Conditional Resident Licence during CAPR Transition

For New Graduates and Internationally Educated Physiotherapists

Purpose

Under current NSCP policy, applicants seeking registration as a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia must complete a two-part evaluation process:

1. A written examination — the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE) administered by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR)
2. A practical evaluation — typically the Interim Competency Evaluation (ICE), or another clinical evaluation accepted by a Canadian physiotherapy regulator

This model requires applicants to pass the written exam before being eligible for supervised practice, and then complete a second assessment for full licensure.

However, as the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE) is scheduled to launch in January 2026, many applicants face a dilemma: taking the current written exam now, only to later sit the CPTE — effectively completing two separate exams. This duplication is not necessary for public safety and is the result of outdated legislative requirements.

With the shift to the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), NSCP will now have regulatory flexibility to issue Conditional Licenses without requiring completion of the written PCE. This is a significant change. It enables eligible new graduates and internationally educated applicants to begin supervised practice without writing an exam that may soon be obsolete.

NSCP and CAPR are actively coordinating during this transition. More details will be provided as national implementation of the CPTE progresses.

This Conditional Resident License is a practical and time-limited solution that supports workforce access while maintaining public protection through structured supervision. It reflects our evolving regulatory tools under the RHPA and our commitment to reducing unnecessary barriers to licensure during the national examination transition.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Conditional Resident License, applicants must:

• Be eligible to write the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (QE) or the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE)
  Applicants who have exhausted all permitted exam attempts are not eligible to apply under this pathway
• Graduate from an accredited physiotherapy program
  Internationally educated physiotherapists (IEPTs) must submit a Verification Request Form from CAPR
• Be registered in the next available sitting of the CPTE
• Have a confirmed employment offer from a Nova Scotia physiotherapy employer
• Submit a signed sponsor agreement from the employer outlining supervision arrangements (Sponsor Forms)
• Submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) completed within the past six months
• Fulfill all standard registration documentation requirements, including:
  • Government-issued identification (e.g., birth certificate, passport, or work visa)
  • Photograph (not required if photo ID is submitted)
  • Proof of graduation
    A digital image of the original degree or diploma is accepted. Applicants who have not yet convocated may submit a letter from their program director confirming successful completion. A copy of the degree must be provided once it becomes available. This is not required for applicants currently practicing in Canada.
  • Curriculum vitae, including education and clinical/non-clinical work history
  • Regulatory history from any jurisdiction practiced in during the past five years
  • Proof of professional liability insurance meeting the minimum coverage requirement ($5 million)
  • Two reference letters (personal, professional, or work-related)
  • International criminal record check, if applicable
    A copy submitted to CAPR may be accepted if still valid
  • Payment of applicable fees

The Conditional Resident License must be issued before the applicant begins employment orientation or any patient care.

License Conditions

The Conditional Resident License carries specific limitations designed to ensure public protection and maintain accountability during the examination transition period. The following conditions apply:

• Validity:
  The license is valid for a maximum of twelve (12) months from the date of issuance. It is non-renewable.
• Expiry:
  The license will expire on the earlier of:
  • The date the license reaches its maximum duration of 12 months, or
  • The applicant has failed two attempts at any clinical entry-to-practice examination accepted by the Regulator

Accepted exams include:

• The Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE)
• The British Columbia Clinical Exam
• The Alberta Clinical Evaluation
• The Ontario Entry to Practice Exam
  Note: Failures are cumulative across all jurisdictions and formats.

• Restricted Practice:
  Conditional license holders must practice under supervision and in accordance with the terms of their signed sponsor agreement and Regulator policy. They may not work independently or supervise other registrants.

Important: This pathway will close to new applicants after CPTE results from the July 2026 sitting are released.
Licenses issued before that time will remain valid for their full term, unless they expire earlier due to the conditions above.

Implementation Timeline

The Conditional Resident License will be available to eligible applicants until the release of results from the July 2026 sitting of the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPTE).

Following that date, the Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy will evaluate the continued need for this license category, based on:

• Workforce access and system impact
• Availability and scheduling of the CPTE
• Overall effectiveness of the transition process

Any decisions to extend, revise, or discontinue the Conditional License will be communicated in advance through the Regulator’s website and official channels.

Contact

For questions or support related to the Conditional Resident License or the RHPA transition, please contact:

Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists (NSCP)
 Transitioning to the Nova Scotia Regulator of Physiotherapy (NSRPT) on September 5, 2025
 📧 Email: info@nsphysio.com
 📞 Phone: 902-510-0737
 🌐 Visit our RHPA landing page for updates and resources

Please note: While we may not be able to respond to every individual inquiry, we will use common questions to inform updates to our FAQ and guidance materials.