CAPR Comparability Pathway

New Comparability Pathway Launching in October 2026

The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) is launching a new Comparability Pathway in October 2026.

The new pathway is for physiotherapists who completed their education outside Canada. It will replace CAPR's current Standard Pathway.

The goal of the new pathway is to provide a fair, clear and consistent way to assess whether an internationally educated physiotherapist has the knowledge and skills expected of a graduate of an approved Canadian physiotherapy program.

What is the Comparability Pathway?

The Comparability Pathway is a new way for CAPR to assess the education, knowledge and skills of internationally educated physiotherapists.

The pathway was developed after feedback from applicants, regulators and other groups involved in physiotherapy regulation. It is intended to provide:

Clearer information about credentialling requirements;
More information about assessment decisions;
Better feedback about knowledge and skill gaps; and
More support for applicants who need additional learning.

How does the pathway work?

The Comparability Pathway has three main steps.

Qualifications Assessment

Applicants must first meet CAPR's qualifications requirements.

Applicants must provide proof of:

An entry-to-practice physiotherapy university degree;
A supervised clinical practicum or placement;
Meeting language requirements; and
Completion of a Canadian Healthcare Context course.

Applicants who meet these requirements can move to the next step.

Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool (PET)

The Physiotherapy Evaluation Tool (PET) is a 150-question multiple-choice assessment.

It looks at whether an applicant's knowledge and skills are comparable to those expected of a graduate of an approved Canadian physiotherapy program.

The PET is based on the National Physiotherapy Entry-to-Practice Curriculum Guidelines.

The PET is also designed to show applicants where they may have knowledge or skill gaps.

Pathway Outcome

After completing the PET, applicants will receive one of three outcomes:

Comparable

The applicant's knowledge and skills meet the expected Canadian standard. The applicant is eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination.

Partially Comparable

The applicant has some knowledge or skill gaps. The applicant will need to complete targeted learning or remediation. Once the required remediation is successfully completed, the applicant will be eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination.

Not Comparable

The applicant has significant knowledge or skill gaps and does not meet the expected Canadian standard. Targeted remediation is not available when the gaps are too significant. The applicant is not eligible to attempt the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination.

Targeted Learning and Support

One of the main changes in the new pathway is the use of targeted remediation and learning support.

Applicants who receive a Partially Comparable outcome will receive a learning plan based on the areas where they need more knowledge or skills.

This may include areas such as:

Assessment and diagnosis;
Care planning;
Client safety;
Client-centred care;
Documentation;
Privacy;
Collaboration;
Supervision;
Professionalism;
Ethical practice;
Professional boundaries; and
Conflicts of interest.

This approach is intended to give applicants more information and support while continuing to protect the public.

Fairness and Public Protection

The Comparability Pathway is based on five key principles:

Fairness;
Accessibility;
Transparency;
Evidence-informed assessment; and
Public protection.

The pathway is designed to give applicants clearer information about what is expected and to identify learning needs earlier in the process.

It also supports CAPR's goal of ensuring that physiotherapists entering practice in Canada meet the requirements needed to provide safe and effective care.

What does this mean for physiotherapists who want to practise in Nova Scotia?

The Comparability Pathway is a CAPR credentialling process.

Completing the Comparability Pathway does not, by itself, give an individual the right to practise physiotherapy in Nova Scotia.

Anyone who wants to practise physiotherapy in Nova Scotia must also meet the registration requirements of the Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy (NSRPT).

Applicants should review the current NSRPT registration requirements before applying for registration.

Learn More

The Comparability Pathway launches in October 2026.

CAPR has additional information and frequently asked questions about the new pathway, including information about the qualifications assessment, PET and pathway outcomes.

Applicants can visit CAPR's Comparability Pathway information page for more information.