How to Apply
How to Apply
Educated in Canada
To practice physiotherapy in Canada, you must be licensed by a regulatory College. There are two categories of registration:
- Provisional Practice – You can practice as a physiotherapy resident under a College-approved supervisor. You can apply for a Provisional Practice Certificate of Registration if you graduated from a Canadian physiotherapy program, successfully passed the written exam and are registered for the Ontario Clinical Exam. Provisional Practice is optional but allows you to practice as a PT resident until you complete the clinical exam. If you choose not to register for Provisional Practice, you cannot practice physiotherapy until you successfully complete the Ontario Clinical Exam.
- Independent Practice – You are a fully licensed physiotherapist and no longer have to practice under supervision. You can apply for an Independent Practice Certificate of Registration only after you have successfully completed both the written exam and the Ontario Clinical Exam.
Educated Outside Canada
To be a physiotherapist (also known as a physical therapist) in Canada, you must be registered with a regulatory body often called a College. Physiotherapy is a regulated health profession, and each Canadian province/territory has their own regulatory body. In Ontario, the regulatory body is the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. You must receive a license from the College before you can practice in Ontario.
If you received your physiotherapy education or training outside of Canada, you must have your education and training assessed (this process is called credentialling) and complete a language assessment to demonstrate proficiency in English or French.
The College does not administer credentialling or language assessment services. Both steps are managed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR). If you received your physiotherapy education outside of Canada, you must connect with CAPR first.
We have outlined the entire process to become a licensed physiotherapist in the steps below. There are also two physiotherapy associations – the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Ontario Physiotherapy Association – that can be helpful to you throughout this process. The associations are bodies that advocate on behalf of physiotherapists, while the College’s mandate is to protect the public interest.
Important Links:
Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR)
Immigration and Citizenship Canada
National Newcomer Navigation Network
Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Ontario Physiotherapy Association
Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging Program
Questions?
Contact the Registration Team for assistance at 1-800-583-5885 ext. 222 or email registration@collegept.org.
Alternate Formats or Translation
If you would like information in an alternate format or another language, please contact communications@collegept.org or call 1-800-583-5885 ext. 234.
How to Become a Physiotherapist in Ontario:
More Helpful Resources
Ontario Physiotherapy Association: New to Practice Webinar
National Newcomer Navigation Network: Internationally Educated Healthcare Professionals Resource Hub
Learn How to Move within Canada and Work as a Physiotherapist
Hire Internationally Educated Physiotherapists:
Online Repository of Educational Resources for Health Professionals and Employers
Free Practice Readiness e-Learning Program (PReP)
Career Map—Working in Ontario
Ontario Human Rights Commission
E-learning Modules
Fair Registration Processes
The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials
Health Force Ontario:
Programs and services to health professionals trained outside of Canada
Employment Resources Starter Kit
Immigrant Access Funds—Micro Loans
Exam Skills Preparation Workshops (ESP)
Physiotherapy Online and Refresher Courses
Free Program for Newcomers Entering Healthcare Field In Canada
Registration Categories
Below are the different registration categories, steps to apply for your certificate of registration, and the associated fees. Complete applications will be processed within 15 days.
If you have questions about applying for registration with the College, please contact registration@collegept.org or 1-800-583-5885 ext. 222.
Provisional Practice – Work as a Physiotherapy Resident Under Supervision
Use this option if you have completed CAPR’s written exam, you are registered for the Ontario Clinical Exam, have never attempted a clinical exam and have never applied for Provisional Practice before.
Important: You must be registered for the next administration of the Ontario Clinical Exam to receive a Provisional Practice certificate. The exam fee must be paid in full at the time of registration. If you do not register for the Ontario Clinical Exam, your Provisional Practice application will be considered incomplete.
You Are Eligible to Apply for Provisional Practice if You:
You have a degree in physiotherapy/physical therapy
You have successfully completed the written exam administered by CAPR
You have not failed a clinical exam before
You have liability insurance if you plan to deliver patient care
Terms, Conditions and Limitations
You can only deliver patient care under the supervision of a supervisor registered in Independent Practice
You can only use the titles physiotherapy resident or PT resident
You cannot use the titles physiotherapist, physical therapist or PT
Application fee: $114, plus the $1,985 fee to register for the Ontario Clinical Exam
Timeline: Complete applications will be processed within 15 days. Please check your email for updates regarding your application.
- Make sure your credentials have been assessed by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (international applicants only) and you have successfully completed CAPR’s written exam (all applicants). You cannot register for a Provisional Practice certificate if you didn’t successfully complete the written exam.
- 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. Your application cannot be processed until we have received this information from all jurisdictions where you previously registered.
Regulatory history forms must be dated within six months of your application and must be sent to the College by the licensing authority completing the form. These documents cannot be submitted by the applicant themselves .
Download the Regulatory History Form
- After you receive confirmation that you have passed the written exam, you can register for the Ontario Clinical Exam, administered by the College. You can register for the OCE and pay the exam fee in the PT Portal. You must be registered for the next available exam to receive a Provisional Practice Certificate.
- Before submitting your application, make sure you have all your documents from the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators, ensure that you registered for the OCE, and make arrangements for a Practice Supervisor. You can register without a supervisor, but you will not be able to start practicing.
You can then apply for registration in the PT Portal.
- Get professional liability insurance. Liability insurance is mandatory before providing patient care. If you don’t have liability insurance, or if your coverage doesn’t 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.
- We’ll send you an email within 15 days to let you know that your application has been reviewed and whether it’s complete. An application is complete when all information, payment and documents (including Letters of Professional Standing if applicable) have been received. You will be notified by email if additional documentation or information is required.
During the review process, we’ll also assess your proposed supervisor’s eligibility. If eligible, we’ll email the supervisor and ask them to complete a supervision agreement in the PT Portal.
If you do not have an approved supervisor, a condition will be placed on your certificate that prevents you from providing direct patient care. This condition will be posted on the Public Register.
- If you have met the College’s requirements, you will be charged the $85 registration fee, and your registration number will be issued within 15 days.
If you have not met the requirements, your application will be referred to the Registration Committee. This process can take eight to 10 weeks.
If your application is approved, you will receive a registration number that allows you to practice and perform controlled acts (if rostered), bill for physiotherapy services and complete patient records. Make sure you review the PT Resident Welcome Guide before you start practicing.
Provisional Practice/PT Resident Welcome Guide
Essential information for all physiotherapist residents
Independent Practice – First Time Applicants
Use this option if you have never applied for Independent Practice before and don’t currently have a Provisional Practice Certificate of Registration.
Application fee: $114, plus the $1,985 fee to register for the Ontario Clinical Exam
Timeline: Complete applications will be processed within 15 days. Please check your email for updates regarding your application.
- Make sure you have successfully completed the written exam administered by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators, and the Ontario Clinical Exam administered by the College.
- 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. Your application cannot be processed until we have received this information from all jurisdictions where you previously registered.
Regulatory history forms must be dated within six months of your application and must be sent to the College by the licensing authority completing the form. These documents cannot be submitted by the applicant themselves.
Download the Regulatory History Form
- Apply for registration in the PT Portal.
- Get professional liability insurance. Liability insurance is mandatory before providing patient care. If you don’t have liability insurance, or if your coverage doesn’t 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.
- We’ll send you an email within 15 days to let you know that your application has been reviewed and whether it’s complete. An application is complete when all information, payment and documents (including Letters of Professional Standing if applicable) have been received. You will be notified by email if additional documentation or information is required.
- If you have met the College’s requirements, you will be charged a pro-rated registration fee, and your registration number will be issued within 15 days. If you have not met the requirements your application will be referred to the Registration Committee. This process can take eight to 10 weeks.
Independent Practice – Returning Applicants
Use this option if you were previously registered for Independent Practice in Ontario but you are not currently registered with the College.
Application fee: $114
Timeline: Complete applications will be processed within 15 days. Please check your email for updates regarding your application.
- Verify that you meet the practice hour requirement. Unless you successfully completed the clinical exam within the last five years, you must have accumulated at least 1,200 practice hours over the last five years. If you have been out of practice for more than five years, your application will be referred to Registration Committee. The Committee will determine what equivalent requirements are required and if you have the knowledge, skills and judgement to practice.
- 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. Your application cannot be processed until we have received this information from all jurisdictions where you previously registered.
Regulatory history forms must be dated within six months of your application and must be sent to the College by the licensing authority completing the form. These documents cannot be submitted by the applicant themselves.
Download the Regulatory History Form
- Apply for registration in the PT Portal. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by clicking the Sign Up Now button.
- Get professional liability insurance. Liability insurance is mandatory before providing patient care. If you don’t have liability insurance, or if your coverage doesn’t 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.
- We’ll send you an email within 15 days to let you know that your application has been reviewed and whether it’s complete. An application is complete when all information, payment and documents (including Letters of Professional Standing if applicable) have been received. You will be notified by email if additional documentation or information is required.
- If you have met the College’s requirements, you will be charged a pro-rated registration fee, and your registration number will be issued within 15 days. If you have not met the requirements your application will be referred to the Registration Committee. This process can take eight to 10 weeks.
Independent Practice – Registered in Another Province
Use this option if you’re currently registered to practice physiotherapy in another Canadian province and would like to apply for Independent Practice in Ontario.
The Ontario Labour Mobility Act became law in December 2009. Labour mobility refers to the revised Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) signed by the federal, provincial and territorial governments to make it easier for professionals and tradespeople, investment and goods to move across the country.
Under the terms of labour mobility, professionals and tradespeople certified in one Canadian jurisdiction will be considered to have met the requirements for certification in other Canadian jurisdictions without having to undergo additional training or assessment or meet additional experience requirements.
Application fee: $114
Timeline: Complete applications will be processed within 15 days. Please check your email for updates regarding your application.
- Apply for registration in the PT Portal.
- We’ll send you an email within 15 days to let you know that your application has been reviewed and whether it’s complete. An application is complete when all information, payment and documents (including Letters of Professional Standing if applicable) have been received. You will be notified by email if additional documentation or information is required.
- If you have met the College’s requirements, you will be charged a pro-rated registration fee, and your registration number will be issued within 15 days. If you have not met the requirements your application will be referred to the Registration Committee. This process can take eight to 10 weeks.
Independent Practice Certificate – Cross-Border Physiotherapy
Use this option if you are looking to perform physiotherapy services across a provincial border for the purpose of transferring expertise or physiotherapy knowledge, improving individual choice and allowing for greater efficiencies.
Eligibility:
You can register for a Cross-Border Physiotherapy – Independent Practice Certificate if you intend to provide:
Tele-rehabilitation service for the purpose of continuing to provide care for patients whose physiotherapy began in your primary jurisdiction and would benefit from continued and time-limited service in Ontario.
Tele-rehabilitation service for the purpose of providing care where services are not available in Ontario but would benefit patients.
In-person services for the purpose of continuing to provide care for patients whose physiotherapy began in your primary jurisdiction and would benefit from continued and time-limited service in Ontario.
In-person services for the purpose of providing care where services are not available in Ontario but would benefit patients.
You must be currently licensed in Canada with a certificate that is equivalent to Ontario’s Independent Practice certificate, but you cannot hold two certificates of registration with the College. If you are currently registered for Independent Practice in Ontario, you are not eligible to apply for a Cross-Border Physiotherapy certificate.
Application fee: $114
Timeline: Complete applications will be processed within 15 days. Please check your email for updates regarding your application.
- 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. Your application cannot be processed until we have received this information from all jurisdictions where you previously registered.
Regulatory history forms must be dated within six months of your application and must be sent to the College by the licensing authority completing the form. These documents cannot be submitted by the applicant themselves.
Download the Regulatory History Form
- Apply for registration in the PT Portal. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by clicking the Sign Up Now button.
- Get professional liability insurance. Liability insurance is mandatory before providing patient care. If you don’t have liability insurance, or if your coverage doesn’t 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.
- We’ll send you an email within 15 days to let you know that your application has been reviewed and whether it’s complete. An application is complete when all information, payment and documents (including Letters of Professional Standing if applicable) have been received. You will be notified by email if additional documentation or information is required.
- If you have met the College’s requirements, you will be charged a pro-rated registration fee, and your registration number will be issued within 15 days. If you have not met the requirements your application will be referred to the Registration Committee. This process can take eight to 10 weeks.
Courtesy Practice Certificate
Use this option if you are already a licensed physiotherapist in another jurisdiction and need temporary registration to teach an educational course or participate in an education program, research activities or an event that does not exceed 30 days.
You must meet the following requirements to receive a Courtesy Practice certificate:
You have a degree in physiotherapy/physical therapy
You are registered/licensed to practice physiotherapy in a jurisdiction outside Ontario
You are current in your practice and have at least 1,200 practice hours in the last five years
You have professional liability insurance that meets the College’s requirements. Please verify that your insurance provides coverage in Ontario.
Courtesy Registration can be issued for any of the following reasons:
To teach a course in Ontario that requires use of the physiotherapist title or involves patients
To participate in a course in Ontario that requires use of the physiotherapist title or involves patients
To participate in a research project in Ontario that requires use of the physiotherapist title or involves patients
To participate in a specific event in Ontario that requires use of the physiotherapist title or involves patients
You can only practice physiotherapy for the purpose specified in your application. Your certificate will expire 30 days after the date of initial registration, on the date the purpose stated in your application is attained or when you are no longer engaged in that purpose, whichever is earliest.
Application fee: $114
Timeline: Complete applications will be processed within 15 days. Please check your email for updates regarding your application.
- 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. Your application cannot be processed until we have received this information from all jurisdictions where you previously registered.
Regulatory history forms must be dated within six months of your application and must be sent to the College by the licensing authority completing the form. These documents cannot be submitted by the applicant themselves.
Download the Regulatory History Form
- Apply for registration in the PT Portal. If you don’t have an account, you can create one by clicking the Sign Up Now button.
- Get professional liability insurance. Liability insurance is mandatory before providing patient care. If you don’t have liability insurance, or if your coverage doesn’t 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.
- We’ll send you an email within 15 days to let you know that your application has been reviewed and whether it’s complete. An application is complete when all information, payment and documents (including Letters of Professional Standing if applicable) have been received. You will be notified by email if additional documentation or information is required.
- If you have met the College’s requirements, you will be charged a pro-rated registration fee, and your registration number will be issued within 15 days. If you have not met the requirements your application will be referred to the Registration Committee. This process can take eight to 10 weeks.
Registration and Application Fees
Below is a complete list of registration and application fees as of April 1, 2024.
Application Fee: $114
Independent Practice Certificate of Registration: $648 (this fee will be pro-rated for applicants depending on when their application is approved)
Independent Practice Certificate of Registration – Cross Border: $113
Provisional Practice – Certificate of Registration: $85 (to be paid once application is approved)
Letter of Professional Standing: $58
Wall Certificate: $29
Questions?
Contact the Registration Team for assistance at 1-800-583-5885 ext. 222 or email registration@collegept.org.