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  • Home
  • Professional Development
  • How IEPTs Become a PT in Ontario
The Process to Become a PT is Changing 

Stay up to date with information from the College and CAPR 

The examination process changed in early 2026. For the most detailed and up-to-date information, please connect with the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) and the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

The Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) no longer exists. Incoming internationally educated physiotherapists will not be eligible to challenge the Ontario Clinical Exam (OCE) as it will cease to exist as of September 2026. The new process for internationally educated physiotherapists to become licensed in Ontario is below.

Steps to Practice in Ontario (updated april 2026)

Are you a Physiotherapist educated outside of Canada looking to practice in Ontario?

If you want to work as a physiotherapist, or use the title, you must be officially registered in the province where you want to work.

For physiotherapists trained outside of Canada, called Internationally Educated Physiotherapists (IEPTs), there are three main steps to follow to work in Canada.

HOW IEPTS BECOME A PT IN ONTARIO

Step 1: Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators

The first step involves the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) verifying education and qualifications, a process known as credentialling.

CAPR determines if you are eligible to take the Canadian Physiotherapy Competency Exam (CPTE). You must successfully pass the CPTE before taking the next steps to become registered as a physiotherapist in Canada.

If you are eligible to take the exam, you must proceed through the Exam Application Process. Please consult with CAPR to determine your next steps to determine your eligibility.

Learn More
HOW IEPTS BECOME A PT IN ONTARIO

Step 2: Pass the Canadian Physiotherapy Competency Exam (CPTE)

The second step is successfully completing a national examination about the competencies for physiotherapists which is administered by CAPR.

Once you have completed the credentialling process, you can challenge the exam with no additional requirements. You have 3 chances to pass the exam. Applicants who are eligible to write the CPTE must apply for the exam.

After applying for the exam, candidates may wish to study using resources such as CAPR’s key resource list, practice exam and the 2018 examination blueprint. If you pass the exam, you can move on to step 3.

Prepare for Exam
HOW IEPTS BECOME A PT IN ONTARIO

Step 3: Apply for Independent Practice with the College

The third step is to apply for your independent practice license with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario (CPO). Physiotherapists in Ontario are regulated by the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. All those who pass the CPTE must register with the College to practice as a physiotherapist in Ontario. Once you register, you can use the title “Physiotherapist” or “Physical Therapist”.

Internationally Educated Physiotherapists can work as physiotherapist assistants while they wait for licensure with the College, but they can no longer work as PT Residents under supervision.

College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Transitioning to Practice in Ontario Learning Modules

The College has created a Transitioning to Practice in Ontario learning series to help support physiotherapists starting their careers in Ontario. This free resource includes six video-based modules that explore the healthcare landscape in Ontario.
View Modules
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Bridging programs help you meet requirements

There are programs available that prepare internationally educated physiotherapists to meet the CAPR entry-to-practice requirements.

In Ontario, there is the Ontario Internationally Educated Physical Therapy Bridging (OIEPB) Program at the University of Toronto.

The Bridging Program offers two courses: the Comprehensive Bridging Program, a hybrid 8-month program, and an online 6-week course titled Physiotherapy Practice within the Canadian Health Care Context.
Join OPA & CPA

We are your professional voice in Ontario

When you join OPA and CPA, you become a part of Ontario’s 5,500+ and Canada’s 16,000+ community of physiotherapy professionals and students.

As an IEPT in your first year working in Canada, you receive a 50% discount on membership and professional liability insurance.

Contact CPA at information@physiotherapy.ca to learn more about membership benefits and discounts.
HELPFUL RESOURCES

Quicklinks to additional resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from Internationally Educated Physiotherapists

Get answers to the most common questions IEPTs have when working through the registration process or starting their careers in Ontario.

One way to increase your network and circle of opportunities is reaching out to PT clinics in your area to see if you can meet with them and learn more about their practice. Some hospitals and home care agencies may offer “shadowing” programs where you can apply to shadow a PT in that setting for a defined period of time. 

Become a member of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association (OPA) and get to know your local OPA District members. Join the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) and as an Ontario resident, you automatically become a member of the Ontario Physiotherapy Association. 

Do your research on the position and place of employment to which you want to apply. Your research should include: 

  • The type of clinic or other health care setting you want to practice in.
  • What you can learn about the work environment, including culture, vision, values, safety protocols and other factors that are important for you.
  • Many hospitals and home care agencies also post employment opportunities on their websites under the “careers” section.

Know the position you are applying for and write a cover letter that aligns your greatest strengths to the position that is being offered. Show that you have done your homework and know why you are perfect for the organization and the position. Make sure your cover letter and resume highlights what sets you apart from other applicants, and that includes what you bring to the position as someone trained in another country.

OPA has a New to Practice toolkit that includes information on getting an interview, interviewing and resume tips, and many more resources to help with your efforts in getting a job. 

HealthForceOntario also developed a general employment resource starter kit that covers topics like job search, exploring your options, and much more! 

Take advantage of the Practice Advisor team at the College. They can answer questions related to practice, rules and regulations. In addition, Bridging Programs are another excellent hub of resources (such as filling gaps of knowledge and skills, knowledge about Canadian Healthcare system, clinical placement opportunity, networking, preparation for job interview, and writing cover letter/ resume). 

HealthForceOntario also has an access centre for internationally-educated health professionals for programs and services that focuses on the integration into the Ontario health care system. 

This will be different for everyone based on how similar or different the rules are that govern practicing. Understanding the Canadian healthcare system is critically important. Understanding what it means to be self-regulated in Ontario and the role of the College of Physiotherapist of Ontario in regulating physiotherapists is also important to your success in practicing in Ontario. The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario sets rules and standards on obtaining consent, communication, controlled acts, and working with physiotherapist assistants.