To practice physical therapy in Alberta you must be registered with, and have a valid license from, the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta. Applicants who meet all registration requirements but haven’t yet passed the Physiotherapy Competency Exam (PCE) clinical component are eligible for a temporary license to practice under supervision (see temporary license section below for more information).

Registration requirements

1. Degree from physical therapy program accredited by Accreditation Council of 

    Canadian Physiotherapy Academic Programs – demonstrated by one of the following:

     • Notarized copy of degree. 

     • Official transcripts. 

     • Prior to convocation - university letter confirming completion of program requirements.

 2. PCE completion – demonstrated by one of the following: 

     • Copy of PCE certificate.  

     • Exam status verification from The Canadian Alliance of Physiotherapy Regulators 

        (the Alliance).

3. English language proficiency – demonstrated by one of the following:     

     • Formal physical therapy education in English.      

     • Successful completion of both PCE components in English.    

     • Obtain posted score on Alliance accepted English-language test.

4. Current competence to practice – demonstrated by one of the following: 

     • Proof of passing PCE within previous three years. 

     • Proof of practicing physical therapy at least 1200 hours during past five years  

        (physical therapy practice includes administration, clinical management/consulting,

        direct patient care, teaching physical therapy to physical therapists, research and/or 

         sales).

5. Good character and reputation – demonstrated by both of the following: 

     • Written reference(s), satisfactory to Registrar, from regulatory board(s) where you 

        are/were licensed to practice physical therapy during past five years (College reserves

        right  to request additional references if needed). 

     • Information regarding professional conduct provided on College registration form

        satisfactory to Registrar.

6. Eligibility to work in Canada – demonstrated by one of the following: 

     • Proof of Canadian citizenship as indicated on application form. 

     • Copy of permanent resident/landed immigrant of Canada card. 

     • Copy of valid work permit.

7. Identification – demonstrated by both of the following: 

     • Photo ID such as current driver's license or passport. 

     • Evidence of name change if name on educational qualifications, immigration or citizenship

       documents different from name on application.

Registration process

Download the appropriate application package below. Complete and submit with the appropriate fees, and documentation listed on checklist for Canadian educated applicants (included in the package). For your convenience, all forms are provided in fillable form format and can be completed on your computer. Alternatively, you can print the forms and complete by hand.

     •  Canadian Educated - and passed PCE

     •  Canadian Educated - have NOT passed PCE

Temporary license

Applicants meeting all registration requirements except passing the PCE clinical component are eligible for a temporary license to practice under supervision. The application forms and process are the same as above. Temporary licenses can be held for a maximum of two years, during which time individuals must pass the PCE clinical component to continue practicing in Alberta. Despite the two-year time period, an individual’s temporary license will be cancelled if they fail the PCE clinical component twice. The College’s Supervision Guide provides a framework to support the provision of effective supervision in clinical practice and helps ensure College practice standards are met. PCE application forms are available from the Alliance.

Processing time

The College acknowledges applications upon receipt via email and a link where applicants can check the status of their application. We strive to complete applications within three business days. 

Questions about registration in Alberta

Please contact the College.