PCE | physiooptions

The exams

Written

MCQ type exam, up to 4 hours in duration. There are 6 sittings of this exam throughout the year (Feb-Dec in 2014). Tests your physiotherapy knowledge in the practice areas of neuromusculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary-vascular and multisystem. You are given clinical scenarios, then using your clinical knowledge you must solve these problems. You must achieve a minimum overall score to pass the Written Component.If the credentialing process is successful you have 2 years to sit the written exam. If you pass the written exam you may be granted a 'provisional licence' until the clinical component of the exam is completed. However, this differs depending on the regulators.

Practical

Clinical Component: held twice per year (June and November) and is a 5-6 hour exam session with 16 stations. Tests safe, effective use of the principles and processes of physiotherapy practice. Communication skills and professional behaviour are also assessed. Once you pass PCE Part 1 you have two years to pass PCE Part 2.

Get more information on the exams here!

Failure is always an option

If you Fail PCE Part 1: Written Exam

You can apply to write the exam again anytime within the next two years. If you need more than two years, you need to request an extension. If you do NOT pass the PCE Part 1, you may rewrite the exam up to five more times. If you do NOT pass the exam after three attempts, the Alliance will contact you with advice on how to successfully write the PCE Part 1. No candidate can take the Written Component more than 3 times in any one calendar year.

If you fail PCE Part 2: Practical Exam

If you do not pass this within two years, you must rewrite Part 1.

To help pass the exams check out some of the helpful tips and advise in this booklet!

Bridging Programmes

There are many bridging programmes throughout Canada to help IEPS with registration/exam preparation. Examples include the Alberta Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Bridging (AIEPB) Program, the Department of Physical Therapy University of Toronto, the Department of Physical Therapy University of British Columbia and other universities which offer an Internationally Educated Physiotherapists Exam Preparation Program.

The AIEPB program is designed for physical therapists educated outside of Canada who the Alliance have already verified their qualifications. Applicants can apply to the program if they are:

Qualified for a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) Agreement with The Alliance.
Eligible for the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) but want to enhance preparation.
Not successful in one or more Physiotherapy Competency Examination attempts.

Unfortunately these courses can be expensive.

Total Estimated Costs in the AIEPB program are:

$3129 (approximately) – Canadian citizens/permanent residents
$4166 (approximately) – international students

Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE)

Both Canadian-educated and IEPs take the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE), regardless of their experience. The Alliance must evaluate your credentials before you can take the PCE. This consists of written and practical components. Whenever possible, The Alliance encourages you to send both your Written and Clinical Component applications to them at the same time. It tests history-taking, physical examination, data interpretation, clinical problem solving, treatment techniques, ethics, safety, interviewing and communication. The exam covers the core clinical practice areas: neuromusculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary-vascular and multisystem. Upon successful completion of both these exams you will be a fully licenced physiotherapist.