Exam Transition – Important Updates for Candidates  

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

The Board of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario supports the adoption of CAPR’s new single exam, subject to the development of appropriate transitional provisions. 

Adopting this single-step exam will change the pathway to become a physiotherapist in Ontario.  

Single Exam Coming In 2026 

CAPR plans to 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 new CAPR exam has not yet been finalized. However, CAPR has indicated the exam will not cost more than $2,800. 

Transition Period 

At this point, CAPR intends to continue to offer the written exam until at least the fall of 2025. As a result, the College plans to continue to offer the Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE) until at least March 2026, and longer if needed. 

This means there will be overlap between the wind-down of the two-exam process and the launch of the single-exam process. 

Currently, after completing CAPR’s written exam, applicants: 

• Register for the Ontario Clinical Exam run by the College. 

• Can apply for a Provisional Practice Certificate so they can practice as a physiotherapist resident under supervision. 

With the adoption of a new single exam, the pathway to licensure would change. 

During the transition to a single exam, applicants and physiotherapist residents may pursue the following options. All options are time-limited and subject to deadlines and available exam seats. 

Option 1: Two-Exam Pathway 

1. Successfully complete the current 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 Exam (subject to the eligibility criteria for each organization). 

3. If taking the OCE: Apply for a Provisional Practice Certificate, which allows you to practice as a physiotherapist resident under supervision. You must be registered in the Provisional Practice Class in order to take the Ontario Clinical Exam. Learn more.

4. Successfully complete either the Ontario Clinical Exam or the new CAPR single exam. 

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

Important things to note for this option: 

• To be eligible to apply for a Provisional Practice Certificate, you must have successfully completed CAPR’s written exam by the last administration on November 26, 2025. 
• Registration for the Ontario Clinical Exam will be available on a first come, first served basis. We are still determining how far into 2026 we will continue to offer the Ontario Clinical Exam. 
• The new Canadian Physiotherapy Exam, administered by CAPR, begins in January 2026. The January 2026 exam has limited seats, but future exams will have more availability. CAPR estimates results will be released four to five weeks after each exam.
• Registration for the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam is expected to open in July, 2025.  

What Happens If I Attempt the Ontario Clinical Exam and am unsuccessful? 

Anyone who has successfully complete the PCE – Written and who is registered in the Provisional Practice Class will be guaranteed at least one attempt at the Ontario Clinical Exam. If the candidate is unsuccessful and they still have exam attempts available, they will be offered another Ontario Clinical Exam date if there are spots available. If there are not spots available, the candidate will need to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam.  

Option 2: Single-Exam Pathway 

1. Wait and successfully complete CAPR’s new Canadian Physiotherapy Exam.

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

Important things to note for this option: 

• At this time, the College anticipates that if you choose this pathway, you will not be eligible to register in the Provisional Practice Class as you will not have completed the written exam. Once you successfully complete CAPR’s single, combined written and clinical exam (the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam) you will be able to register directly in the Independent Practice Class. 
• The new Canadian Physiotherapy Exam, administered by CAPR, begins in January 2026. The January 2026 exam has limited seats, but future exams will have more availability. CAPR estimates results will be released four to five weeks after each exam.
• Registration for the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam is expected to open in July, 2025.