Physiotherapists (PTs)
Governing Bodies
College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC) – Oversees the regulation of physiotherapy in British Columbia by establishing entry-to-practice standards, issuing licenses to physiotherapists, enforcing professional rules and conduct, and developing programs that support excellence in physiotherapy practice.
Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) – Administers the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE) and assesses the credentials and education of internationally educated physiotherapists.
Education and Licensure
Physiotherapy is a regulated profession in Canada, and to practice in BC, physiotherapists must be licensed with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC).
Canadian-educated physiotherapists must be enrolled in an entry-to-practice physiotherapy program that has been accredited by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada (PEAC).
To obtain full licensure with the CHCPBC, all candidates must successfully complete the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE), administered by CAPR. The CPTE is a single exam that is comprised of a written section and an oral section. It is a five-hour, virtual, remotely proctored exam that assesses candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the principles and processes of physiotherapy practice, and their ability to use and integrate clinical knowledge to solve clinical problems.
* Please note: Applicants who have successfully completed the PCE have the option to register for the Alternate Clinical Evaluation BC (ACEBC), an in-person OSCE administered by the University of British Columbia (UBC), or the CPTE. The final ACEBC is scheduled for February 21, 2026, and the deadline to register is January 23, 2026. Be advised that the number of seats for the ACEBC is limited, and registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please refer to the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC website for more information on the transition period, and the CAPR website for the most current updates.
Once you have completed your licensing exam, you can apply for full licensure with the CHCPBC.
Internationally Educated Physiotherapists (IEPTs)
To obtain licensure as an internationally educated physiotherapist, your first step is to apply to the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR). CAPR is responsible for assessing your credentials, including your physiotherapy education and qualifications to determine if they are similar to those of a physiotherapist trained in Canada.
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There are two possible credentialling pathways for internationally educated physiotherapists:
- Standard Pathway: For all internationally educated physiotherapists who want their qualifications recognized to work in Canada.
- Pre-approved Pathway: For internationally educated physiotherapists who received their entry-to-practice physiotherapy education and are currently registered, or eligible to register, without restriction in the following pre-approved jurisdictions:
- Australia
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- UK
- USA
If CAPR determines that an applicant’s education is “not substantially different” or “is comparable” to a Canadian-educated PT, the applicant may move forward to the examination process.
