Physiotherapy Licensure Guide for UK Graduates ( Canada )
Thinking about studying physiotherapy in the UK and working in Canada later on? This guide explains what you’ll need after graduation to become a fully licensed physiotherapist in Canada.
Regulatory Authority:
In Canada, physiotherapy is regulated at the provincial level (each province/territory has its own physiotherapy College or licensing board). However, there is a centralized process for evaluating credentials and examining candidates coordinated by the Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators (CAPR). So the pathway involves CAPR for credentialing and the national exam, then the provincial regulator for final registration. For example, the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario or the Ordre professionnel de la physiothérapie du Québec issues the license in their respective provinces.
Recognition of UK Credentials:
A UK physiotherapy degree is not automatically licensed in Canada, but it is generally recognized as a valid professional education, subject to credential verification. All internationally educated physiotherapists must undergo CAPR’s credentialing process, which compares the foreign education to Canadian standards. CAPR will verify that the degree is from a recognized university, that it is at least equivalent to a Canadian entry-to-practice degree, and that the content (courses and clinical hours) meets requirements. Notably, CAPR requires a minimum of 1025 hours of supervised clinical practice in the program, including at least 100 hours each in musculoskeletal and neurological practice and 40 in cardiorespiratory.
Most UK BSc programmes are three years and have ~1000 hours, which is often sufficient, though some UK MSc pre-registration courses (which are shorter) should ensure they meet the hour requirement. CAPR will also check that core subjects taught align with Canadian curricula. If the UK degree (plus any additional post-grad qualifications) satisfies all criteria, CAPR issues a credential approval, allowing the candidate to proceed to the national exam. If there are minor gaps, CAPR might still allow exam eligibility but note these deficits; significant gaps could require the candidate to complete a bridging program or additional coursework before proceeding.
Exams or Additional Training:
To earn full licensure, candidates must pass the Physiotherapy Competency Examination (PCE). Historically, the PCE had two components: a Written Exam (multiple-choice, theory-based) and a Clinical Exam (an OSCE – Objective Structured Clinical Examination) taken after the written. However, changes are underway: starting in January 2026, CAPR is moving to a single integrated exam called the Canadian Physiotherapy Examination (CPE or CPTE), replacing the two-part model.
Bridging Programs:
While not mandatory for all, there are optional bridging programs in Canada aimed at internationally-educated physiotherapists. These programs (often 6–12 months) help candidates fill knowledge gaps and prepare for the PCE. If CAPR identifies substantive deficiencies in one’s education, they may direct the candidate to such a program or require specific courses (for instance, taking an anatomy or ethics course) before qualifying for the exam.
Additionally, CAPR now requires all internationally trained therapists to complete a short online course on the Canadian healthcare system and context of physiotherapy (offered by universities such as Toronto or Alberta). This is a part of the credentialing process (Criterion 5) and includes an evaluation to ensure the candidate understands Canadian practice context. After passing the exam(s), there may be a province-specific jurisprudence exam or module (e.g. an open-book test on local laws and ethics) – many provinces have this as a formality for new registrants.
Language Requirements:
Canada is officially bilingual (English and French). Applicants must demonstrate language proficiency in the language of practice (English in most provinces; French in Quebec or New Brunswick; both in some cases). CAPR requires proof of fluency in English or French before allowing you to sit the exam. If you completed your physiotherapy education in the UK (or another English-speaking country like Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, USA), CAPR waives the language test requirement.