Following the cancellation of the virtual clinical component of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE), the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario immediately began exploring options to address the current entry to practice situation. 

The College is working with legal advisors to assess options including those proposed by the provincial and national associations. As the regulator, the College’s role is to protect the public, while the associations (the Canadian Physiotherapy Association and the Ontario Physiotherapy Association) exist to advocate on behalf of members. However, we all share the same goal – to resolve the issues surrounding the clinical exam for these candidates as soon as possible.   

We will be providing exam candidates with further direction and information as it becomes available. In the meantime, Council will continue to work alongside the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR), other provincial physiotherapy regulators, and legal experts to explore possible solutions, both short and long-term.

It is important to note that the College is obligated to meet regulatory requirements outlined in the Regulated Health Professions Act and the provincial Registration Regulation. Because the College is legally bound by legislation, the options to quickly address the current entry to practice situation are limited. The College has a legal duty to protect the public by ensuring that physiotherapists provide safe, competent and ethical physiotherapy care. One of the ways the College fulfills this mandate is through entry to practice requirements.

We can only imagine the level of disappointment that exam candidates are feeling during this time and appreciate that the cancellation has had a significant impact for many people who were prepared to take the clinical exam. We will continue to investigate all options available to us as a College and keep everyone informed.