Statement RE: March 20, 2021 National Competency Exam Cancellation
March 25, 2021
The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists was notified on Saturday, March 20, 2021, that due to technical challenges, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) was forced to cancel the clinical component of the Physiotherapy Competency Exam, scheduled on March 20th and 21st, 2021. The NSCP has been contacted directly by affected individuals and is aware of the recent media reports, social media campaign and the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA)’s position statements circulated on March 21, 2021.
Seven registered Physiotherapy Residents in Nova Scotia were participating in the exam that was cancelled on March 20th. The NSCP acknowledges, the immense impact the cancellation has had on candidates and their families who have invested their time, energy, and effort to prepare for this day. Licensing exams are stressful enough even under ideal conditions.
The NSCP is working with our partners and stakeholders including CAPR, other provincial physiotherapy regulators, our Board of Directors, and the Nova Scotia Physiotherapy Association (NSPA -the provincial chapter of the CPA) to gather information, explore options and make decisions about next steps.
Some reports have indicated that this exam cancellation has presented an incremental barrier for public access to Physiotherapy services. As the regulatory body for Physiotherapists in Nova Scotia the NSCP’s primary mandate is safety of the public and will ensure this focus is maintained through this difficult period for our current and future registrants. To clarify for our local situation - exam cancellations have not limited licensing to practice in Nova Scotia. Affected registrants have previously had their sponsored status’ extended until the end of the pandemic. The NSCP would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank the various clinical sponsors for their ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of Physiotherapists and extending their commitment to this essential role during the pandemic.
We will provide ongoing communications as we learn more and will keep you apprised of the situation.
