Independent Practice Certificate

Steps to apply for an Independent Practice certificate for the first time in Ontario

Apply if you:

Have never held an Independent Practice Certificate in Ontario
Don't currently hold a Provisional Practice Certificate in Ontario

Questions? Contact registration@collegept.org or 1-800-583-5885 ext. 222.

Step 1

Successfully Complete the Written and Clinical Exams

Written Exam

The Physiotherapy Competency Exam - Written is administered by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR). Candidates must successfully complete the written exam before registering to take the clinical exam.

Visit the CAPR website for more information about the written exam.

Clinical Exam

Please note that the clinical exam administered by CAPR was phased out in January 2022. After successfully completing the written exam, candidates must successfully complete the Ontario Clinical Exam to be eligible to apply for Independent Practice.

The Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE) was approved by Council as an approved clinical exam for registration in Independent Practice in August 2022. The OCE is administered by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Step 2

Submit a Regulatory History Form

If you have practiced physiotherapy outside of Ontario or Canada, you will need to submit a completed Regulatory History Form to the College from each jurisdiction where you have been registered. Timing should be considered as forms must be dated within 6 months of applying to the College.

Step 3

Apply to the College:

Visit the PT Portal to apply. Click on "Apply for Registration".

PT Portal

Step 4

Get Professional Liability Insurance

Professional liability insurance is mandatory before providing patient care. If you don’t have professional liability insurance or if your coverage does not meet the College’s requirements a condition will be placed on your certificate and the Public Register will indicate that you cannot provide direct patient care.

View Public Register

Step 5

College Email

Within 15 days of receiving an application the College will send you an email to let you know that your application has been reviewed and whether or not it is complete. An application is complete when all information, payment and documents (including Letters of Professional Standing if applicable) have been received.

A $114 fee is charged to review the application

Step 6

Additional Documentation May be Required

You will be notified by email if we require additional documents to complete your application. Once received, you can expect your certificate to be issued within 10 days.

It takes a total of 15 days to review and process a complete application.

Step 7

Registration Confirmation or Referral to the Registration Committee

If you have met the College’s requirements your pro-rated registration fee will be charged and your registration number will be issued. You will receive an email confirming this. If you have not met the College’s requirements your application will be referred to the Registration Committee. This process can take approximately 8-10 weeks. The Registration team will contact you to advise you on the next steps.

Learn More about the Registration Committee Process

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