Canadian Physiotherapy Association
Canadian Physiotherapy Association

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The CPA can confirm that the Council of Physiotherapy Alberta, at their May 10th meeting, approved the Post-Graduate 2021 Clinical Evaluation as a temporary alternate clinical competency examination to fulfill registration requirements in lieu of the clinical component of the PCE. This alternative is available for individuals who meet the established eligibility requirements in the province. The CPA is thrilled that Physiotherapy Alberta is pursuing this alternative to the clinical component of the PCE, and we stand with Physiotherapy Alberta in acknowledging the burden that the repeated cancellations of the exam have put on candidates who have spent time, energy, and passionate dedication to prepare for entry to practice.

Similar to our position earlier this month acknowledging the actions taken by the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia, we commend Physiotherapy Alberta for their leadership and innovation in bringing this decision to life for the candidates and for the profession. We applaud their transparency and accountability as they share detailed next steps and demonstrable action taken to support candidates. We have been, and continue to be, in open dialogue with the team at Physiotherapy Alberta and offer our continued support and partnership in delivering this exam in June.

The CPA continues to urge Colleges across the country to follow the leadership demonstrated by the Council of Physiotherapy Alberta and the College of Physical Therapists of British Columbia in considering timely, alternative options to competency assessment. In addition, we remain committed to supporting all impacted candidates in accessing the opportunity to demonstrate their competence and, once demonstrated, achieve licensure, including those who became eligible for the examination after the first cancellation.

Key updates from the Physiotherapy Alberta announcement:

  • Physiotherapy Alberta will be contracting the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Continuing Professional Education Unit of the University of Alberta (the CPE Unit) to administer this alternate examination.
  • Exam will be held on June 11th and 12th, 2021.
  • IMPORTANT: Specific eligibility criteria and exclusion criteria apply – read more here.
  • Participation in the alternate examination is voluntary.
  • The alternate exam is being offered on a cost-recovery basis.
  • Physiotherapist interns meeting the eligibility criteria will be individually contacted by Physiotherapy Alberta via direct email by May 17, 2021, with further information regarding the alternate examination, including the examination fee and how to register if they are interested in pursuing this option.

We encourage all eligible candidates to carefully review the update and the Post-Graduate 2021 Clinical Evaluation FAQs – important details are provided in the PCE Update: May 14.

In addition, the CPA encourages all of its members, and the community in Alberta to respond to Physiotherapy Alberta’s call for support, specifically:

  • “Employers and supervisors can provide practical assistance to candidates opting to take this examination by providing support to study as they are able.”
  • “Physiotherapists who have helped the University of Alberta Physiotherapy Department or CPE Unit in the past with program related OSCEs, either as examiners or standardized patients, should anticipate that the CPE Unit will need their assistance now. We encourage all physiotherapists on the General Register to consider how they can aid in this process.”

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