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Preparing for the OCE

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How to Prepare for the Ontario Clinical Exam

This page includes information and resources to help you prepare for the Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE). We recommend you review all of it.

Candidate must also carefully review all technology requirements and exam policies.

Please note: The College does not endorse or support any exam preparation courses offered by private companies.

Important Documents

Candidate Technology Requirements

Room Set Up Requirements

What to Expect on Exam Day

Tips for Success Checklist

Exam Room Checklist

Candidate Demo Site

The candidate demo site allows test-takers to familiarize themselves with the exam delivery platform before exam day.

Login Information

ID:Training

Password: thisisademo

Candidates should also watch the Exam Delivery Platform Demonstration Video before their exam day. The video shows candidates how to use the exam delivery platform for the virtual Ontario Clinical Exam.

Exam Structure

  • The Ontario Clinical Exam is a two-part exam. Candidates have three hours to complete it.
  • The OCE uses a structured interview format. Each candidate is assessed by two examiners who ask specific questions. No one plays the role of patient at any point during the exam.
  • Candidates are provided scenarios that require them to draw on their own knowledge to provide an appropriate answer. Reviewing the College standards and ensuring they are applied in practice is one of the most effective ways a candidate can prepare for the OCE.
  • The OCE is not an OSCE and is not the same exam that was previously used by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators. There is no hands-on demonstration of clinical skills.
  • The exam is recorded for quality assurance and security purposes.
  • Some candidates may find it useful to review tools related to clinical reasoning or practice reflection. It is important to note that while these resources may be helpful in preparing for a structured interview exam, the questions in these resources are not asked in the OCE.

Standards & Resources

Carefully read and review all College standards and rules, along with supporting documents and e-learning modules. Consider how you follow the standards and resources in your practice and refer to specific examples when answering the exam questions.

Clinical Reasoning/Practice Resources

Clinical Reasoning Framework Activity

Chart Stimulated Recall Worksheet

Exam Development and Structure

Review these resources to understand exam development and structure

Essential Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada 2017
Essential Competency Profile For Physiotherapists In Canada—Assistants

The Ontario Clinical Examination is based on the Essential Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada (2017). This is the most recent competency profile for the physiotherapy profession.

Exam Blueprint

The blueprint describes how the exam is being developed. It provides explicit instructions and guidelines on which competencies are to be measured, including in the context of specific areas of practice.

Video Resources

Webinars

This webinar outlines how candidates can study and prepare for the Ontario Clinical Exam.
This webinar answers candidates’ common questions about setting up the exam space, technology requirements and the exam structure.

Sample Questions

Please note, these questions are examples only. These are not questions that candidates will be asked during the exam.

Part 1 – Case Studies

The candidate is presented with two case studies based on two different clinical and practice scenarios. Candidates must analyze the scenario and respond to the questions.

Each case follows a standard template and approach to ensure consistency. 

Each case includes unique considerations related to a patient’s presenting condition. Every candidate will receive at least one case which focuses on the musculoskeletal system where the patient is attending care at a rehabilitation facility or private practice facility.

Case 1

  1. Accepting the patient (assess personal knowledge and appropriateness for physiotherapy)
  2. Informed consent
  3. Clinical examination
  4. Clinical impression and recommendations

Case 2

  1. Developing a treatment plan
  2. Developing goals, patient collaboration
  3. Collaboration, consultation, and referral to others
  4. Monitoring, reassessing, and modifying the plan, and/or promoting self-management
  5. Discharge planning or transitioning care

Part 2 – Vignettes

Vignettes (a short one-paragraph situation) will be presented to the candidate for each of the question topics below to assess the candidate’s application of the standards, Code of Ethical Conduct, and critical reasoning skills.

  1. Supervision and assigning care to support personnel (PTAs, Rehabilitation Assistants)
  2. Expectations regarding fees, billing and account oversight 
  3. Addressing discrepancies between employer expectations and professional standards
  4. Conflict resolution
  5. Confidentiality and privacy
  6. Infection control and prevention
  7. Professional boundaries
  8. Ethical issues
  9. Prioritizing care and time management
  10. Physical and emotional safety of the patient
  11. Communication strategies

Tips For Answering Questions

  • Your response should be based on your own knowledge, experience, and practice. If you are currently practicing, consider reviewing your patient charts against the Exam Blueprint. If you are not currently practicing, consider examples from your education, training and past practice experience, and how they relate to the Exam Blueprint.
  • Your response should be in your own words, examiners are not looking for a rehearsed or recited answer. Consider practicing interview style questions with your peers or supervisor to help prepare.
  • When providing an answer be sure to focus on the “why.” Provide an explanation for your decision or actions.
  • Be sure to review the College standards and resources and supporting e-learning modules.

What to Expect on Exam Day

Learn more about exam day procedures in this section.

Please also review the What to Expect on Exam Day document in full before your exam.

What to Expect on Exam Day