Exam Transition – Important Updates for Candidates  

The process to become a physiotherapist in Ontario is changing with the introduction of a new single-step licensure exam.

The new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE) is run by Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR).

This exam replaces both the written exam and the Ontario Clinical Exam.

Important changes include:

• The last administration of the Ontario Clinical Exam will be October 17 -18, 2026. Applications to take the Ontario Clinical Exam are now closed.
• The Provisional Practice Class will be phased out. Applications for Provisional Practice are no longer being accepted.

Canadian Physiotherapy Examination  

CAPR began administering the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination in January 2026.  

The Canadian Physiotherapy Exam: 

• Is offered eight times in 2026 

• Is conducted virtually over one day 

• Combines written and clinical components with a single pass mark 

• Evaluates 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 availability. 

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 was 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 have submitted 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 new Canadian Physiotherapy Examination. The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators 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.