Internationally-Educated Physiotherapists
If you have graduated from a physiotherapy program outside Canada, and you are either immigrating to Canada or moving from another part of Canada to New Brunswick, you may apply for registration as an Internationally-Educated Physiotherapist (IEPT). The IEPT group also includes Canadian citizens who have pursued physiotherapy studies outside the country and are returning to Canada to practise.
IMPORTANT!
- Physiotherapy is a regulated profession across Canada.
- Different provinces and territories within Canada have varying requirements and processes for registration.
- The following information will help you understand the process and requirements for the province of New Brunswick only. You must contact each province/territory individually to enquire about their processes and requirements.
STEP 1- Credentialling through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR)
You must first contact the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) at www.alliance.org for details on how to submit an application to become credentialled to work in Canada as a Physiotherapist.
Tips:
- Carefully read the Credentialling Guide and Overview to ensure you are eligible to apply: https://www.alliancept.org/becoming-credentialled/credentialling-overview/.The credentialling process may take a number of months to complete depending on your unique situation.
Once your credentials have been approved by CAPR, you are ready for Step 2.
STEP 2- Writing the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) through CAPR
You must register for and successfully complete the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE): https://www.alliancept.org/taking-the-exam/.
Tips:
- Be sure to carefully read all exam materials on the CAPR website. There are resources available there to help you succeed.
- You have a maximum of 3 attempts to pass the PCE.
Once you have successfully completed the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE), you are ready for Step 3.
STEP 3- Registering as a Provisional Physiotherapist in New Brunswick through CPTNB
You may apply to CPTNB for registration as a Provisional Physiotherapist using the online application form. Please provide the following items as part of your application:
- Proof of CAPR-approved credentials;
- Proof of successful completion of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE);
- CPTNB application form with all supporting materials and applicable fees.
Tips:
- Download the registration requirements for Internationally Educated Registration. The link to the online application form is also on that document.
Once you have successfully completed 12 months on the CPTNB Provisional Registry you may apply for full licensure via the CPTNB Practice-Based Assessment. This assessment was created to replace the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) Clinical Component, which was discontinued by CAPR in early 2022.
NOTE: You have a maximum of 3 attempts to pass the CPTNB Practice-Based Assessment. If you have previously failed the PCE Clinical Component or equivalent clinical exam on one occasion, you have only two attempts to pass the CPTNB Practice-Based Assessment. If you have previously failed the PCE Clinical Component or equivalent clinical exam on two occasions, you have only one attempt remaining to pass the CPTNB Practice-Based Assessment. If you are unsuccessful on your third attempt at the CPTNB Practice-Based Assessment, you will not be eligible for full licensure with CPTNB and you will no longer be able to work as a Physiotherapist in New Brunswick.
Questions regarding the above processes may be directed to the CPTNB Assistant Registrar at info@cptnb.ca.