Do I have to register with the College of Physical Therapy of BC (CPTBC) if I am registered as a physiotherapist in another Canadian province?
Yes, in British Columbia, all physiotherapists must be registered with the College of Physical Therapists of BC before they can work as a physiotherapist.
What is the difference between The Alliance and the CPTBC?
The Alliance is the national federation of provincial and territorial physiotherapy regulators committed to the development and improvement of regulatory standards of practise for physiotherapists. It is responsible for the credentialing and competency examination processes for all physiotherapists in Canada; while the CPTBC is the provincial regulatory authority responsible for the practise of physiotherapy in British Columbia.
What is the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE)?
The Physiotherapy Competency Examination is the national physiotherapy examination in Canada. It is a two part examination consisting of the Qualifying Exam (written component), which is a multiple-choice examination, and the Physiotherapy National Exam (clinical component) which evaluates the knowledge and application of a candidate’s skills, behaviors, and abilities.
Can I write the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) outside of Canada?
The PCE is only available in Canada.
How often is the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) offered in Canada?
The written component (Qualifying Exam) of the examination is written six times a year, while the clinical component (Physiotherapy National Exam) is written two times a year. Examination dates are available on the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (The Alliance) website at www.alliancept.org.
How is physiotherapy different from occupational therapy?
Physiotherapists concentrate on helping the body adapt or recover from illness or injury. Occupational therapists also take into consideration the environment, social, and emotional aspects of disability. Both professions may be involved in helping the same client.