Canadian Physiotherapy Examination
In January 2026, the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) launched a single licensure examination. The Board of the Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy supports adoption of CAPR’s single licensure examination in principle. Effective February 28, 2026, the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE) will be the only pathway to full licensure available in Nova Scotia. Therefore, the Interim Competency Evaluation process is no longer offered.
CPTE Update - Process For a Resident's Unsuccessful First Attempt
If a resident is unsuccessful on their first attempt at the Canadian Physiotherapy Competency Examination (CPTE), they may continue practising under a Conditional Resident Licence, provided key requirements are met.
Residents must notify the Regulator within five business days of receiving their results and inform their supervising physiotherapist. Before returning to practice, a new Supervisor’s Agreement must be submitted and approved. Residents are also expected to register for the next available CPTE sitting, unless otherwise approved.
A second unsuccessful attempt results in immediate revocation of the Conditional Resident Licence, and the individual must cease practice. The Regulator will notify both the employer and supervisor of this change in status.
Residents who pass the CPTE may proceed to full licensure once all requirements are met. Successful candidates will be granted full licensure upon receipt of a passing score.
While individuals are no longer eligible for a conditional licence after two unsuccessful attempts, they may still pursue additional exam attempts (if eligible through the exam provider) and apply for licensure in the future, upon passing.
Starting January 2026, CAPR’s single licensure examination will replace the current two-exam model. At this time, NSRPT will adopt the new CAPR exam (Canadian Physiotherapy Exam – CPTE) as the pathway to full registration. All applicants must complete the single licensure examination to be eligible for full practicing registration/licensing with NSRPT.
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.
Applicants licensed on or after September 1, 2025:
- Must be registered for, and take, the next available CPTE.
- Conditional supervised practice (residency) is available.
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.