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Changes to Registration Requirements in 2026

Changes to Registration Requirements in 2026

In January 2026, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) will launch a single licensure examination. The Board of the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists supports adoption of CAPR’s single licensure examination in principle. This will create a change in the registration/licensing pathway.

Current State

Currently, applicants seeking registration as a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia must complete a two-part evaluation process:

  • Written Component:  The Physiotherapy Competency Examination administered by CAPR. - Applicants must successfully complete the written component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination before they are eligible to apply for registration on NSCP’s Provisional Register as a resident. Physiotherapy residents registered on the Provisional Register must practice under supervision.
  • Practical Component:  Interim Competency Evaluation (ICE) process or another Canadian physiotherapy regulator’s clinical competency evaluation for full licensure.

Future State

Starting January 2026, CAPR’s single licensure examination will replace the two-exam model. At this time, NSCP will adopt the new CAPR exam (Canadian Physiotherapy Exam – CPTE) as the pathway to full registration, replacing the current two-step model. All applicants must complete the single licensure examination to be eligible for registration with NSCP.

The single licensure examination will:

  • Be offered 8 times in 2026
  • Be completed virtually over one day
  • Include a written section and an oral, scenario-based section with a single pass mark
  • Focus on critical competencies that are required to perform safely, effectively, and independently at entry to practice.

As of February 28, 2026, the interim competency evaluation (ICE) process will no longer be a pathway to full licensure. After February 28, 2026, ICE applications will no longer be accepted. Partial/incomplete applications will not be accepted. Residents must meet all eligibility requirements prior to submitting an application.

Transition Period

CAPR plans to discontinue the current written component of the Physiotherapy Competency Examination and has announced written examination dates through to the end of November 2025. CAPR’s new single licensure examination begins in January 2026. The January 2026 exam has limited seats, but subsequent exams will have unlimited availability.

The effects of the transition period will differ depending on individual situations:

For residents that were licensed prior to May 2025:

  • Residency will continue until expiry (1 year from initial registration) or 2 failed attempts at a practical competency evaluation (including any administered by a Canadian Physiotherapy regulatory body or the new CAPR exam)
  • May still complete ICE if eligible by February 28, 2026. After February 28, 2026, they must be registered and take the next available administration of the new CAPR exam.
  • May not access the ICE process if they have not met eligibility criteria by February 28, 2026, or have not submitted a complete application by February 28, 2026.

For residents licensed between May 2025 and August 2025: 

  • Residency will continue until expiry (1 year from initial registration) or 2 failed attempts at a practical competency evaluation (including any administered by a Canadian Physiotherapy regulatory body or the new CAPR exam)
  • May still complete ICE if eligible by February 28, 2026. After February 28, 2026, they must be registered and take the next available administration of the new CAPR exam.
  • May not access the ICE process if they have not met eligibility criteria by February 28, 2026, or have not submitted a complete application by February 28, 2026.

Applicants licensed on or after September 1, 2025: 

  • Must be registered for, and take, the next available new CAPR exam.
  • Supervised practice (residency) will be available for those who have successfully completed part one (written component) of the current 2 step process.
  • May not access the ICE process.

All new applicants (that do not hold a current license in a Canadian jurisdiction) applying after February 28, 2026: 

  • Must successfully complete the new CAPR exam and meet all other registration/licensing requirements for full licensure.
  • New provisional, resident licenses will no longer be available.

 Resident licenses are:

  • provisional licenses (will be conditional licenses under the RHPA)
  • maximum of 1 year
  • require enrollment in the next available exam
  • cannot have more than one failed attempt at a practical competency process or exam (any other Canadian jurisdiction, or CAPR’s new exam) – all evaluation process/exam attempts are counted. 

Notes for transition:

  • We recognize some applicants may choose to take the current written exam, to minimize delay in entering the workforce and not have access to the ICE process necessitating taking the new exam. NSCP and CAPR are factoring that into planning and will provide more information as it becomes available.

Summary Table:

Resident Group   Residency Valid Until   ICE Access   CAPR Exam Requirement   Additional Notes
                 
Licensed prior to May 2025  

- 1 year from initial registration
or,
- 2 failed attempts at a competency evaluation (including any administered by a Canadian Physiotherapy regulatory body or the new CAPR exam)

  - May complete ICE if eligible by Feb 28, 2026
- Must have submitted complete application by Feb 28, 2026		   - Must take next available new CAPR exam if not eligible for ICE after Feb 28, 2026   ICE not accessible after deadline if eligibility or application incomplete
                 
Licensed between May and August 2025   - 1 year from initial registration
or
- 2 failed attempts at a competency evaluation (including any administered by a Canadian Physiotherapy regulatory body or the new CAPR exam)		   - May complete ICE if eligible by Feb 28, 2026
- Must have submitted complete application by Feb 28, 2026		   - Must take next available new CAPR exam if not eligible for ICE after Feb 28, 2026   ICE not accessible after deadline if eligibility or application incomplete
                 
Licensed on or after September 1, 2025   - 1 year from initial registration
or
- 2 failed attempts at a competency evaluation (including any administered by a Canadian Physiotherapy regulatory body or the new CAPR exam)		   ❌ Not eligible for ICE   ✅ Must register for and take next available new CAPR exam   ICE process not available
                 
New applicants after Feb 28, 2026 (Not currently licensed in Canada)  

N/A

 		   ❌ Not eligible for ICE   ✅ Must successfully complete new CAPR exam prior to application   Provisional/ resident licenses no longer available

 

NSCP FAQ – CAPR Exam Changes

GENERAL OVERVIEW

GENERAL OVERVIEW

  • What is changing in 2026?

In January 2026, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) will launch a single licensure examination. Beginning February 2026, NSCP will no longer use the ICE (Interim Competency Evaluation) process. The CAPR single licensure examination will become the only route to full licensure for physiotherapists in Nova Scotia.

  • Why is this change happening?

The current model was always intended as a stop gap measure until a national exam became available. The ICE process is a practice review process that imposes a significant burden on health care human resources, particularly on areas already struggling (long term care, rural facilities) and the practitioners willing and able to supervise/mentor residents and students. The ICE model is not sustainable over the long term under the current health human resources environment.

FOR STUDENTS AND NEW GRADUATES

FOR STUDENTS AND NEW GRADUATES

  • Can I still complete the ICE process?

If you begin your residency before September 1, 2025 and are able to meet all eligibility requirements (such as minimum supervised hours), you may still be able to complete the ICE process. review the ICE eligibility requirements paying close attention to minimum hours required (1200). Historically, most candidates take longer than 6 months to accumulate 1200 hours, although it is possible.

  • What if I start a residency after August 31, 2025?

You will not be eligible for the ICE process. You must write the new CAPR licensure exam for full registration.

  • Can I write the new CAPR exam before I graduate?

This question is still under review, please check back and we will have an answer posted as soon as possible.

FOR CURRENT REGISTRANTS & EMPLOYERS

FOR CURRENT REGISTRANTS & EMPLOYERS

  • Will the NSCP residency program continue?

The residency component will remain temporarily but will no longer lead to licensure after ICE ends. Supervised practice will still be used for conduct findings, return-to-practice, mentorship, or re-entry pathways.

  • How should employers support graduates during the transition?

    • Employers should:

    • Be aware of eligibility timelines for ICE
    • Prepare for incoming candidates who will enter practice only after completing the new exam

EXAM ATTEMPTS AND TRANSITION

EXAM ATTEMPTS AND TRANSITION

  • How many times can I take the new CAPR exam?

This question is still under review, please check back and we will have an answer posted as soon as possible.

  • If I’ve already failed an ICE or CAPR practical exam, how does that affect me?

Residents are no longer eligible for licensure after 2 failed attempts at a competency evaluation (including any administered by a Canadian Physiotherapy regulatory body or the new CAPR exam).

TIMELINE REMINDERS

TIMELINE REMINDERS

  • August 31, 2025

Last date to begin residency and remain potentially eligible for ICE

  • February 28, 2026

Final ICE applications accepted

  • January 2026

First administration of the CAPR single licensure exam

Public Consultations

The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists (NSCP) is seeking feedback on the following proposed Practice Standards.  These Standards have been reviewed and adapted as needed from the Core Standards of Practice for Canadian Physiotherapists (2023), which was updated from the previous iteration in 2016.  These Standards were developed to reflect current and future practice trends and have been adopted nationally.

Your input is invaluable in shaping the standards that guide physiotherapy practice in Nova Scotia.

NSCP keeps all feedback provided confidential.  Individuals names are not connected with specific feedback.  

This survey has now been closed.

Welcome Mark McFarland to the BOD

July 8, 2024

NSCP is  pleased to announce Mark McFarland has been acclaimed to the recently vacated board Director position.  Mark is a Dalhousie University graduate and has 31 years experience practicing in a variety of clinical and management settings.   His primary focus has been in private practice, where he continues to provide clinical services and manage the responsibilities of owning a multidisciplinary healthcare centre. 

Mark is passionate about ensuring that the highest standards of practice are upheld stating, “I am a strong advocate for patient-centered care and ethical practice. I believe that our primary responsibility is to the patients we serve, and I am dedicated to upholding the ethical standards that ensure their well-being and trust. My goal is to work with the board to develop policies and initiatives that promote transparency, accountability, and excellence in all aspects of physiotherapy practice.”  

Please join us in welcoming Mark to the NSCP Board.

RFP Digital Practices 2025

The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists (NSCP) invites proposals from qualified vendors to update our database and website infrastructure by summer 2025.  NSCP is a relatively small organization operating within a virtual office environment. This project is an important aspect of our ongoing journey to modernize and enhance operational capabilities.  There are 3 distinct but integrated projects we are seeking a vendor to provide: 

  • Database update 
  • Website update 
  • Productivity tools configuration 

This project will be informed by and integrated with 2 concurrent projects: migration to the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), and migration to the 2022 Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) dataset. With the changes required to meet the needs of an updated Act and Regulations and the new dataset requirements, we have decided to embrace the opportunity for a holistic approach to the update of our digital practices. Please download the RFP for detailed project requirements.

Interim Competency Evaluation Application

The Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists has developed an Interim Competency Evaluation process that will be utilized whenever a national clinical evaluation is unavailable for a period of 12 months or more. Application resources for the Interim Competency Evaluation process are listed below.  Click on the links to download. 

When, applying please complete all forms in the electronic format provided and submit completed applications via email with supporting documents to info@nsphysio.com. Only complete applications including all documents and complete application form will be accepted.

Sponsors and Employers/Managers must send their reports/letters directly to info@nsphysio.com.

Sponsor portal and member portal are not monitored for uploaded documents. Please email info@nsphysio.com to inform NSCP if any documents have been uploaded via the portal.

Please complete all forms in the electronic format provided and submit completed applications via email with supporting documents to info@nsphysio.com.  Sponsors and Employers/Managers should send their reports/letters independently to the Registrar and include the name of the PT Resident applying. 

Resource  Description
For Applicants
References 
Application Guide Detailed instructions for applicants (PDF)
Paying Fees Fee schedule is available here.  Contact info@nsphysio.com for details on paying the fee. 
Forms
Application Form Application form in MSExcel.  
Competency Self Assessment  Self assessment practice review activity focused on the Competency Profile for Physiotherapists in Canada
Self Reflection - Learning Needs Self-reflection assessment on process for identifying learning needs (MSWord)
Self Reflection - Patient Care Self-reflection on patient care experience to submit with chart notes (personal identifiers redacted) (MSWord)
Self Reflection - Professional Self-reflection on professional behaviours (MS Word)
For Sponsors 
Clinical Practice Report Guidelines   Guidelies for completing clinical practice reports
Final Sponsor Report 3-part report including Sponsor Questionairre, Feedback Form and Professional Behaviour Rubric (MSWord)
Chart Audit Tool  Checklist for chart audits
For Employers/Managers 
Directions for letter of support A support letter from the Manager (or Employer if there is no manager) in each of the applicant's practice sites must be provided.  The letter should include a statement regarding potential or realized professional or practice issues along with explanation and resolution.    

FAQ

I sponsored a resident in the past year but I'm not currently their sponsor. Do they need me to complete the final sponsor report or is it just their current sponsor that completes that form?

In most cases the final report will only be required from the most recent sponsor, since the committee is most interested in current competency. There may be situations where multiple sponsors will need to complete the final report to ensure the committee has the right information to make their decision. If an applicant is unsure they can contact Joan Ross, Registrar at registrar@nsphysio.com to confirm.

I work for NSH; what is the process for releasing the required chart notes to the committee?

NSH Privacy staff are aware of the Interim Competency Evaluation requirements. Applicants that are employed by NSH will need to email chart requests to Privacy@nshealth.ca with the following information:
  • Requesting Physiotherapy Resident's information:
    • Name
    • NSCP License number
  • Patient's information:
    • First and Last name
    • Health Card Number or Date of Birth (or both is great)
    • Location or Hospital Site where the visit happened
    • Date(s) of assessment, or date range.
    • Include details of records required (initial assessment to discharge and all relevant physiotherapy progress notes/supporting documents).
NSH Privacy office will redact the patient identifiers once they receive the records and will then provide them to the NSCP Registrar.

The estimated turnaround time for the request is approximately 3 weeks depending on workload.

How long will it take to receive a decision on my application through ICE?

The timelines in the ICE policy have been updated to ensure the committee is not impeded in its public protection/interest mandate and to allow for applicants to have realistic expectations of the length of time from submission to response. The policy no longer refers to a 20-business day response time from the time of receiving applications. This arbitrary timeline does not reflect the reality of the process nor the current situation in relation to the number of eligible applicants and anticipated applications. The Committee will move the applications forward as expediently as possible. Timelines for processing applications will be monitored and once reasonable estimates are available, they will be published. This will allow applicants to have realistic expectations of the length of time from submission to response.

Why is a letter from the manager/employer required? Does the Resident see that letter?

The letter of support is intended to provide opportunity for the manager/employer to report on whether or not there were any practice or behaviour issues that may have been reported and/or dealt with internally. The letter is sent directly to teh Registrar to be shared with teh Committee and the Resident does not see it.

Does a Sponsor have to complete and submit practice review forms after submitting the final evaluation report?

Until the committee has made a decision the applicant is still a resident. After submitting the final report the sponsor may pause on the reporting but must continue the sponsor/resident relationship until the committee has communicated a decision on the application.

Once I reach the 1200 hours can I take a break until the 6 months are up?

Practice is meant to be continuous work over a 6 month period to consolidate knowledge and skills. We say "6 month minimum" to acknowledge that there may be a break, such as a medical or parental leave, that may impact meeting all the criteria and that in certain circumstances the 6 month requirement may take longer to fulfil.

Has the eligibility criteria changed? I thought residency was for 12 months? Why change to 6 months?

In February 2023 the 12 month time requirement was decreased to 6 months. This was done based on a review of the applications submitted up to that point. After 6 months there was very little change in sponsor reports, with all observable competencies being noted as met within 6 months.

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