Internationally Educated Applicants
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There are currently a number of resources available for internationally-educated physiotherapists seeking licensure and employment in Canada including credentialing and exam resources, and bridging programs. Many of the bridging programs are also open to Canadian-educated candidates looking to brush up on particular exam-writing and clinical skills. |
Who This Pathway is For
Physiotherapists whose entry-to-practice physiotherapy education was completed outside Canada.
Eligibility
You must:
- Have your credentials verified through the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR) credentialing process (or its successor).
- Meet CAPR’s language proficiency requirement (or successor requirement).
- Provide proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada (e.g., Canadian passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card, valid work permit).
- Meet the requirements for either the Practicing Register or the Conditional Register – Resident License below.
Pathway Options
Option 1 – Practicing Register
You are eligible if you have:
- Successfully completed the Canadian Physiotherapy Exam (CPTE) (single exam), and
- Met all other requirements in What You’ll Need.
Option 2 – Conditional Register – Resident License
You may be eligible if you:
- Have completed CAPR credentialing (including the language requirement), but have not yet completed the CPTE, and
- Meet the criteria in the NSRPT policy for Conditional Resident Licenses, including:
- An approved supervision agreement, and
- A signed offer of employment in Nova Scotia, and
- A commitment to sit the next available CPTE within the allowed timeframe.
- Maximum duration: 12 months, non-renewable.
What You’ll Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of legal entitlement to work in Canada
- CAPR credentialing results (or successor organization verification)
- Vulnerable Sector Check (includes Criminal Record Check) within the required timeframe
- International Criminal Record Check
- Proof of professional liability insurance (for licensing)
- Completed declarations about your professional and legal history (criminal/disciplinary matters, practice restrictions, terminations, etc.)
- For Conditional Resident applicants: approved supervision agreement and signed offer of employment in Nova Scotia
Fees
See the Fee Schedule for current rates.
How to Apply
- Decide which option fits you (Practicing or Conditional Resident) .
- Gather documents (see checklist).
- Apply through the NSRPT online portal.
- Pay applicable fees.
- Await confirmation and next steps.
Download the Checklist for Internationally Educated Applicants