and are unsuccessful, you can:

• Apply to take the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators’ new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination. This exam will be offered at a discounted rate of $1,800 in 2026 for candidates who have already passed the written exam.
• Put your name on a waitlist to take the OCE again, if spots become available. If a spot opens, the College will let waitlisted candidates know at least 60 days before the exam. Candidates will have the option to accept or decline. Putting your name on the waitlist does not guarantee you will get another chance to attempt the Ontario Clinical Exam.

Option 2: Single-Exam Pathway 

1. Successfully complete the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators’ new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination. CAPR estimates results will be released four to five weeks after each exam. 

2. Apply for an Independent Practice Certificate with the College. 

If you choose this pathway, you will not be eligible to register in the Provisional Practice Class and practice under supervision as a physiotherapist resident.