Proposed Amendments to the General Regulation

About the Proposed Changes to the General Regulation

Background

The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario welcomes your feedback on proposed updates to its General Regulation (O.Reg 532/98) under the Physiotherapy Act, 1991.  

The key changes focus on Part III: Registration and are being considered as the Board of the College has indicated an intention to adopt a new, single entry-to-practice exam for physiotherapists in Ontario. This new exam would replace the current two- exam model that includes the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) and the Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE). 

Why are we proposing regulation changes?

On March 24, 2025, the Board approved, in principle, the use of a single entry-to-practice virtual exam developed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR), pending the development of appropriate service contracts and transition plans. This exam consolidates the written and clinical components of the current two-exam model and is intended for use across Canada. 

For more information, read the Board materials on this decision. 

This decision follows years of work by CAPR to modernize entry-to-practice assessment through its Evaluation Services Re-Envisioned (ESR) project, which was informed by extensive consultation and expert guidance. A single, integrated exam was the outcome of this project, designed to improve efficiency, reduce barriers, and ensure competency while supporting faster transitions to practice.  

Changes are needed to the General Regulation to reflect this new exam pathway. Specifically, the proposed revisions affect Part III: Registration, the section of the General Regulation that outlines the requirements for becoming and remaining registered with the College as a physiotherapist. 

You can review the draft regulation amendments with tracked changes, and a table comparing the changes side-by-side.  

What’s changing?

Removal of the Provisional Practice Certificate Class

Currently, to qualify for an Independent Practice Certificate with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, applicants must successfully complete two separate exams – a written exam and a clinical exam.  

To bridge the time gap between the two exams, applicants that have successfully completed the written exam can obtain a Provisional Practice Certificate. The Provisional Practice Certificate allows them to practice under supervision as a Physiotherapy Resident while they wait to take the clinical exam at the first available opportunity.  

If an applicant is unsuccessful on their clinical exam, their Provisional Practice Certificate expires, and they cannot reapply or continue practicing until they pass. 

With the implementation of a single-exam model, the Provisional Practice Class would be phased out as there would no longer be a waiting period between the two exam components.  

To support this, the College is proposing the following changes to Part III: 

• Removing the “Provisional Practice” section from the General Regulation. 

• Updating the definition of “examination” to highlight the flexibility in how the College’s entry to practice exams may be structured, should any other changes to the exam structure occur in the future. 

• Adding transition rules to accommodate Provisional Practice Certificate holders who are in the process of completing the current two-exam model. These individuals can keep practicing under supervision as a Resident until either: 
  • 12 weeks after registering for the clinical exam, or
  • 15 days after they have been notified that they have been unsuccessful in completing the clinical exam, during which time they can no longer provide care but may assist with patient transfers. 

Other Changes to the General Regulation  

The College is also proposing more general, housekeeping updates to ensure the Regulation is clear, accurate, and relevant. This includes: 

• Introducing a rule that will automatically cancel a registration if it has been suspended for non-payment of fees or compliance with the professional liability insurance requirements for clinical practice for five years. 
  • This would address a gap that makes it possible for registrants to be suspended indefinitely. 
  • Registrants will be given fair notice of a pending revocation and can reapply for a new certificate at any time. 

• Providing more guidance on assessing competence to support the College’s “good character” requirement. 

• Improving language and structure for clarity. 

• Removing references that are out of date and no longer applicable.